You have a business to run. It is hard to stay on top of things locally let alone at the Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC) where your electric rates are set. That’s where the Citizens Utility Board of Wisconsin comes in. We advocate for all small utility customers from individual citizens to small businesses and farmers for fair, safe and reliable utility service. We monitor the changing energy world and put the utility customer first.
CUB small business members benefit from our team of legislative, utility and communications experts who advocate tirelessly for your business at the Public Service Commission, the state Capitol, in the courts, and at regulatory agencies.
Small Business Membership Benefits:
Advocacy: CUB business membership keeps you up-to-date on issues that matter to you.
Empowerment: CUB will help you take action and share your thoughts with Wisconsin government officials.
Access: CUB can help your organization and employees save resources and money.
Outreach: CUB will help small business members partner with other members and like-minded organizations to bring these issues to the public. CUB staff can answer questions about energy related matters as well as provide free one-on-one utility bill consultations.
Partnership Opportunities: CUB partners with community groups interested in learning about utility issues. We provide presentations on how to understand your utility bills, how the PSC works and how you can get involved. Plus, we can provide information on energy costs you can control. Let us know what you’re interested in, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.
April 8, 2008: Retiring Coal Burning Plants in Oak Creek Saves Millions
Posted: April 8, 2008 by Leah Steinberg
For Immediate Release: April 8, 2008
Retiring Oldest Coal Burning Plants in Oak Creek Would
Protect the Environment and Save Customers $100 Million
MADISON – The Citizens Utility Board (CUB) and Clean Wisconsin asked the Public Service Commission (PSC) to deny an application by We Energies to add equipment costing $830 million to four 1960s-era coal-fired power plants. If the PSC does not deny the application, the groups proposed an alternative that would save ratepayers $100 million and at the same time provide major environmental benefits.
We Energies is requesting that customers pay for the equipment at the four Oak Creek boilers because it is required to comply with a legal settlement it reached in 2003 with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. We Energies was under investigation for violations of the Clean Air Act at several of its plants for undertaking major modifications and increasing air pollution without also installing required pollution control equipment.
“Spending almost a billion dollars of customers’ money to retrofit all these ancient boilers with pollution controls doesn’t make economic or environmental sense,” said Katie Nekola, an attorney with Clean Wisconsin. “This project would not adequately control mercury emissions and would do nothing to stop their global warming pollution.” Coal-fired power plants are a primary source of global warming pollution.
CUB and Clean Wisconsin asked the PSC to consider the alternative of allowing the utility to install the equipment on the two newest and largest units, while retiring the two older units. “Shutting down the two oldest coal burners would save customers at least $100 million, money that customers can use to pay for ever-increasing health care, food, school, and energy costs,” said Charlie Higley, CUB executive director. “This alternative offers the best solution for customers and for Wisconsin’s environment.”
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Category: Press Releases Tags: WEPCO