WELCOME TO WISCONSIN UTILITY INVESTORS |
The Latest Legislative Issues
Urge Legislators to Support Senate Bill 28 and Assembly Bill 25 |
Legislation that Will Keep Ownership and Control of Wisconsin’s Transmission System | James Buchen, Executive Director |
Background
Without a law change, transmission projects will be put up to competitive bid under a new federal regulatory program that would allow out-of-state investors to build, own and control parts of Wisconsin’s transmission system. This would render the grid less reliable, less efficient and more costly to consumers.
This Bill is Likely to Boost the Value of Your Investment in Wisconsin Utilities.
Our regional power grid operator, The Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), has called for a significant expansion of the transmission network in the upper Midwest to improve reliability and support economic growth. Part of that expansion includes $1.8 billion in transmission projects in Wisconsin. This bill will ensure that those projects are built, owned, and operated by Wisconsin utilities rather than by out-of-state investors. That means a likely increase in the value of your Wisconsin utility stocks.
Recently Proposed Energy Legislation | James Buchen, Executive Director |
Energy issues are getting attention in the early stages of the 2025-56 Legislative Session.
First, legislation has been introduced (SB 28 and AB 25) that would give incumbent transmission line owners/operators the right of first refusal for the construction of any new transmission line projects. This is designed to keep out-of-state investors from bidding on Wisconsin transmission projects under a new Federal system for transmission line approvals. WUI supports this legislation and encourages members to urge their legislators to vote in favor of the bills.
Wisconsin Legislative Review | November 2024 |
The recent election produced dramatic change in the Wisconsin Legislature. The new district maps triggered by a recent Supreme Court decision resulted in a significant shift in favor of Democratic candidates. As a consequence, Republican majorities narrowed and now stand at 18 to 15 in the Senate and 54 to 45 in the Assembly. In addition, nearly 1/3 of the Assembly turned over. Tight margins and new faces are likely to impact both the legislative process and policy outcomes next session. The last legislative session was relatively active on energy and utility issues with more than a dozen bills being introduced in each house in addition to numerous budget provisions relating to the industry. In all, six energy/utility bills passed both houses and the Governor vetoed one of them. At least two of the key pieces of legislation that didn’t pass are likely to be reintroduced in the next session which begins in January.
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