These three individuals are responsible for the cost of your electric and gas bill. They decide if there will be affordability programs, shut-off policies, and forgiveness programs. Their decisions have far-reaching impacts on Wisconsin residents.
Here's a closer look at the commissioners and their role: Wisconsin's Public Service Commission (PSC) is responsible for regulating utilities and ensuring fair, reliable, and affordable services for the state's residents. The current commissioners, their backgrounds, and the challenges they face in executing their responsibilities.
The selection process for Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC) commissioners involves gubernatorial nomination, Senate confirmation, and various influencing factors including political affiliation, industry experience, public scrutiny, and stakeholder interests, with commissioners serving staggered 6-year terms and the governor appointing one as chairperson for a 2-year term.
The Commissioners
Summer Strand, Chairperson
Summer Strand, recently appointed as the PSC Chairperson, brings a unique perspective and level of authority to the commission. Prior to her appointment, she worked for a national engineering firm that had involvement in utility projects. Her background provides her with valuable industry insights as she manages systemic conflicts of interest in the utility sector. Strand's focus appears to be on balancing the needs of utilities and consumers while navigating the complex landscape of energy regulation.
Kristy Nieto, Commissioner
Kristy Nieto serves as one of the three commissioners on the PSC. While specific details about her background are not provided in the search results, her role involves making critical decisions on utility operations, rates, and construction projects. Nieto's work seems to be squarely centered on access and affordability ensuring that Wisconsin residents receive adequate and reasonably priced utility services.
Marcus Hawkins, Commissioner
Marcus Hawkins rounds out the three-member commission. Like his colleagues, Hawkins is responsible for reviewing cases brought to the PSC and making decisions that impact the state's utility landscape. His focus seems to be on long-term implications of utility projects and rate changes on Wisconsin consumers and businesses.
Responsibilities and Challenges
The Wisconsin PSC oversees more than 1,100 utilities, including those providing electric, natural gas, water, and certain aspects of local telephone service. Their responsibilities are vast and include:
1. Regulating rates and service quality
2. Approving major utility construction projects
3. Ensuring reliability and environmental responsibility
4. Protecting consumer interests
5. Balancing the needs of utility investors and customers
The commission must consider diverse perspectives while protecting the public interest, environment, and welfare. This requires a delicate balancing act, especially given the limited resources at their disposal.
The Reality of Capacity Constraints
Despite the enormous scope of their responsibilities, the PSC faces significant challenges in executing its duties effectively. With only three commissioners and a staff of approximately 159 employees, the commission is tasked with overseeing a complex and ever-evolving utility landscape.
This limited capacity creates a situation where the PSC may struggle to thoroughly investigate and address all issues that come before it. As a result, utilities with greater resources and expertise may have an advantage in shaping narratives and influencing outcomes.
The capacity constraints become particularly evident when considering the multiple monopoly utility situations in Wisconsin. These monopolies require extra scrutiny to ensure fair practices and reasonable rates, but the PSC's limited resources may hinder its ability to provide comprehensive oversight.
The Importance of Advocacy
Given these challenges, the role of advocacy groups and public engagement becomes crucial. Organizations like the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) play a vital role in representing consumer interests and providing additional scrutiny of utility proposals.
The capacity limitations of the PSC necessitate a prioritization of issues. This is where aligned advocacy efforts can make a significant impact by:
1. Highlighting critical concerns that might otherwise be overlooked
2. Providing additional research and analysis to support decision-making
3. Ensuring that equity considerations are not lost in the complex regulatory process
The Wisconsin Public Service Commission plays a vital role in regulating utilities and protecting consumer interests, it faces significant challenges due to its broad responsibilities and limited resources. This reality underscores the importance of public engagement, advocacy, and continued efforts to strengthen the commission's capacity to fulfill its critical mission.
Most recent decisions and outcomes:
The PSC approved rate increases for We Energies and Wisconsin Public Service Corporation, with residential customers seeing electric bill increases of $7.62 and $7.11 per month respectively starting January 1, 2025.
The Commission decided to wait for a Value of Solar Study literature review to be completed before taking further action on net metering policy changes.
The PSC conditionally approved a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for the Nemadji Trail Energy Center, a 625-megawatt natural gas-fired power plant, which was later upheld by the Wisconsin Court of Appeals.
General Contact Information
Public Service Commission of Wisconsin4822 Madison Yards Way
North Tower - 6th Floor Madison, Wisconsin 53705-9100
Phone: (608) 266-5481General toll-free: (888) 816-3831Fax: (608) 266-3957Website: psc.wi.gov
Consumer Inquiries and Complaints
Consumer complaints can be handled most efficiently by the PSC if they are directed to the Consumer Affairs Program.
Please Note
The PSC does NOT regulate cable TV, cellular phones and towers, internet service providers, LP gas, or fuel oil.
Phone: (608) 266-2001 or (800) 225-7729Complaints may also be submitted to the PSC via the Consumer Complaint System. Consumer Complaint System
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