Volume 75, Issue 9
September 2026
Debate over data centers continues to dominate he
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ata centers are everywhere in the news right now, and ers to carry 100 percent of their costs. The three -person Comfor good reason. Many projects are planned or under mission — all of whom were appointed by Democrat Gov. Tony construction across the country, including here in Wis- Evers — said it needed to do everything within its jurisdiction consin. The projects are backed by hundreds of billions of dol- “to make sure data center customers will pay their own way, fully lars in investment from the biggest tech companies in the world. and transparently, [so] other customers will be held harmless. ” The massive facilities are designed to power not just artificial In May, the PSC approved an individual rate agreement beintelligence (AI), butpretty much everything that happens tween Wisconsin Power and Light Co. (part of Alliant Energy) online — from your streaming to your email and cloud storage. and Meta— the major technology company that owns popular The debates happening in communities throughout Wisconsin social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, among are healthy and necessary, and’sitimportant to stay on top of others— which is constructing a roughly $1 billion data center what the outcomes mean for locally -owned utilities. campus in Beaver Dam. The PSC’s decision also directed the
Several questions that utility to take a different approach moving forward: Future cusdominated the 2025 tomers at 100 MW or more get standard rates, not negotiated conversation in Wiscontracts. PSC Chair Summer Strand used the occasion to obconsin have since ject to a“black-box approach that includes nondisclosure agreebeen answered, at ments [and] heavily redacted filings, ” and said the lack of transleast in part, and parency“is hurting not helping” the debate over data centers. those answers came Meanwhile, Xcel Energy filed its own version in June at the from regulators rather same threshold. Another IOU, Madison Gas and Electric than lawmakers. (MGE), followed in July, telling the PSC it expects loads of that Some issues related to size and that the moratoria enacted in its communities “offer data centers have not This artist rendering shows the700,000MGE and the Commission a timely opportunity to establish square-foot data center facility currently moved at all, and one electric rate structures before these loads materialize, rather under construction on 570 acres, visible has become the most than after costs or obligations have already been incurred. ” from U.S. Highway 151, in Beaver Dam consequential con(from Meta news release) Continued on page 2 straint on any largeload project in the state. The difficulty is not a shortage of infor— INSIDE THIS MONTH ’S ISSUE — mation, it’s keeping up with the latest decision. The first question many utility operators would ask “Who is, pays for the new capacity? ” Across four proceedings this spring and summer, the Public Service Commission (PSC) drew a line. In April, the PSC approved Very Large Customer and Bespoke Resources tariffs for the state ’s largest investor -owned utility (IOU), Wisconsin Electric Power Company (which does business as We Energies), lowering the threshold from a proposed 500 megawatts (MW) to 100 MW and requiring those custom-
George Morrissey is retiring from Cuba City this month Page 3 Control of Wisconsin Legislature up for grabs this November Page 4 Members’ News Page 5
MEUW News Monitor Page 6 Wisconsin Utility News Digest Page 8 Submit ideas for topics at 2027 Electric Operations Conference & Expo Page 10
Municipal Electric Utilities of Wisconsin ’s mission is to strengthen and unify community -owned utilities . Since 1928, MEUW has been the trade association for Wisconsin ’s 81 public power communities and is affiliated with the American Public Power Association (APPA) — www.publicpower.org
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Live Lines | September 2026 — Page 2 of 10
Continued from page 1
pus in Port Washington. The PSC’s vote is not a denial. It closes the case While each of those cases involved an and sends ATC back to file again from IOU, none of those companies are rethe beginning, just months before the sponsible to write a community ’s zoning or its development agreement. But on the company had planned to break ground narrow question of who absorbs the cost on the new transmission lines.
airwaves are filled with ads attacking the gubernatorial candidate ’s stances on data centers. What happens next won ’t be cleared up until the new governor and legislature take office in January 2027.
The practical consequence is that there is of new capacity, the state regulatory body Port Washington has had an organized no statewide framework, and there likely responsible has now answered (on the fight over the campus there for a year, won’t be one for a while. The rules a comrecord) four times, and that record is including a first-inmunity operates under available to any community having the the-nation referenare the rules it writes As regulators and lawmakers conversation locally. dum in April (passed for itself. debate data centers, no with roughly 66 perThe water question has moved as well, That vacuum explains statewide framework exists, cent support) that though not in the direction most coverwhy a string of Wisconand there likely won’t be age suggests. The case against data cen- required voter apsin municipalities and one for a while. The rules a ters on water rests largely on evaporative proval for large tax counties have reached community operates under incremental districts. cooling, and the largest operators are for the one tool fully are the rules it writes for itself. Nevertheless, that ’s leaving it behind. Microsoft says every within their control, facility it designed after August 2024 uses not what regulators enacting moratoriums. a closed loop, filled once and then recir- acted on. CommisDane and Manitowoc Counties, along with sion Chair Strand was careful to say the a number of individual communities culated, and Oracle published the same — PSC “is not opposed or hostile to data commitment in February of this year. including Wisconsin Rapids— are weighcenters, construction, generation, [or] Two things keep those large tech compa- transmission.” Instead, she described an ing options or have already hit pause on data center development — for now. nies’ commitments from settling the application revised so many times that matter. Closed-loop cooling trades water staff could not evaluate it, calling“a “A moratorium is almost never a comit for electricity, putting the load back on cautionary tale of when unrealistic and munity’s goal,” Crain said. “It is what a the grid. And the industry has not yet community reaches for when it has no unreasonable speed -to-power expectaconverted its original systems. Most facil- tions collide with a deliberative regula- framework, no process and no trusted ities still cool with water, the new designs way to talk to its residents. It is the blunt tory process.” arrive with new construction rather than instrument elected officials reach for beretrofits, and a one -time fill at hyperscale Observers point to the Port Washingcause the precise ones were never built. ” ton data center development as a wake volume is still worth sizing for. up call. Rob Crain, owner of Nasc Con- With no statewide framework on the What has not changed is the timeline, horizon, the useful preparation happens sulting, which advises Wisconsin comand that is where the real constraint sits. munities on large-project readiness, before a proposal arrives, not after. Connecting a hyperscale facility typically said, “There is a loud, local fight in Port “Almost none of the useful preparation is requires new high -voltage transmission Washington, and the Commission did expensive,” he said.“It is deciding what and substations. The 2026 Global Data not rule on any of it. Those are two sep- confidentiality terms you will accept, who Center Outlook published by JLL, a lead- arate tracks, and that reality can be a makes up your advisory team, and what ing firm focused on commercial real essurprise to those who aren ’t keeping an your officials will say when somebody tate and investment management, puts eye on the full range of issues. ” asks at the grocery store. Those are decithe national average wait time at roughly sions, not studies. ” The state legislature, meanwhile, did not four years. Where the grid is tight, the fill the gap. Assembly Bill 840, which For MEUW member communities, the building goes up faster than the power would have required closed -loop coolnear-term work is narrower and mostly can be secured to operate it. ing and annual water -use reporting to fact-based. Know the actual capacity of Wisconsin now has a case that makes the DNR, passed the Assembly in Janu- the system. Understand what expanding the point concrete. In August, the Comary and died with the session in March, it would cost, and who would pay. Find mission voted unanimously to revoke without reaching the Senate floor. A out where the interconnection queue the completeness determination it had proposed ban on local -government stands before somebody else describes it. issued in December 2025 for ATC’s nondisclosure agreements died in com- None of that requires a proposal on the Ozaukee County project, the build -out mittee. Despite all the headlines, lawtable, and it most certainly will be cheapof more than $1.3 billion meant to serve makers took no action on data centers er to have the information in hand before the Oracle, OpenAI, and Vantage camin the most recent session. And now, the one arrives.
Live Lines | September 2026 — Page 3 of 10
Cuba City’s Morrissey reflects on career, upcoming retirem
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ome people have a way of leaving a mark on everyone they meet. George Morrissey is one of those people. Later this month, he is retiring as Cuba City Light & Water’s Director of Public Works (DPW). We recently sat down with him to chat about his career, community, and membership.
I also went through the Electric Line Apprenticeship Program at Chippewa Valley Technical College and eventually became a Lead Lineman for Shullsburg Utilities.
MEUW and WPPI Energy I’ve been lucky enough to find myself in places and working is so important? alongside people who are a lot A: I truly believe being an smarter than me. You can call active member of MEUW on them for help and opinions, and WPPI is an important ’ll call on part of building and support- and sometimes they ing the municipal utility com- you, too. Five years later, the DPW position in Cuba City opened munity. Dan Hornung, a wise That’s what makes a strong up, and I was selected based utility commissioner from organization and a strong comManitowoc, once honored me munity — people sharing what on my practical experience — and possibly also because of by saying,“You bring somethey know and being willing to thing we need. ” Q: You often greet people with my gift of gab! learn from one another. “Aloha.” What does that I really believe every member Q: What are your plans once Q: What made you realize mean to you? you had made the right career has something that the collec- you are retired? tive needs. I encourage all A: Aloha means hello, goodchoice? A: Stay tuned! ’m I waiting for members— from utilities bye and love, but’sit also a A: As my wife, Tammy, somebody to tell me. I hope to large and small— to get deeper cultural way of living in and I grew our family, travel— we hope to have the involved and bring your Hawaii, based on kindness, welcoming our daughability to experience all seven skills, energy, and voices unity and respect. Hawaii is a ters Grace in 2001 continents and enjoy life. Both to the table. place I love, and the Aloha and Faith in 2002, it my daughters are at UW – spirit is something I believe in confirmed that I had I did that myself Madison: Faith is in physical strongly. I’ve tried to infuse made the right by becoming therapy school, and Grace is that spirit into my daily work life and cainvolved with starting veterinary school. and life. the Execureer choice. We’ll see what happens next! tive ComQ: Tell us a little about your Working Q: Finally, one more note mittees earlier years. for a muabout your use of “Aloha” of both nicipal A: I was born into a large and “Mahalo. ” Why do you MEUW utility farming family in Shullsburg, do that? and WPPI. where everyone was expected gave me But participa- A: I say Aloha(“hello”) and the opto work from dawn to dusk — Mahalo— which means tion can take and there was plenty of work portunity “thank you” or “gratitude”— many forms— to be there to go around. Between the attending meet- because I genuinely mean crops, cattle and rock quarry, for their them. But it also helps grab ings, networkgames and time off was practically unpeople’s attention! ing, providing heard of, and going to school events. It feedback, or Sometimes, a simple greeting also gave was considered a luxury. All are welcome for simply taking starts a conversation or even a me the Farming is a 24/7/365 profespart in the what promises to be an relationship. chance to sion, and I decided I wanted discussion. “Absolut -ly good time ” really focus I encourage everyone to take something different out of life. on commucelebrating George ’s the time to express themselves Q: What adretirement. Join the fun nity — inQ: How did you get started in in their own way. Be genuine. vice would on Saturday, Sept. 12, cluding the the municipal utility industry ? Be memorable. Find your own you give to from 1:00−5:00 p.m. Aloha! You need to leave your other utility A: In 1997, I was selected for a municipal utility comat Hindu ’s Corner Bar mark, whatever that may be. leaders and job as a Water Operator with munity. The biggest waste of talent is in Cuba City. Guests members? the City of Shullsburg. While I — are encouraged to wear A: The ability what we never hear or see was there, I earned my adQ: Why do participate and show what you their favorite Hawaiian to sit back, vanced water certification liyou believe have to offer. Collectively, we attire to honor George ’s observe, liscense on my own time and at involveare stronger and more well ten, and learn customary style choice. my own expense. ment in informed as one! is key.
Live Lines | September 2026 — Page 4 of 10
Control of Wisconsin Legislature up for grabs this Novem Labor Day is right and Republicans will need to win two of around the corner, kids those races to come back with a one are getting back to vote margin. Let’s take a look at the canschool, and it’s an evendidates in these hotly contested races numbered year in Wisthat are getting a lot of attention. consin, so that means WI-5 Senate District one thing— election Currently held by Sen. Rob Hutton (Rseason is upon us! I realize ’sit probably Brookfield), who is not seeking reelecfelt like the last one never ended, but tion, this now-open seat has Republican that’s the reality of living in a politically divided state. This was one of the craziest Mike Roberts, a healthcare professional and small- business owner, facing off primaries, with a virtually uncontested Republican primary for governor leading against state Rep. Robyn Vining (DWauwatosa). This suburban Milwaukee to Rep. Tom Tiffany advancing to the November general election. Meanwhile, district now includes Brookfield, Elm Grove, Pewaukee, and parts of Wauthere was a wide range of competition watosa and West Allis. This area of the among the Democrats— with political views ranging from far-left to moderate to state that has been trending toward Democrats in recent elections and is a establishment. Leading candidates abandoned their campaigns and the eventual true 50/50 district. winner, Milwaukee County Executive WI-17 Senate District David Crowley dropped out, then got Incumbent Sen. Howard Marklein (Rback in, and ultimately won by the narSpring Green), who was first elected to rowest of margins, thanks in large part to the State Assembly in 2010 and has repa late endorsement from two - term Gov. resented this district Tony Evers. in the State Senate
WI-21 Senate District Sen. Van Wanggaard (R-Racine) is not seeking reelection after this district in southeastern Wisconsin was significantly redrawn in 2024. The race has Republican Jim Croft, a businessman from Franklin, running against Democrat Trevor Jung, a former Racine City Councilman and the city’s current transit director. The 21st includes part of the City of Racine, Caledonia, Franklin, Glendale, and Hales Corners, and is one where Republicans have had a slight advantage in recent years, but trends have been looking better for Democrat candidates, making this another truly 50/50 district.
WI-31 Senate District Sen. Jeff Smith (D-Brunswick) served two terms in the State Assembly from 2006-2010 before being elected to the State Senate in 2018. As the incumbent, he’s facing off against Republican since 2015, is facing I will share more Michele Magadance Skinner, an Eau off against state Rep. about the governor ’s Claire County Board Supervisor and Jenna Jacobson (Drace next month, informer small business owner. The disOregon), who was cluding some insights trict, which includes Chippewa Falls, Eau elected to the State Claire, Menomonie, and the public powabout what both canAssembly in 2023. didates are saying Democrats would need to gain er community of Cadott, has been very The 17th is a priabout energy and utili- five Assembly seats but only “swingy” the past few election cycles, marily rural district ty issues. This month, two Senate seats to take control voting for President Obama in 2008 and in southwest Wislet’s focus on the battle of one legislative chamber 2012 before swinging to favor President consin that includes Trump more recently. Sen. Smith won for control of the state legislature. Republicans currently hold a Dodgeville, Platteville, Prairie du Chien, 50.4 percent of the vote in the 2022 race, 54-45 advantage in the Wisconsin State and a large number of public power and the 31st is viewed as a 50/50 district Assembly, and while there is a chance communities, including Argyle, Belthat’s elected Republicans at the top of that Democrats could win enough races mont, Benton, Boscobel, Brodhead, the ticket and Democrats down ballot. to take back the Assembly, their best path Cuba City, Fennimore, Hazel Green, to winning a legislative majority comes in Mount Horeb, Muscoda, New Glarus, the State Senate, where Republicans cur- and Shullsburg. This is a district where rently hold a three -seat advantage (18 the prior years’ top of ticket numbers 15). The ballot this fall has four seats that favor Democrats, but where Republiwill determine who controls the upper cans have outperformed in state legislaTyler Vorpagel is MEUW’s Director of chamber— three currently held by Retive races to win this seat. Legislative and Regulatory Relations. He publicans and one held by a Democrat — can be reached at tvorpagel@meuw.org
Live Lines | September 2026 — Page 5 of 10
Upcoming Member Roundtable City of New Lisbon recently added to their team: sessions great for networking The Cindy Suzda has been hired as City Clerk/Treasurer, MEUW member utilities routinely report that one of the most valuable aspects of their membership is networking with other members. MEUW will host five informal Member Roundtable sessions around the state this fall to give local utility leaders a chance to connect and network on topics of interest to public power. Make plans for you and your Commissioners or Board Members to attend one of the half -day sessions planned and receive updates about association happenings and participate in roundtable discussions. Planned locations and dates are:
and Dale Bowser recently started as Journeyman Line Technician. Dale previously worked at Wisconsin Dells Water & Light Utility.
Send us your news! Tell MEUW about new hires, promotions, retirements, honors, and awards, so those tidbits can be shared in MEUW member communications. Simply send an email to news@meuw.orgto share your news.
Tuesday, Sept. 29: Bloomer ◼ Thursday, Oct. 8: Clintonville ◼ Wednesday, Sept. 30: Juneau ◼ Thursday, Oct. 15: Richland Center ◼ Thursday, Oct. 1: Hartford ◼
All MEUW members are welcome, and there is no cost to attend. The sessions may be especially valuable for governing board members who don ’t often have a chance to connect with and hear about operations in other public power communities. While the Roundtables have been organized in locations that are central to MEUW’s districts, members are invited to attend at the location and on the date that works best for them. Lunch will be provided. Advance registration is required. Each session will begin at 9 a.m. and wrap up by 1 p.m. Registration is availablehere.
Hands -on learning goes to new heights: Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) instructors and their 2nd year Electric Line Worker Apprenticeship class recently replaced an 80-foot light pole on the football field at Suring High School in Oconto County. The unique assignment was a great learning experience for the apprentices from 17 municipal utilities, who were among the 22 students assisting with the project.
Public Power Week is Oct. 4 -10, 2026 Our industry celebrates Public Power Week the first full week of October every year to help customers and stakeholders understand how they can better engage with their community-owned utility and benefit from all it has to offer. Resources are available online to help your utility take part in the annual celebration. New social media tools, promotional materials, and customizable assets will be available at publicpower.org. Call the MEUW Office at (608) 837 -2263 with questions.
Live Lines | September 2026 — Page 6 of 10
Affordability is focus of Sept. 15cept. Join your peers for this class in Customers First Coalition forum Mauston on Tuesday, Sept. 22. Details
It’s time for suppliers to renew their Associate Membership!
and registration are located here. An annual forum bringing together policyHaving strong connections to vital supmakers, energy leaders, and stakeholders isRegister today for Accounting ply lines is essential for municipal utility set for Tuesday, Sept. 15, in Madison. This & Customer Service Seminar operations. MEUW Associate Members year’s Customers First Coalition“Power are suppliers and service providers who This annual seminar draws municipal Breakfast” will focus on energy affordabilhave paid membership dues in support utility staff from across Wisconsin with ity, with a keynote presentation by Dr. of those connections. During the a focus on accounting and customer Destenie Nock, an Associate Professor at month of September, current members service topics. Attendees receive upCarnegie Mellon University and Founder dates on regulatory rules and legislation who renew their membership will also and CEO of Peoples Energy Analytics. She affecting their utilities and compare receive priority access to register for the is a leading voice in energy affordability, best practices to improve their opera2027 Electric Operations Conference & equity, and systems modeling. Her piotions. MEUW ’s Accounting and CusExpo, giving them the best opportunity neering research provides critical frame- tomer Service Committee assists to select the table location of their works for understanding energy burden MEUW staff in putting together the choice (space permitting). Priority regbeyond traditional metrics, and offers valu-day’s program to address industry topistration for 2025 - 26 Associate Memable insights for utility policy and regulato- ics. This year’s seminar is planned for bers is open through Sept. 30. Registrary design. Dr. Nock’s presentation will be Wednesday, Sept. 23, in Mauston. Adtion for first-time and lapsed Associate followed by an expert panel exploring ditional information and registration Members will open Oct. 1. Full details practical solutions to maintain affordability details are availablehere. about the benefits of Associate Memwhile supporting reliability, economic bership renewal can be found here. Utility Planning and Risk growth, and long -term investment in the The Associate Member year runs from state's electric system. Registration here is . Management class set for Oct. 7 Oct. 1−Sept. 30 each year. An upcoming session in MEUW's profesBrush up on the Basics of sional development programming — Electric Rate Setting Fundamentals of Utility Management — Plan ahead for December Support your utility's success by underwill focus on utility planning and risk seminar on coaching others standing the fundamentals of electric rate management. The one - day training is led Commit to your own leadership developsetting. This class is for anyone who wants by Dave Krause, an ment by attending Leading Through to understand the different components experienced engineer Coaching, a one-day class that focuses on and considerations involved in the process, and regular presenter at the importance of effective coaching as and is especially helpful for those new to MEUW events. He will an essential leadership skill for utility the utility industry. Utility commissioners explain the basics of stra leaders. Participants will take away pracand elected officials are welcome to attend.tegic and operational planTaught by a seasoned instructor, this tical ideas they can apply to set a good ning, why planning matcourse will cover the cost -of-service proters, and how well -thought-out plans and example, develop their employees and get cess, rate design and principles, and specialcareful assessments of risks can contributethe most from individuals and their rate provisions. Whether you're a munici- to long-term success. The class will be teams. Part of MEUW’s professional depal utility employee or member of a gov- held in Mauston on Wednesday, Oct. 7. velopment programming, this class will erning body, don't miss this chance to en- Registration and details about the class be held in Mauston on Wednesday, Dec. sure you know this important utility con- and instructor can be found here. 2. Details and registration are here.
Live Lines | September 2026 — Page 7 of 10
MEUW Employee Spotlight: Mike Czuprynko marking 10 yea This article is part of a series of employee spotlights to help members learn more about the people of MEUW.
Mike Czuprynko , Director of Operations and Safety Services, is a familiar face to many of our members. His outgoing presence is hard to miss, whether he’s interacting at a conference or coordinating a mutual aid response. He has been with MEUW for 10 years, first serving as Manager of Safety Services before becoming Director of Safety Services and Operations in May 2023. Mike graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater with a bachelor ’s degree in occupational and environmental health and safety, and a minor in coaching. Prior to joining MEUW, he worked for Charter Manufacturing, which is headquartered just outside Milwaukee. He started at the company ’s cold-rolling steel facility, and later move to their auto division, where he managed safety and environmental programs globally, including locations in the United Kingdom and China. The position
required regular overseas travel. Seeking to stay closer to home, in 2014, he took a job in Portage with Encapsys, a business partner for Procter and Gamble that micro encapsulated scents and perfumes for laundry products. He was hired by MEUW on Sept. 14, 2016. and today oversees the association’s I’d eat that … ” Chicago -style hot safety compliance program offered to - the-job dogs, Italian beef, Maxwell Street municipalities as well as the on training program offered to utility line Polish (sandwich) ” workers. He represents MEUW members Best new thing … “ Internet in cars as part of the American Public Power and trucks, because kids ’t know don Association (APPA) Mutual Aid Comhow to just look out the windows! ” mittee that coordinates national public Bring back …” Car keys that actually power mutual aid efforts, including the most recent response to help Lakeland go into the ignition ’re so you not stuck Electric recover from the devastation when the fob fails or the battery dies, Milton caused in Florida in and then you have to get a new fob Hurricane for October 2024. He also has responsibility $350 even after you replaced the for the general operations of the associabattery … ask me how I know. ” tion, including maintaining the office Favorite game … ” Golf, Battleship ” facility, and managing equipment and technology needs. Motivated…by” Helping people, Mike currently lives in Cato, and enjoys whether’sita mutual aid event hunting, fishing, boating, and golfing or outside of work. ” with his sons Vince, 11, and Blake, 9.
Fun Facts about Mike:
Live Lines | September 2026 — Page 8 of 10
President declares National Emergency to secure-power U.S. bulk system
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resident Donald Trump signed Executive Order (EO) 14420– Declaring a National Emergency to Secure the United States Bulk-Power System, which would limit the importation of foreign -produced bulk-power system electric equipment. The EO was signed on Aug. 26; the full text can be found here, and a fact sheet from the White Househere is .
In determining whether equipment is within the scope of the EO, the Energy Secretary is authorized to consider “associated software and firmware, remote access capabilities, lifecycle maintenance and update mechanisms, and other supply chain dependencies. ” It is also notable that the EO specifically states that “items not listed in the definition of bulk -power system electric equipment or that have broader application beyond the bulk-power system unrelated to the national security concerns identified in this order are outside the scope of this order. ”
High -Level Summary The EO finds that the use of foreign bulk -power system electric equipment constitutes an “unusual and extraordinary threat ” to national security and bans its importation. The Secretary of En- Actions in President Trump ’s First Term ergy is directed to identify the specific equipment and manufac- In his first term, President Trump issued a similar order. After the original EO was signed, the Department of Energy (DOE) turers(“covered foreign entities ”) that should be subject to the “understand the energy prohibition within 120 days. The secretary is authorized to makeissued a request for information (RFI) to industry’s current practices to identify and mitigate vulnerabiliexceptions or impose conditions to the use or importation of equipment on a case -by-case basis. Before doing so, the secretary ties in the supply chain for components of the bulk power sys-based apis directed to“consider the effects on reliability and safety, the tem.” APPA responded, asking DOE to take a risk proach that was cost -conscious and had a national defense straavailability of secure replacements, and the continuity of essential tegic focus. In December 2020, then -Secretary of Energy Dan service, and may establish a phased compliance. ” Brouillette issuedan orderprohibiting utilities that supply critiThe EO defines“bulk-power system ” and “bulk-power system cal defense facilities from procuring specific electric equipment electric equipment ” broadly. Notably, the EO specifies that, for from China. Upon taking office, President Joe Biden suspended the purposes of the order, the definition of bulk -power system and then revokedthe DOE order, and issued a separate RFI, includes“transmission lines rated at 69 kV or more, but does not which APPA also responded to, as part of what it characterized include facilities used in the local distribution of electric energy. ” as a“larger and coordinated effort. ”
Application for ATC transmission project must start process over
Oracle drops challenge to new safeguards for data centers
The three-person Public Service CommisWithout explanation, tech giant Oracle sion of Wisconsin (PSC) voted unanimously on Aug. 17 dropped its lawsuit challengon Aug. 6 to revoke the“completeness ing Wisconsin utility regulators’ new determination” for a proposed transmisfinancial safeguards for large data cension project to serve a data center campus ters. Earlier this year, the PSC ordered being developed in Port Washington.The We Energies’ rate structure that would decision came after ATC submitted more require developers with credit ratings than 500 amendments to its application for below certain levels to provide cash or the roughly $1 billion project that seeks to lines of credit, protecting customers if add and rebuild transmission lines and projects close before utility investments construct five new substations across five are recovered. Oracle is developing a counties. Commissioners said the extensive $15 billion AI campus in Port Washingrevisions made the proposal a“moving ton with OpenAI and Vantage, and artarget” and prevented them from adegued the rule could cost it $100 million quately evaluating its economic, environannually and discourage investment. mental, and public impacts. The decision The PSC, Clean Wisconsin and the Citidoes not mean the project has been reject- zens Utility Board welcomed the dismised, and ATC has the option to submit a sal, saying the safeguards appropriately new application. shield ratepayers from financial risk.
Public asked to provide input about new transmission project Developers of a $1.2 billion transmission project being planned across southern Wisconsin have begun public meetings. The 190-mile, 765-kilovolt Bell Center– Columbia –Sugar Creek–Illinois/Wisconsin State Line Project, or BECI, would run from Crawford County through Walworth County to the state line. Midcontinent Grid Solutions, a joint venture of Transource Energy and BHE Transmission, is developing the project for completion by June 1, 2034. Its proposed “Guyed-Y” structures are designed to reduce right-of-way and environmental impacts. No final route has been chosen, and developers are gathering public input. Some landowners have raised concerns about effects on farms, property values, land use, and potential noise.
Live Lines | September 2026 — Page 9 of 10
Collaboration = Energy savings and community imp A recent project at Pine Haven Christian Communities demonstrates how collaboration among local utilities, Focus on Energy, contractors, and customers can translate energy -saving opportunities into meaningful community impact. Pine Haven operates senior -living communities in Sheboygan County, including facilities served by Sheboygan Falls Utilities. Because lighting is critical to maintaining safe, comfortable, and welcoming spaces for residents and staff, and often operates for long hours, upgrading aging lighting Comprehensive Lighting Upgrade offered a significant opportunity to reRather than simply replacing a handful duce energy use. of bulbs, Pine Haven upgraded lighting “As a nonprofit with multiple campuses, throughout its facilities using a combination of high-efficiency LED technol[we are] always looking for innovative ogy and controls. Improvements inways to manage operating costs more efficiently,” said Maintenance Manager cluded: Phillip Gabrielse.“Rising energy expens- ◼ Replacing older fluorescent fixtures with complete LED fixtures. es made it clear that implementing modern efficiency upgrades would deliver ◼ Replacing incandescent, CFL, and meaningful financial benefits. ” HID downlights with LED downlights. Working in partnership with Sheboygan Falls Utilities and Focus on Energy, Pine ◼ Replacing fluorescent lamps with tubular LED (TLED) lamps. Haven moved forward with a comprehensive lighting project. Werner Electric ◼ Replacing exterior HID lamps with LED lamps. Supply served as the contractor, while Pine Haven worked closely with Focus ◼ Installing daylighting controls that on Energy Advisor Mark Garrigan, who adjust lighting based on available provided technical guidance and helped natural light. the organization navigate available ener- ◼ Using occupancy sensors that reduce gy-saving opportunities and rebates. unnecessary lighting when spaces are unoccupied. Staff and residents have been pleased with the results, Gabrielse said. Common Together, these upgrades allow Pine areas are brighter and more pleasant Haven to use less electricity while thanks to modern LED lighting that remaintaining the bright, comfortable quires far less maintenance, while new environment that residents and staff occupancy and daylighting controls ena- rely on every day. ble smarter energy use. Nearly $14,000 in Incentives Focus on Energy provided Pine Haven with nearly $14,000 in rebates to help MEUW provides Focus on Energy the opportunity to regularly contribute content offset the upfront cost of the improvements. Since completing the upgrades, to L IVE L INES because of the organizations ’ Pine Haven has realized significant shared support of municipal utilities.
energy cost savings, freeing up dollars that can instead support the organization’s mission of serving its residents. The project is expected to save nearly 110,000 kilowatt -hours (kWh) in its first year alone. To put that into perspective, that ’s roughly equivalent to the electricity used by about 10 average U.S. homes for an entire year. The long-term impact is even greater. Over the expected life of the installed equipment, Pine Haven is projected to save approximately 1.7 million kWh of electricity, roughly equivalent to the electricity used by more than 150 average U.S. homes for a year. Those reductions translate into lasting operational savings while also reducing demand on the local electric system. And Pine Haven’s energy-saving efforts aren’t stopping with lighting. “More projects, including heating and cooling upgrades, are planned at all three residential campuses, ” Gabrielse said. “Pine Haven is excited to see how bright its energy-saving future will get. ” Pine Haven’s success also highlights the value of connecting municipal utility customers with the resources available through Focus on Energy. Through Sheboygan Falls Utilities’ partnership with the program, local customers can access financial incentives and technical expertise that help turn energy -saving opportunities into completed projects. For Pine Haven, the benefits are clear: lower operating expenses, improved lighting for residents and staff, and significant energy savings that will continue for years to come. For municipal utilities, the project demonstrates how a conversation with a customer about aging equipment or rising energy costs can open the door to meaningful improvements with lasting benefits for both the customer and the community.
Live Lines | September 2026 — Page 10 of 10
Submit ideas for topics and presenters at 2027 Electric Operations Conference & Expo The annual gathering of municipal utility and electric cooperative employees from across Wisconsin is set for Jan. 13−14, 2027, and event organizers are working to identify topics and presenters to make the event informative and worthwhile for all who attend. The focus of the 2027 event is resilience and reliability — hallmarks of energy service.
MEUW is pleased to promote job openings with its member utilities across Wisconsin. New positions are regularly added to our website — check them out here or use your smartphone to scan the QR code below . Here are some current opportunities available:
Utilities, suppliers, and consultants are invited to submit ideas they can present to conference attendees during a large-group general session (30 minutes or less). This is an opportunity to showcase a project or share important insights by presenting information about a compelling and relevant topic of interest to leaders in utility operations. The “Call for Presenters” form is available here. The deadline to submit an idea is Friday, Sept. 11.
Lake Mills Light & Water Street Maintenance Worker Water Operator
EOCE27 will take place at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells. The trade show is planned for Thursday, Jan. 14, beginning at 9:30 a.m.
Kaukauna Utilities — Electrical Engineer Rice Lake Utilities Electrical Lineworker Wastewater/Water Operator
When your utility is hiring, be sure to email the job posting to office@meuw.org.
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October 5-9, 2026 In-person or Online Energy Utility Basics is an intensive course of the fundamental concepts critical to being conversant in today's energy industry. Course content is updated yearly as technology, regulation, and markets evolve. WPUI has proudly presented this exceptional course each fall since 1982. 1982. Participants will receive an overview of the history of the electric and natural gas industries, insights into regulatory decision-making, analysis of the current issues facing the energy industry, and more.
Aerial & Underground Power 541 Industrial Blvd New Richmond, WI 54017 P: 651-269-1690 E: carl.moll@tjaderandhighstrom.com W: www.tjaderandhighstrom.com