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BILL PROTECTING ENERGY GRID RETURNS TO THE STATE LEGISLATURE

Lawmakers in both chambers of the state Legislature have held hearings on a bill that is aimed at protecting Wisconsin’s power grid from becoming an inefficient patchwork of separate transmission line operators.

The bills were introduced in the state Senate last week by Senator Julian Bradley, R-Franklin; and in the Assembly by Representative Peterson, R-Waupaca. The bills would give the current transmission line companies in Wisconsin the right of first refusal (ROFR) to build new lines connecting to their existing infrastructure.

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WEC REAFFIRMS 2024 SHUTDOWN FOR FIRST OAK CREEK UNITS

WEC Energy Group expects to stop using coal as a power source by 2032, three years earlier than previously expected.

WEC Energy Group executives have presented the utility's plan to become coal-free in eight years, beginning with the shutdown next year of a pair of coal-powered generating units at its We Energies subsidiary's Oak Creek Power Plant.

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XCEL ENERGY RECEIVES GRANT TO BOOST WILDFIRE MITIGATION AND GRID RESILIENCY

Xcel Energy has been selected for a $100 million award from the U.S. Department of Energy to boost its work to reduce and mitigate the threat of wildfires and ensure the resiliency of the grid through extreme weather.

The funding, provided through the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships program and matched by a $140 million cost share provided by Xcel Energy, will support a range of projects that enhance the grid’s resiliency in the face of fires, severe storms, and other adverse environmental conditions to better protect lives, homes and forests while reducing and preventing power outages. The projects will be based in Colorado, Minnesota, New Mexico, Texas and Wisconsin.

“We recognize that the year-round risk of wildfires has grown, along with the severity of storms and other weather events that threaten the grid,” said Bob Frenzel, chairman, president and CEO of Xcel Energy. “This funding from the Department of Energy will enhance our ability to meet this rising challenge with decisive action while reducing carbon emissions and ensuring reliable affordable and clean power for our customers.”

As climate conditions have changed, environmental impacts to the power grid have grown more severe and frequent. Areas with traditional fire seasons, for example, have seen them evolve into year-round battles against rapidly changing and extreme weather conditions that can generate larger, more intense and faster-moving wildfires.

Xcel Energy is a leader in the clean energy transition, moving forward at a pace and scale that allows the company to reach net-zero carbon emissions responsibly and meet emissions reductions goals that align with science-based climate targets. The company is continually making strategic investments and improvements to strengthen the power grid, build resilience, and increase its situational awareness of risks.

Since 2019, Xcel Energy has invested over $450 million in wildfire mitigation activities in Colorado alone to strengthen its systems and better protect communities and the natural environment.

The projects will take a number of steps to boost grid resiliency, including adding fire-resistant coatings to 6,000 wood poles, improving equipment safety features in power lines and electric vehicle chargers in high fire risk conditions, moving high-risk distribution circuits underground, and enhancing vegetation management. They will also build on current programs using emerging technology, such as drones aided by artificial intelligence that inspect power lines for safety, wind strength testing, satellite identification of trees that pose a risk and modeling software to predict how fires would spread.

In addition, the funding will support greater resilience for communities of color. Xcel Energy will use Department of Energy funds to complement an equal investment in customer-funded microgrids in the Resilient Minneapolis Project, which aims to support underserved communities in Minneapolis by providing solar, battery and microgrid technologies to strengthen community resiliency. Microgrids at key community center locations will allow critical services to be delivered to communities in the event of a grid outage.

ALLIANT ENERGY WILL INCREASE ELECTRIC RATES OVER TWO YEARS

Alliant Energy's Wisconsin residential electric customers will pay about $10 more per month, on average, for electric service next year under a two-year rate plan approved by the Wisconsin Public Service Commission.

The following year, rates will go up again, adding another $8 per month to the average bill, according to a preliminary analysis by PSC staff.

By 2025, the average residential customer will pay an additional $214 per year for electric service, 16 percent more than this year. Customers' bills for natural gas service will increase about $4 a month in 2024, but will be essentially flat in 2025, according to the PSC analysis.

XCEL ENERGY, HEARTLAND HYDROGEN HUB AWARDED FEDERAL GRANT

The U.S. Department of Energy has selected the Heartland Hydrogen Hub, including multiple clean hydrogen projects from Xcel Energy, for award negotiations to receive up to $925 million. The award will serve as a catalyst for a future hydrogen ecosystem in the Upper Midwest.
The Heartland Hydrogen Hub (HH2H) is one of seven selected to receive funding. The hub includes Xcel Energy, Marathon Petroleum Corporation and TC Energy, in collaboration with the University of North Dakota’s Energy & Environmental
Resource Center, to produce and use low-carbon hydrogen at commercial scale in Minnesota, Wisconsin, South Dakota, North Dakota and Montana. The hub aims to reduce carbon emissions by more than 1 million metric tons per year, the equivalent of taking 220,000 gasoline-powered cars off the road.

EARNINGS - DECEMBER 2023

XCEL ENERGY THIRD QUARTER 2023 EARNINGS REPORTED
Xcel Energy has reported 2023 third quarter GAAP earnings of $656 million, or $1.19 per share, compared with $649 million, or $1.18 per share in the same period in 2022 and ongoing earnings of $682 million, or $1.23 per share, compared with $649 million, or $1.18 per share in the same period in 2022.
Third quarter ongoing earnings results reflect the impact of increased recovery of infrastructure investments, higher sales and demand, lower operating and maintenance (O&M) expenses, partially offset by increased interest charges and depreciation.
“Xcel Energy delivered solid performance during the third quarter,” said Bob Frenzel, chairman, president and CEO of Xcel Energy. “As a result, we are narrowing our 2023 ongoing earnings guidance to $3.32 to $3.37 per share and initiating 2024 guidance of $3.50 to $3.60 per share.”
“We made significant progress on our industry-leading clean energy transition plans. In September, we filed a proposed 
plan for the largest clean energy transition effort in Colorado history. The plan includes approximately 6,500 MW of renewable energy and battery storage, and approximately 600 MW of natural gas resources to ensure reliability. With
the benefits of the Inflation Reduction Act, the resources in the plan would have an annual rate impact of approximately 2.3 percent.”

MGE ENERGY REPORTS THIRDQUARTER 2023 EARNINGS
MGE Energy has reported financial results for the third quarter of 2023. MGE Energy's GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) earnings for the third quarter of 2023 were $37.9 million, or $1.05 per share, compared to $33.7 million, or $0.93 per share, for the same period in the prior year.
The company’s third-quarter results were primarily driven by an increase in investments included in rate base. Also, warmer-than-normal weather led to an increase in electric residential sales of approximately 5% compared to the third quarter of 2022.
MGE continues to invest in new, cost-effective renewable generation, which is helping to fuel the company's asset growth. An increase in electric investments included in rate base contributed to increased electric earnings for the third quarter of 2023. The timing of depreciation expense also contributed to higher electric earnings in the third quarter of 2023. Depreciation costs are expected to increase after significant capital projects are completed, including the second phase of Badger Hollow and Paris solar projects.
In the third quarter of 2023, earnings from investment in ATC increased $0.9 million, driven by an estimated possible loss recorded in 2022 from filed complaints regarding MISO transmission owners' authorized return on equity. Gas net income in the third quarter of 2023 remained relatively flat compared to the third quarter of 2022.

Happy Holidays!

THE WUI BOARD OF DIRECTORS WOULD LIKE TO SEND A HEARTFELT
Thank you, Merry Christmas, and Happy Holidays to all our members!

Wisconsin Utility Investors (WUI) has a strong membership base that powers an effective grass-roots response. As a member, you have made your voice heard
and votes counted through events such as the WUI Legislative Day and Legislative Action Alert responses.


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WEC ENERGY GROUP DECLARES QUARTERLY DIVIDEND

MILWAUKEEOct. 19, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The board of directors of WEC Energy Group (NYSE: WEC) today declared a quarterly cash dividend of 78 cents per share on the company's common stock.

The dividend is payable Dec. 1, 2023, to stockholders of record on Nov. 14, 2023. This marks the 325th consecutive quarter — dating back to 1942 — that the company will have paid a dividend to its stockholders.

WE ENERGIES STRENGTHENS RELIABILITY WITH STATE-OF-THE-ART GENERATION FACILITY NEAR WAUSAU

An innovative new power facility is providing another important source of affordable, reliable energy for homes and businesses across Wisconsin. We Energies has completed a new, 128-megawatt (MW) power generation station at the Weston Power Plant near Wausau, Wisconsin. The units at the natural gas-fueled facility have begun full operations, sending energy to the electric grid. 

“We focus every day on making sure our customers have the energy they depend on,” according to Scott Lauber, President and CEO — We Energies. “As we build more renewable energy power plants, these modern and low-carbon generation units will ensure the lights stay on when the sun is not shining and the wind is not blowing.”

RECORD ATTENDANCE AT WISCONSIN UTILITY INVESTORS 43RD ANNUAL MEETING AT EAST TROY

  

Nearly 150 Wisconsin Utility Investor Members attended this year’s Annual Meeting held in East Troy, Wisconsin, bringing our attendance nearly back to pre-Covid numbers. Members took advantage of the opportunity to talk to shareholder relations representatives from Alliant Energy, MGE Energy, and WEC Energies, learning about current investment dividends and considering future stock options.

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MGE TARGETING NET-ZERO METHANE EMISSIONS FROM NATURAL GAS DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

Building upon MGE's long-standing commitment to providing affordable, sustainable energy, Madison Gas and Electric has set a goal to achieve net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas distribution system by 2035. The goal builds on the company’s existing sustainability and clean energy goals.
MGE completed an in-depth analysis and inventory of all its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with its electric generation and distribution, purchase and distribution of natural gas, and other sources. Methane, which is a primary component of natural gas, is more than 25 times as potent as carbon dioxide. It can be emitted during the production, transmission and distribution of natural gas.

SOLAR ENERGY BATTERY PROJECTS GET GREEN LIGHT

The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin has approved two Alliant Energy battery energy storage projects totaling 175 megawatts (MW). The approval clears the way for construction to begin on the 100-MW Grant County Battery Project and 75-MW Wood County Battery Project. They will be located alongside the company’s Grant County and Wood County solar sites. The integration of these battery systems with Alliant Energy’s utility-scale solar sites increases customer access to safe, reliable energy even when the sun isn’t out.

"We appreciate the PSCW’s approval of these cutting-edge battery energy storage systems that will enhance grid reliability and flexibility for our customers,” according to David de Leon, President of Alliant Energy’s Wisconsin energy company. “These projects are another step toward achieving our clean energy goals while enabling a more resilient and cost-effective energy future. We are excited to break ground on these innovative battery projects and look forward to the benefits and enhanced value these systems will deliver to our customers.” 

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WISCONSIN MANUFACTURERS AND COMMERCE SUPPORTS SUPERIOR ENERGY CENTER

A key federal agency is currently accepting public comments related to the Nemadji Trail Energy Center (NTEC). NTEC will be a state-of-the-art natural gas plant in Superior, Wisconsin, with the ability to deliver up to 625 MW of flexible energy to the electric grid. The proposed plant will help ensure the delivery of safe, reliable and affordable energy to many Wisconsin businesses.

In a statement the  Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce association said, 'Wisconsin manufacturers and other businesses cannot rely solely on intermittent wind and solar resources that are only available when the wind is blowing and the sun is shining. In order to grow jobs, Wisconsin’s business community needs access to affordable and reliable energy."

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XCEL ENERGY ELECTS TIMOTHY WELSH TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Xcel Energy has announced that Timothy Welsh has been elected to the company’s Board of Directors, Welsh, who currently serves as Vice Chair for U.S. Bancorp’s Consumer and Business Banking, is an accomplished business and community leader with decades of experience in a variety of diverse fields, including financial services, customer experience, workforce development, and operations. Across several industries, Welsh’s work has centered on understanding consumer behavior and creating strategies to respond to consumer preferences.

AWARDS

ALLIANT ENERGY NAMED A TOP UTILITY IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Site Selector Magazine announced for the fifth consecutive year that Alliant Energy has earned their Top Utility in Economic Development honor. The annual list recognizes the company for its contributions to local community development and job creation.

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FROM THE CAPITOL

WISCONSIN SENATE OVERRIDES THREE OF GOVERNOR’S VETOES
Republicans in the Wisconsin Senate have voted three times to override vetoes from Gov. Tony Evers, two of them partial vetoes that Evers made to the 2023-25 state budget. 
The override votes then go to the state Assembly, where the GOP is just two seats shy of the two-thirds majority needed to concur with the Senate and override. Any Assembly action is likely to have happened after press time for this Voice issue. 
The Senate voted along party lines 22-11 to override. Evers’ veto in the budget that authorized public school districts to raise their revenue limits by $325 annually for the next 400 years.  
Evers’ vetoed budget language that cut the income tax rate for households with incomes from $25,000 to $370,000. He had also vetoed SB-49, a bill to protect liquified gas retailers from government restrictions on their products and also to block state agencies and local governments from restricting utilities or discriminating against them based on their “type or source of energy.”

EVERS VETOES BILLS THAT WOULD HAVE PREVENTED LOCAL BANS ON ENERGY USE
Governor Tony Evers has vetoed several bills that would have prevented Wisconsin communities from barring the use of vehicles or appliances powered by fossil fuels. Two bills sought to prevent Wisconsin’s state and local governments from passing mandates that aim to shift away from vehicles or stoves that run on gas in favor of those powered by electricity.

Another proposal sought to prevent communities from requiring specific sources of energy.  Republican lawmakers and supporters have said the proposals aimed to protect consumer choice. In his veto message, Evers said signing the bills would diminish the state’s ability to combat climate change by shifting to new technology.

MINNESOTA PUC PAVES THE WAY FOR CONTINUED OPERATIONS AT XCEL ENERGY’S MONTICELLO NUCLEAR PLANT

Xcel Energy has received the necessary approval from the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission to extend operations of the Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant through 2040, a major step toward continuing to provide reliable, carbon-free energy for more than 500,000 customers across the Upper Midwest while meeting the state’s carbon reduction goals.
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission approved Xcel Energy’s application to allow increased storage of spent nuclear fuel at the site, opening the door for at least ten more years of operation. 
“We thank the Commission, Minnesota Department of Commerce and other stakeholders for their careful review and recognition of the importance of the Monticello nuclear plant to our shared clean energy goals,” said Chris Clark, president, Xcel Energy – Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. “Nuclear power is crucial to achieving those goals because of its unique combination of reliability, affordability, and zero emissions. 

HO-CHUNK GAMING WISCONSIN DELLS ADDS ELECTRIC CHARGERS

Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells has hosted a ribbon cutting for one of Wisconsin’s largest and fastest public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations placed at Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells. Casino officials, Ho-Chunk Nation President, Marlon White-Eagle, and officials from Alliant Energy, Inertial Electric, and the Baraboo Area Chamber of Commerce were present for the event.
With collaborations from Alliant Energy and Inertial Electric, two ABB Terra 184 fast charging stations with 180 kilowatt DCFC dual-port charging stations offer both a traditional charging option with pull-in parking as well as a pull-through station which allows easy charging for larger vehicles pulling trailers. Both charging stations are ADA compliant designed and available around the clock in the parking lot just 2 miles south of interstate 90/94, on exit 92.
“We are extremely excited about offering these EV stations for guests to the Wisconsin Dells and wuiinc.org Baraboo areas,” said Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells Executive Manager, Landon Owen.

REPORT: GRID CAN WITHSTAND NORMAL SUMMER, BUT EXTREME HEAT COULD CAUSE SHORTAGES

The Midwest electric grid — which includes Wisconsin — should have enough resources to meet normal summer demands this year, but it could face shortages during peak demand levels from extreme heat events.
That's according to the North American Electric Reliability Corp., or NERC, a utility watchdog that releases a summer reliability report each year. Its 2023 report found that two-thirds of North America is at risk of energy shortfalls this summer during periods of high demand.
That includes the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, or MISO, which manages the grid across Wisconsin and 14 other states. NERC says North America’s elevated risk outlook is driven by a combination of coal plant retirements, a possible spike in energy use and reduced reliability due to extreme heat. "Increased, rapid deployment of wind, solar and batteries have made a positive  impact," said Mark Olson, NERC’s manager of Reliability Assessments, in a statement.

"However, generator retirements continue to increase the risks associated with extreme summer temperatures, which factors into potential supply shortages in the western two thirds of North America if summer temperatures spike.”

PURCHASE OF DARIEN SOLAR ENERGY CENTER APPROVED

Madison Gas and Electric in partnership with We Energies and Wisconsin Public Service subsidiaries of WEC Energy Group, has received approval from the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin to purchase solar energy and battery storage from the Darien Solar Energy Center. MGE will own 25 megawatts (MW) of solar energy and 7.5 MW of battery storage from the 250-MW solar and 75-MW battery storage facility in Rock and Walworth counties in southern Wisconsin.
"The Darien Solar Energy Center is another important step in our ongoing transition to cleaner energy sources, reducing carbon at least 80 percent by the end of this decade and achieving net-zero carbon electricity by 2050," according to Jeff Keebler, Chairman, President and CEO. "MGE's investments in cost-effective, clean energy and battery storage technology help ensure that all our customers will experience the economic and environmental benefits of our clean energy transition."