Contact: Renner Barsella, renner.barsella@sierraclub.org
Sierra Club disappointed with WPSC decision to approve proposed WEC Energy’s partial settlement of its rate case
Settlement fails the basic ‘public interest’ test through collecting excessive fees from local customers
MADISON, WI -- Today, the Wisconsin Public Service Commission indicated its intention to approve the proposed settlement in WEC Energy Group’s ongoing rate cases.
In response, Elizabeth Katt Reinders, Deputy Director of Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal Campaign released the following statement:
"In indicating their intention to approve the settlement of these cases without resolving the serious concerns about uneconomic coal units in WEC’s fleet, the commissioners are leaving unaddressed substantial evidence provided by Sierra Club that customers are paying millions in excessive costs to keep aging coal-burning power plants operating, including $75 million more for the South Oak Creek Coal Plant than if the plant were retired.
The settlement that was approved fails the basic ‘public interest’ test. It allows WEC utilities to collect excessive fees from customers, and also leaves unaddressed the question of recovery for upcoming capital investments that will be needed, including complying with the new water pollution permit for the South Oak Creek plant that was finalized just last month.
Sierra Club is disappointed by this decision, and is considering options in this proceeding. We are confident that the information presented here will help guide future conversations about the need for WEC to transition off its uneconomic coal units.
We are looking forward to continuing to discuss with WEC its long term operational decisions in light of the information revealed in this case.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.