Legislative

Fuel Rule Revision

Wisconsin law now prohibits automatic fuel adjustment clauses in utility rate schedules. Currently, the PSCW is reviewing whether the current fuel rules should be amended, and WIEG is actively participating in that review. Any proposed change by the PSCW must have, at minimum, incentives for utilities to be prudent when purchasing their fuel.

Click here to view WIEG comments on PSCW fuel rules revision

Air Emissions

The DNR has pushed for state implementation of Clean Air Interstate Rule and Clean Air Mercury Rule (CAIR & CAMR) that goes far beyond the federal requirements. One study estimated that going beyond the federal requirements could cost Wisconsin $700 million per year in rate increases -- about the cost of a big new power plant. WIEG aims to minimize the direct and indirect cost impacts of new air regulations on industrial customers.

• Click here to view WIEG testimony against WDNR’s proposed CAIR rule

Act 141 “Trailer” Bill

WIEG helped negotiate improvements to 2005 Wisconsin Act 141 such as the low income cap and a temporary freeze on industrial contributions. There were small technical errors in the original legislation that must be remedied in 2007-2009. Any trailer bill must preserve or expand hold harmless ratepayer protections. For example, some utilities are currently mandated to expand their renewable portfolio well beyond the 10% goal that was agreed upon. For fairness and cost-effectiveness, these issues must be addressed.

• Click here to view WIEG-WMC-WPC comments on the proposed PSCW rule on Act 141


196.192 reform (special contracts)

WIEG members compete against companies both nationally and globally. Other regulated states permit large companies to negotiate special power contracts with their incumbent utilities, allowing for greater flexibility in customizing rate design. Current Wisconsin law does not allow for special contracts. WIEG is seeking amendments to 196.192 in order to foster new and innovative rates, designed specifically for their unique power needs.

Environmental Trust Financing (2003 Wisconsin Act 152)

The environmental trust financing law gives utilities in Wisconsin the option to finance certain environmental control activities through bond financing rather than through the traditional approach. Bond financing lowers costs to consumers as utilities forego a return on equity investment. Environmental control activities eligible for this financing approach under the Act include installing pollution control equipment on existing plants or retiring older plants.

• Click here to view 2003 Wisconsin Act 152

MISO Act (2003 Wisconsin Act 40)

Also known as the MISO amendment, this new law allows the state's Public Service Commission to authorize the state transmission utility, the American Transmission Company, to withdraw from the Midwest Independent System Operator (MISO), the grid operator for the transmission of high voltage electricity across much of the Upper Midwest, if it deems such withdrawal is in the public interest.

• Click here to view 2003 Wisconsin Act 40

Reliability 2000 (1999 Wisconsin Act 9)

Included as a part of the 1999-2001 state budget, Reliability 2000 maintained limits on utility diversification, allowing additional energy-related diversification only if the utility divested its transmission assets. Reliability 2000 also encouraged the divestiture of transmission assets to an independent transmission company now called the American Transmission Company, created a new statewide energy efficiency and energy assistance program known as Public Benefits and created the state renewable portfolio standard.

• Click here to view 1999 Wisconsin Act 9

1997 Electric Reliability Act 204

This legislation is the precursor to Reliability 2000. It shortened approval times for needed new generation and high voltage transmission lines, required construction of new generation; including renewables, required the independent operation of transmission facilities and authorized wholesale merchant plants. Additionally, the legislation also improved Wisconsin's strict standards for approving new generation and transmission.

• Click here to view 1997 Wisconsin Act 204