WUA State Report – 2016,
USGO
A Legislative Perspective
“If you’re not at the table…”
“…you’re on the menu”
"Just because you do not take an interest in
politics doesn't mean politics won't take an
interest in you." -- Pericles, 430 B.C
• Many bills affecting utilities
• Over 36 individual proposals
• WUA took active positions on
13 of those 36 bills; and
• We prevailed 13 out of 13
times: Teamwork!
Strategic Landscape
GOP controls State Assembly,
63-36
GOP controls State Senate,18-15
GOP Governor Scott Walker
GOP-appointed 3-Member Public
Service Commission to
staggered 6-year terms
Playing Defense
• 30% RPS for state facilities;
• Eliminate current 10% RPS;
• Create new state agency devoted to
implementing programs for
developing renewables; and
• Grant a “pocket veto” to the
Legislature to require active
legislative approval of rulemakings,
including federal rules.
We prevented passage of all of these
proposals.
Playing Offense
• Exempt out of state utility workers from
state & local taxes, fees and permits to
restore service during a declared
emergency;
• Repeal Nuclear Moratorium;
• Create new crime of intentional utility
property trespass with intent to
substantially damage;
• Require locals to convey gas line easements
if PSC issues a CA;
• Maintain PSC positions at current levels to
ensure timely service; and
• Improve worker safety by prohibiting cell
phone use in traffic construction zones.
All of these proposals passed.
Looking Ahead to 2017-18
• Retail Choice;
• Industrial Rate Relief: Require offer of RTMP for
existing load;
• Require PSC to consider least-cost for G&T
projects and extend to non-union contractors;
• Require full retail buyback rates for rooftop
solar;
• Repeal RPS; and
• Increase RPS
Most of these are not yet proposed but
many were submitted as comments in the
Strategic Energy Assessment.