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.
- Monthly electronic newsletters highlighting key cases before the PSC, issues before the Legislature, and information to help you control energy costs.
- Action Alerts keep you notified and enable you to get involved, when important decisions are up for hearing/vote.
- CUB works as Your Independent Consumer Voice at the table for small business interests when the PSC sets rates and energy policy.
Empowerment: CUB will help you take action and share your thoughts with Wisconsin government officials.
- Confused by your bill? We can explain it.
- Problem with your utility service and pricing? We will answer questions and help you work with your utility.
- Who makes these decisions anyway? We will show your staff how to interact with the PSC and legislators
Access: CUB can help your organization and employees save resources and money.
- Host a “utility bill clinic” about ways to help residents and businesses save money on their utility bills.
- Promote your support of fair, safe and reliable utility rates with the CUB small business member badge.
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.
Tax Deductibility Information
Section 501(c)(3) of the US Internal Revenue Code allows for federal tax exemption of nonprofit organizations, specifically those that are considered public charities, private foundations or private operating foundations. These organizations are regulated by the US Department of Treasury through the Internal Revenue Service.
Citizens Utility Board of Wisconsin, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation approved by the Internal Revenue Service as a tax-exempt, charitable organization. One important aspect of a 501(c)(3) organization is the tax deductibility of donations for federal income tax purposes by its donors.
Like federal law, Wisconsin allows for deductibility for state income tax purposes. 501(c)(3) organizations in Wisconsin are exempt from sales tax on purchases and property taxes. Special nonprofit, bulk-rate postage discounts are available from the Post Office to organizations like CUB.
501(c)(3) organizations are highly regulated. Strict rules apply to both their activities and governance. No activities or net earnings can benefit any director, officer, or any private individual, and no officer or private individual can share in the distribution of any of corporate assets should the organization close.
There are limits to the amount of lobbying, propaganda or other legislative activity performed by 501(c)(3) organizations. Involvement in political campaigns, including the endorsement/anti-endorsement of candidates for public office, is strictly prohibited.