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As big tech companies race to capitalize on artificial intelligence, utilities in Wisconsin are assessing how to balance surges in demand for power amid the clean energy transition.

Executives from some of the largest utility and transmission companies serving Wisconsin took part in a series of panel discussions about the state’s energy future. They, along with advocates for local governments and large industrial energy users, talked about managing increased demand for power amid the rapid development of artificial intelligence, or AI, and other technologies. The forums were hosted by Competitive Wisconsin, Inc. and broadcast on Wisconsin Eye.

Legislation that would have put local communities in charge of local wind and solar projects failed action at the end of the session.

“This bill will give local municipalities a voice and provide local elected officials the final say on whether or not a wind or solar project can be constructed within their city, village or town,“ according to author Wisconsin Representative Bodden.

Currently, the PSC makes decisions about wind and solar farms in Wisconsin. But that has, at times, put state regulators in charge of projects that don’t have unanimous local support.

“I have been inundated with messages from constituents who heavily oppose these massive wind energy projects being proposed in our area. These life-altering projects for communities should involve government at the local level,” Bodden added. His plan would have stopped the PSC from issuing a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity or a Certificate of Authority for any project unless local leaders are on-board.

“Recently, there have been grassroots community informational meetings held to inform the public of the potential downsides of these projects, and these efforts have been growing fast. Communities and locals should have a say,” Bodden said. As the Senate session ended, it failed to take action on Bodden’s bill.

CHRISTIE RAYMOND APPOINTED TO ALLIANT ENERGY BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Alliant Energy Corporation has announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Christie Raymond as a new independent director, effective April 1, 2024. Raymond, 54, brings over 30 years of expertise in marketing, data analytics, new and traditional media, operations, strategic planning, customer satisfaction and several other critical business areas of focus important to the energy industry. Currently, she holds the position of Chief Marketing Officer at Kohl’s.

“We are excited to welcome Christie to Alliant Energy’s Board of Directors,” said John Larsen, Executive Chairman and Chairman of the Board. “Her addition brings a wealth of expertise in customer insights, analytics and engagement. Ultimately, this extensive knowledge will significantly assist us in advancing the customer experience as we deliver on our purpose-driven strategy.”

HOOPER NAMED PRESIDENT OF WE ENERGIES AND WISCONSIN PUBLIC SERVICE

Wisconsin Energy Group has announced that Michael Hooper, currently President and Chief Operating Officer of Northern Indiana Public Service Company a subsidiary of NiSource has been named President of We Energies and Wisconsin Public Service, effective April 1, 2024.

"We're fortunate to have Mike join our senior leadership team," according to Scott Lauber, President and Chief Executive Officer of WEC Energy Group. "He has an impressive record of accomplishments in our industry along with proven leadership skills. His broad experience, together with his demonstrated ability to lead and manage complex projects, will be key in helping us achieve our long-term goals."

Hooper will have primary responsibility for the electric and gas distribution business, customer service, power generation and major projects for We Energies and Wisconsin Public Service.

Hooper holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from West Virginia Institute of Technology and is a graduate of the Strategic Leadership Program from the Fisher College of Business at The Ohio State University.

In the coming years, a nuclear power plant on the shores of Lake Michigan could become the first in the country to restart operations after shutting down. The Palisades plant in southwest Michigan could be revived by a $1.5 billion loan from the U.S. Department of Energy, according to Bloomberg. Federal officials have not yet confirmed the funding, but Dr. Kathryn Huff, Assistant Secretary in the agency’s Office of Nuclear Energy, has said it would be “exciting” and “historic” to see the plant return to life.

The potential federal investment comes as state leaders in Michigan and elsewhere have worked to preserve their nuclear power capacity. Democratic Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer successfully pushed for $150 million in state funding last year to support the Palisades restart. The plant is owned by Florida-based Holtec International, which bought it in 2022 to decommission it.

Reviving the plant “is really significant to make sure we can meet our clean-energy goals,” according to Kara Cook, Chief of Staff with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. “This is really important to us not only from a climate perspective, but also the economic impact on the region.”

Alliant Energy has announced the completion of six new large scale solar energy plants, adding 514 megawatts of solar energy to the electric grid, which will power around 135,000 homes annually.

"Completing these projects is a huge milestone and a pivotal moment in our journey toward a brighter energy future,” said David de Leon, Alliant Energy’s Wisconsin President. Alliant Energy is a Wisconsin-based electric and natural gas utility that serves the greater south- central region of the state as well as parts of the northeast.

The company has promoted its commitment to expanding renewable energy generation in Wisconsin and has been developing a total of 12 solar projects over the last few years. Alliant Energy has installed over 2 million solar panels in the state of Wisconsin so far. Utility scale solar projects often lease land from local landowners and farmers to site solar fields that cover hundreds of acres. The company is celebrating the completion of six solar sites — ranging from 50 to 150 megawatts — built in Green, Grant, Sheboygan, Rock, Dodge, and Waushara Counties. Nearly 1,000 workers were employed during construction of the solar projects, according to a news release.

A bill recently introduced in the state Legislature would give the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin greater control over utility plans for future construction projects.

Under the proposal, electric utilities and cooperatives would have to seek approval from state regulators for two-year construction plans for large-scale electric generating facilities, small generating sites and transmission lines. The Public Service Commission, or PSC, typically approves most utility construction projects individually, rather than looking at integrated resource and reliability plans biennially.

The bill would also give the PSC the authority to require utilities to use a financing mechanism to reduce the impact on consumer electricity rates when coal plants shut down.