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NEW ONLINE DATA TOOL GIVES USERS INSIGHT INTO WISCONSIN'S ENERGY MIX

The Public Service Commission has a new online tool that makes it easier to determine the state’s energy mix. The "Wisconsin Energy Statistics" portal provides a snapshot of energy use in Wisconsin, as well as that energy’s economic and environmental impacts. 

The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin has published energy data in a physical book since 1976. In a statement, PSC Chair Rebecca Cameron Valcq said the new online resource aims to make that information more accessible.

WISCONSIN PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION STUDIES POSSIBLE LOW-INCOME ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

Wisconsin’s utility regulator has received input from customers hoping to guide an investigation into alternative low-income assistance programs at two of the state’s largest utilities.

The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin hosted listening sessions in Green Bay and Milwaukee. The listening sessions followed rate increases regulators approved late last year for two WEC Energy Group utilities — We Energies and Wisconsin Public Service. 

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GOV. EVERS APPOINTS SUMMER STRAND TO THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION OF WISCONSIN

Gov. Tony Evers has announced his appointment of Summer Strand to the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC). The appointment fills a vacancy created by the resignation of Ellen Nowak, which was effective March 1. This appointment was effective March 2, 2023, for a six-year term expiring in 2029.

“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Summer on the State Building Commission for the past several years and I am confident that she will be an asset to the PSC and to the people of Wisconsin in this new role,” said Gov. Evers. “Having worked in several roles within state government and with trade and industry professionals alike, Summer will bring a depth of experience, dedication to service, and collaborative skills necessary to be successful at the PSC. I have no doubt she’ll serve the people of Wisconsin well as we continue building our workforce, economy, and state infrastructure for the 21st century.”

Strand has a long history of public service. Strand currently serves on the State of Wisconsin Building Commission (SBC), having been appointed by Gov. Evers in 2019 to serve as the sole citizen member of the commission.

MGE APPROVED TO BUY SHARE OF SOUTHERN WISCONSIN SOLAR ENERGY CENTER

Madison Gas and Electric has been approved by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin to purchase more solar energy and battery storage.

MGE can now purchase solar energy and battery storage from the Darien Solar Energy Center and will own 25 megawatts (MW) of solar energy and 7.5 MW of battery storage from a solar battery storage facility in Rock and Walworth counties in southern Wisconsin.

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PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION APPROVES THIRD PARTY SOLAR FINANCING

The Public Service Commission has voted 2-1 to approve a petition on third-party financing of small-scale solar power systems. PSC’s order will allow North Wind Renewable Energy Cooperative to build solar panels on a family’s home and lease them to the family. Renewable developers and environmental advocates supported the decision, while utilities argued that solar financers are effectively building power infrastructure and selling energy to the public through leases and power purchase agreements. PSC has yet to issue a full written order, and the legal implications of its decision are still unclear.

WUI and utilities had opposed the action and questioned whether the Commission had the authority to make the decision without legislative action.

UTILITY REGULATORS APPROVE RATE HIKES FOR WE ENERGIES AND WISCONSIN PUBLIC SERVICE

Wisconsin utility regulators have approved rate hikes for electric and natural gas customers served by two of the state’s largest utilities, but they reduced returns utilities can collect. The Wisconsin Public Service Commission has approved overall electric rate hikes of 8.8 percent for We Energies and nine percent for Wisconsin Public Service, according to commission staff. The increase is higher than utilities had initially proposed, but less than changes they suggested later that would have shifted more costs to residential customers.

This fall, the utilities owned by Milwaukee-based WEC Energy Group asked for electric rate hikes of thirteen percent for We Energies residential customers and a nearly fifteen percent increase for Wisconsin Public Service.

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STOP NON-REGULATED UTILITY OPERATIONS!

Legislative Issues

ACTION ALERT

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ACT NOW! STOP NON-REGULATED UTILITY OPERATIONS!

Link to Comment on  Docket 9300-DR-105

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PSCW Wants State's Energy Efficiency Program to Play a Larger Role in Cutting Emissions

The state’s utility regulators want Wisconsin’s energy efficiency program to play a larger role in cutting carbon emissions as part of efforts to combat climate change.

The Public Service Commission has voted 2-1 for the state’s Focus on Energy program to play a greater role in cost-effectively cutting carbon emissions while continuing to emphasize energy savings. However, Republican lawmakers are wary. 

Commissioners have supported research, planning and investment of resources that would set Focus on a path toward playing a larger role in promoting replacement of fossil fuels with electricity to reduce emissions and energy costs.

The commission stopped short of fully changing Focus on Energy’s goals, opting instead to treat the next four years as a “transitional period” in which the program maintains an emphasis on energy savings while also making “measurable progress” toward reducing carbon emissions.