Nuclear energy is a safe, economical and environmentally responsible resource that should be a part of the energy mix in Minnesota and Wisconsin .  That was the consensus view of speakers at the Hudson , Wisconsin WUI “Future of Nuclear Energy Conference” that drew 225 on October 26^th.

The event, co-sponsored by the Wisconsin Utility Investors (WUI) and the Minnesota Utility Investors (MUI), brought together experts from industry, government and academia to discuss the issues surrounding the expansion of nuclear energy in the two states.  Both states are prevented from serious consideration of new nuclear generation by legislative moratoria imposed decades ago. Speakers included a panel which included Representative James Soletski, Chair of the Wisconsin Assembly Committee of Energy and Utilities, Terry Pickens, Director of Nuclear Energy Policy for Xcel Energy and Michael McGarey of the Nuclear Energy Institute.

The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Michael Corradini Chair of Engineering Physics and Distinguished Professor of Nuclear Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The evening included a broad-ranging discussion of economic, environmental and safety issues surrounding nuclear energy, advances in plant technology since the United States build its last nuclear plant and the need for zero-emission base-load power to meet environmental goals. Efforts will be spearheaded by both shareholder organizations to overturn the moratoria and allow nuclear energy to be considered alongside all other energy options. “Our members are well informed on this and many other issues,” said Bob Seitz, Executive Director of WUI. “That knowledge will allow members to educate legislators and overturn these moratoria.”

WUI and the Minnesota Utility Investors are co-hosting the Future of Nuclear Energy Roundtable to discuss the benefits and potential of nuclear power.  The event will be held on Monday October 26th at the Best Western Hudson House Inn, located in Hudson, WI and will last from 6:00pm-8:30pm.

The event will feature a keynote speech by UW-Madison professor Dr. Michael Corradini.  Professor Corradini is a mechanical and nuclear engineer with research interests centered primarily in thermal hydraulics and multiphase flow. He especially emphasizes the areas of reactor operation, reactor safety, reprocessing, and recycle and risk assessment. He is chair of the Energy Institute faculty governance committee and the director of the college’s Wisconsin Institute of Nuclear Systems.

We will also have a panel discussion which will include Wisconsin Representative Jim Soletski, Chair of the Assembly Energy and Utilities Committee, Michael McGarey of the Nuclear Energy Institute, and Terry Pickens, the director of Nuclear Energy Policy at Xcel Energy.

If you have any questions regarding the event please contact WUI at 608-663-5813 or MUI at 888-850-5171.

“Nuclear power is a safe, reliable and emissions free energy source that can meet

growing demand while protecting the environment,” said Rep. Huebsch. “The

renewable sources available today can’t replace the baseload electricity produced

by natural gas and coal.”

“Unless nuclear power is at the heart of any plan to lower carbon emissions, little

progress will be made toward reducing our reliance on fossil fuel,” added Rep.

Montgomery. “Wisconsin has to catch up with the rest of the country and the

rest of the world where nuclear is recognized as a safe way to expand electric

generation capacity and reduce pollution without crippling the economy.”

Environmental extremists have used the courts and the bureaucracy to delay and raise the cost of the Oak Creek power plant expansion being constructed by We Energies, Madison Gas and Electric and others.

An agreement was reached to save both ratepayers and shareholders from hundreds of millions of dollars of increased costs caused by frivolous court cases.  The agreement also allows the plant to operate when it is completed, saving even more money for ratepayers and producing a return for investors.  That agreement is being challenged in a Milwaukee public hearing Wednesday.

We need WUI members to come to the hearing and testify in favor of We Energies rate proposal and the agreement that allows the plant to open on time.

Wednesday, October 21

First Session:  3:00 pm

Second Session:  6:00 pm

Serb Hall, Wisconsin South Hall

5101 West Oklahoma Ave.

Testimony is easy.  No one will ask questions.  They will only record your position and thank you for participating.  Click here for sample testimony.

To submit testimony via the PSC website, please follow this link.