Wisconsin Administrative Code Public Service Commission
The Wisconsin Administrative Code outlines the rules and regulations governed by various state agencies, including the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW). The PSCW is responsible for regulating public utilities and services in Wisconsin, such as electricity, natural gas, water, and telecommunications, to ensure that they are provided safely, efficiently, and at reasonable rates. Below are several key cases and areas addressed in the Wisconsin Administrative Code concerning the PSCW:
1. Utility Rate Proceedings and Determinations (PSC 2.00 - 2.19)
The PSCW has specific regulations regarding how utilities can request changes to their rates and how these rate requests are evaluated. This ensures that utility services are provided at fair prices, balancing the needs of consumers with the financial sustainability of the utility.
Rate Case Applications: Public utilities seeking to adjust their rates must file a formal application with the PSCW. The application must include detailed information about the utility's costs, investments, and the need for rate changes. The PSC evaluates the financial health of the utility, its operating expenses, and its ability to deliver reliable service.
Public Hearings: In certain rate cases, the PSC may hold public hearings to gather input from consumers, local governments, and other stakeholders. This gives the public an opportunity to express concerns or support for the proposed rate changes.
Rate Design: The PSC reviews the proposed rate structure to ensure that rates are equitable and appropriately reflect the costs of service. The commission must balance the utility’s need for revenue with the protection of consumers from excessive or unfair rate increases.
2. Energy Efficiency Programs (PSC 118)
The PSCW is also tasked with overseeing energy efficiency programs designed to reduce energy consumption and promote sustainable practices. These programs are important for reducing environmental impact and helping consumers lower their utility bills.
Program Approval and Funding: Utilities may submit proposals to implement energy efficiency programs, which may include rebates, incentives, or educational programs to encourage energy savings. The PSCW evaluates these proposals, and once approved, utilities can use ratepayer funds to support these programs.
Evaluation and Reporting: Utilities must report on the effectiveness of their energy efficiency programs, including how much energy has been saved and the cost-effectiveness of the program. The PSCW monitors and audits these programs to ensure they are delivering the expected benefits to consumers.
Program Performance Standards: The PSC sets performance standards to ensure that the energy efficiency programs are achieving measurable results. Utilities are incentivized to meet or exceed these standards, and penalties may be imposed for underperformance.
3. Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) (PSC 112)
One of the key functions of the PSCW is to issue Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) for utilities seeking to build new infrastructure, such as power plants, transmission lines, or natural gas pipelines.
Application Process: Any utility that plans to build new infrastructure or expand its service area must apply for a CPCN from the PSCW. The application includes technical, financial, and environmental information about the proposed project, along with an assessment of its potential impact on the community and the environment.
Public Involvement: The CPCN process often includes public hearings or opportunities for public comment, especially for large projects that may affect local communities. This ensures that stakeholders, including residents, local governments, and environmental groups, have an opportunity to voice concerns.
Approval Criteria: The PSC evaluates the application based on several factors, including the need for the project, the financial viability of the utility, and the potential environmental impact. The utility must demonstrate that the project is in the public interest and necessary for providing reliable service.
4. Telecommunications Regulation (PSC 160)
The PSCW is also responsible for regulating telecommunications services in Wisconsin, including the rates, service quality, and availability of services provided by telephone and internet companies.
Service Quality Standards: The PSC sets service quality standards for telecommunications providers, ensuring that consumers receive reliable service. This includes requirements for minimum response times to service outages, handling consumer complaints, and maintaining adequate network infrastructure.
Rate Regulation: Telecommunications companies must obtain PSC approval for their rates, which can include charges for basic phone service, long-distance calling, internet access, and more. The PSC ensures that rates are fair and that consumers are not subject to unreasonable pricing practices.
Universal Service Fund (USF): The PSC manages the Universal Service Fund, which supports affordable telephone service for low-income households and rural areas. The fund helps ensure that all Wisconsin residents have access to basic telecommunications services, regardless of their income or location.
5. Consumer Complaints and Dispute Resolution (PSC 2.00 - 2.19)
The PSCW provides mechanisms for consumers to file complaints and resolve disputes with utilities regarding service quality, billing issues, and rate disputes.
Filing Complaints: Consumers can file complaints with the PSCW if they believe a utility is not meeting its obligations under state law or the terms of its service agreement. Complaints may be filed online, by mail, or via the PSC’s customer service hotline.
Investigation and Mediation: Once a complaint is filed, the PSC investigates the issue. This could involve reviewing billing records, inspecting service quality, or conducting interviews with the utility. If necessary, the PSC will mediate between the utility and the consumer to reach a resolution. If a resolution cannot be reached, the PSC may issue a formal decision or order.
Penalties for Noncompliance: If the PSC determines that a utility has violated consumer protection regulations or failed to meet its service obligations, it can impose penalties, fines, or other corrective actions.
6. Renewable Energy Standards and Policies (PSC 118, 117)
The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin is responsible for overseeing the development of renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, and biomass, to help meet the state's energy needs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS): Wisconsin has a renewable energy standard that requires utilities to generate a certain percentage of their electricity from renewable sources. The PSC is responsible for ensuring that utilities comply with this standard and that the renewable energy capacity in the state is increasing.
Incentives and Support for Renewable Projects: The PSC offers incentives, rebates, and funding programs to encourage the development of renewable energy projects. This includes support for both large-scale projects like wind farms and small-scale residential or commercial solar installations.
Renewable Energy Credit Trading: Wisconsin utilities can participate in renewable energy credit (REC) trading programs, where they buy and sell credits to meet their renewable energy obligations. The PSC monitors these programs to ensure fairness and compliance with state standards.
These are some of the major regulatory areas that the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin oversees, as outlined in the Wisconsin Administrative Code. The PSC’s role is to ensure the fair and reliable delivery of utility services, protect consumers, and promote the development of renewable energy sources. It balances the needs of utilities, consumers, and the environment while encouraging competition and innovation in the energy and telecommunications sectors.
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