The Electric Wire

Latest Episodes:

MEUW Celebrates with Public Power on Parade at the State Capitol Oct 31, 2023

Show notes

As the Municipal Electric Utilities of Wisconsin, or MEUW, celebrated its 95th birthday on October 18, 2023, the organization brought municipal utility leaders from across the state to the State Capitol to share the benefits of public power in their communities. The celebration culminated with a parade around the Capitol Square, with 81 utility bucket trucks showing their public power pride. This podcast episode features several short interviews conducted on-site during MEUW’s day at the Capitol; a quick look at some of the communities represented in the public power bucket truck parade; and, the episode concludes with a sit-down interview with Richard Heinemann, a long-time energy attorney at Boardman Clark representing municipal utilities. **Energy nerds will not want to miss the long-form interview with Richard Heinemann starting at 15:30!** Episode Special Guests • Tim Heinrich, President and CEO, Municipal Electric Utilities of Wisconsin • Jill Weiss, Utilities Director, Stoughton Utilities • George Morrissey, Director of Public Works, Cuba City • Richard Heinemann, Attorney, Boardman & Clark LLP Links from Episode October 2023 Issue of Live Lines Newsletter (MEUW Celebrates 95th Anniversary) https://www.meuw.org//Files/Live%20Lines/2023%20October%20Live%20Lines.pdf Map of Municipal Electric Utilities in Wisconsin https://www.meuw.org/map Electric Wire, Episode 29 - Rooted in Community: Municipal Electric Utilities of Wisconsin https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00s1H5MNYN0&t=592s Key Moments 1:35 – Interview with Tim Heinrich (MEUW) begins 6:19 – Interview with Jill Weiss (Stoughton Utilities) begins 9:00 – Public Power on Parade at the Capitol (about 3 mins 30 seconds) 12:48 -- Interview with George Morrissey (Cuba City) begins 15:30 – Interview with Richard Heinemann (Boardman Clark) begins 19:00 – Founding of municipal utilities/service territories 23:30 – Regulatory issues specific to municipal utilities 30:00 – “Pancaking”(or, stacking) of transmission rates 32:36 – Municipal utility regulation at the local level 36:15 – What is a joint action agency? 41:26 – How are municipal utilities funded? 43:25 – Is it possible to become a public power community today? 48:58 – Richard’s “All the Power” answer

Tours at MGE EV Fast Charging Hub and O’Brien Solar Fields Oct 10, 2023

Show notes

On today’s episode, we are bringing listeners along for two recent, in-person tours hosted by CFC for our members. Our first stop was at Madison Gas and Electric’s fast-charging hub for electric vehicles in downtown Madison, Wisconsin. The fast-charging hub features sixteen fast-charging stalls, including eight Tesla Superchargers. Our next tour stop was at Madison Gas and Electric’s O’Brien Solar Fields just south of Madison in Fitchburg, Wisconsin. The 22-MW O'Brien Solar Fields delivers locally-generated solar energy to large energy users. The episode features subject matter experts from Madison Gas & Electric guiding our tours, including: • Erinn Monroe-Nye – Energy Services and Policy Manager • John Armstrong – Renewable Engineering Manager • Mark Lydon – Senior Account Manager • Jeanne Burns-Frank – Environmental and Sustainability Program Manager Key Moments from the Episode Include: 2:00 – Erinn Details EV Fast Charging Hub 7:34 – Lessons learned during operation of EV Fast Charging Hub 9:20 – Question about managing cars parked at hub 10:19 – Erinn’s “All the Power” Moment (Paving the way for more fast chargers) 11:00 – O’Brien Solar Tour Begins 14:20 – Mark discusses MGE customers receiving power from project 16:28 – Project Development and Leasing with John 18:30 – Jeanne discusses vegetation mix and ideal native plants for solar sites 27:40 – Process of converting sunlight to electricity on site 29:40 – Winter considerations at solar site 31:40 – Land use and benefits to the land 32:41 – John’s “All the Power” Moment (MISO Queue) 33:44 – Mark’s “All the Power” Moment (Energy jargon) 34:55 – Jeanne’s “All the Power” Moment (Energy storage) Find more information about the EV fast charging hub and O’Brien Solar Fields at the Madison Gas & Electric website:

EV Charging Hub: https://www.mge.com/newsroom/news-rel... MG&E Solar Projects: https://www.mge.com/our-environment/g...

Marcus Hawkins discusses his role leading the Organization of MISO States Aug 31, 2023

Show notes

Our special guest Marcus Hawkins, Executive Director, Organization of MISO States (OMS), walks us through some of the day-to-day functions of OMS, how he keeps up with proceedings at the Midwest Independent System Operator (MISO), and his view on the benefits of Regional Transmission Organizations (RTO's). Links from Episode: PSCW’s Strategic Energy Assessment (2028) https://apps.psc.wi.gov/pages/viewdoc.htm?docid=451939 2023 MISO-OMS Resource Adequacy Survey https://cdn.misoenergy.org/20230714%20OMS%20MISO%20Survey%20Results%20Presentation629607.pdf Midwest Independent System Operator (MISO) https://www.misoenergy.org/ Organization of MISO States (OMS) https://www.misostates.org/index.php Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) https://www.ferc.gov/

Cindy Smith discusses public participation and process at the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin Jul 31, 2023

Show notes

Cindy Smith has served as the Chief Legal Counsel at the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin for over a decade and across three administrations. She joins the Electric Wire to discuss her role at the PSCW, ways the public can participate in the PSCW’s deliberative process, and how the energy landscape has changed over the past decade.

Cindy will answer the following questions and more over the course of the episode:

· What should the public know about the process for participating in cases before the PSC? (12:19)

· What are some of the cases of interest to the public that are currently before the Commission or coming up? (27:20)

· How has the energy landscape changed since Cindy started at the Commission and how do those changes impact the work of the PSCW? (30:00)

· What are the most memorable cases that have come through the PSCW during Cindy’s time there? (36:32)

Links from Episode

Public Service Commission of Wisconsin Homepage:

https://psc.wi.gov/Pages/Home.aspx

Public Service Commission of Wisconsin Highlighted Cases:

https://psc.wi.gov/Pages/CommissionActions/HighlightedCases.aspx

Exploring the possibility of pumped hydro energy storage within abandoned mines with Dairyland Power Cooperative and Michigan Tech University Jun 30, 2023

Show notes

Mine storage is a specific form of pumped hydro energy storage that is currently being explored in a partnership between Dairyland Power Cooperative, Michigan Technological University, and Sweden-based Mine Storage.

This episode of the Electric Wire podcast includes executives from Dairyland Power Cooperative, with President and CEO Brent Ridge, and VP of Strategic Growth John Carr, both returning to the podcast to discuss this new possibility for energy storage.

Dr. Timothy Scarlett is an Associate Professor of Archaeology and Anthropology at Michigan Technological University, and he joins the conversation to explain some of the specific considerations when using mines for pumped hydro energy storage.

In the introductions alone, you will learn more about Dairyland’s interest in energy storage options and their plans for how it could complement other new technologies, such as small modular nuclear reactors (SMR’s).

Other highlights from the episode include:

19:00–Dr. Scarlett answers how pumped hydro storage using mines works

25:45–Brent Ridge and John Carr discuss how Dairyland will decide whether or not to move forward with a potential project

28:45–Brent Ridge answers which he thinks we will see first: mine storage for pumped hydro projects or new SMR’s

29:45–Each of the guests discuss the challenges with implementing pumped hydro storage

32:00–Dr. Scarlett discusses a case study demonstrating the capacity for mine storage projects

45:30–Each of the guests discuss what they would do if they had “All the Power” in the industry

Learn more about the recent announcement of the partnership between Dairyland Power Cooperative, Michigan Tech University, and Mine Storage at the following links:

Dairyland Power Cooperative Press Release:
https://dairylandpower.com/dairyland-exploring-pumped-hydro-energy-storage

Michigan Technological University web site:
https://www.mtu.edu/

MTU 2023 Research Magazine story about the idea of PUSH/MineStorage:

https://www.mtu.edu/magazine/2023/stories/mines-new-energy/

Mine Storage web site: https://www.minestorage.com/

Mine Storage concept graphic: https://www.minestorage.com/energy-solution/#mine-storage-concept

Wisconsin Public Radio: https://www.wpr.org/wisconsin-dairyland-energy-utility-converting-abandoned-mines-hydroelectric-generators

Note: Dairyland Power Cooperative is a Founding Member of the Customers First Coalition

Considerations When Installing Solar Power at Your Home or Business May 31, 2023

Show notes

This episode examines some consumer issues associated with residential and commercial solar installations. Potential solar customers have many good options for reputable installers to work with, and by doing due diligence and planning, customers can feel confident they are making a sound investment. Steve Freese, President and CEO, Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association, co-hosts this episode along with Kristin Gilkes, Executive Director, Customers First Coalition. Special guests include: • Michael Domke, Director, Bureau of Consumer Protection; Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection • Leah Samson, Residential Energy Engineer; Madison Gas & Electric Mike and Leah answer the following questions and more during this episode: • What’s driving customers towards installing their own solar? (16:15) • Are there particular issues with door-to-door solar sales? (18:00) • What recourse do customers have if there is a problem with their solar installation? (29:00) • Where should customers considering solar start? (34:00) Links from episode Wisconsin Electric Cooperative News, Steve Freese Column: Contact Your Cooperative Before Making the Call on Solar https://wecnmagazine.com/article/contact-your-cooperative-before-making-the-call-on-solar/ DATCP Consumer Complaint Hotline: 1-800-422-7128 DATCP Solar Buying Tips: https://datcp.wi.gov/Documents/SolarPowerBuyingTips503.pdf DATCP Bureau of Consumer Protection: consumerprotection.wi.gov Energy.gov Homeowners Guide to Going Solar https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/homeowners-guide-going-solar

2023 Power Breakfast, Part 2 (The Role of Nuclear Power in Wisconsin's Energy Mix) Apr 26, 2023

Show notes

We are bringing you event audio from CFC's Power Breakfast in Madison on April 13, 2023, titled "The Role of Nuclear Power in Wisconsin's Energy Mix." This podcast episode, "2023 Power Breakfast, Part 2," covers the second half of the event, featuring remarks from: -Panel Moderator: Ellen Nowak, Former Commissioner, Public Service Commission of Wisconsin Panelists -Tom Content, Executive Director, Citizens Utility Board of Wisconsin -Paul Wilson, Chair, UW-Madison Dept. of Engineering Physics -Emily Pritzkow, Executive Director, Wisconsin Building Trades Council -Jeremy Browning, Vice President, Generation and Power Supply, Dairyland Power Cooperative Our previous podcast episode, "2023 Power Breakfast, Part 1" features remarks from state and federal officials and NEI. WisconsinEye provided full event coverage, and full video of the event can be found by searching for the Customers First Coalition at ⁠wiseye.org⁠ - you will simply need a free account to watch the video. WisconsinEye subscribers can download audio and video from all events WisconsinEye covers and we encourage you to support WisconsinEye by becoming a subscriber! More event coverage can be found at the following links: WisconsinEye: ⁠https://wiseye.org/2023/04/13/customers-first-coalition-the-nuclear-option-new-technologies-new-opportunities-for-wisconsin/ Wisconsin Public Radio: ⁠https://www.wpr.org/nuclear-key-key-cutting-carbon-emissions-combat-climate-change WUWM: ⁠https://www.wuwm.com/2023-04-14/there-seems-to-be-enthusiasm-for-more-nuclear-power-in-wisconsin-but-what-about-the-cost-and-waste WisBusiness: https://www.wisbusiness.com/2023/uw-madison-expert-says-nuclear-tech-at-pivot-point/

2023 Power Breakfast, Part 1 (The Role of Nuclear Power in Wisconsin's Energy Mix) Apr 26, 2023

Show notes

We are bringing you event audio from CFC's Power Breakfast in Madison on April 13, 2023, titled "The Role of Nuclear Power in Wisconsin's Energy Mix." This podcast episode, "2023 Power Breakfast, Part 1," covers the first half of the event, featuring remarks from: - Senator Melissa Agard, Minority Leader, Wisconsin State Senate - Representative Kevin Petersen, Speaker Pro Tempore, Wisconsin State Assembly - Cheryl Moss Herman, Senior Advisor, Department of Energy, Office of Nuclear Energy - Christine Csizmadia, Senior Director of State Outreach, Nuclear Energy Institute Our next podcast episode, "2023 Power Breakfast, Part 2" covers the Industry Perspectives Panel from the second half of the event. WisconsinEye provided full event coverage, and full video of the event can be found by searching for the Customers First Coalition at ⁠wiseye.org⁠ - you will simply need a free account to watch the video. WisconsinEye subscribers can download audio and video from all events WisconsinEye covers and we encourage you to support WisconsinEye by becoming a subscriber! More event coverage can be found at the following links: WisconsinEye: ⁠https://wiseye.org/2023/04/13/customers-first-coalition-the-nuclear-option-new-technologies-new-opportunities-for-wisconsin/ Wisconsin Public Radio: ⁠https://www.wpr.org/nuclear-key-key-cutting-carbon-emissions-combat-climate-change WUWM: ⁠https://www.wuwm.com/2023-04-14/there-seems-to-be-enthusiasm-for-more-nuclear-power-in-wisconsin-but-what-about-the-cost-and-waste WisBusiness: https://www.wisbusiness.com/2023/uw-madison-expert-says-nuclear-tech-at-pivot-point/

Consumer Advocates at Work for Customers Mar 31, 2023

Show notes

Consumer advocates are statutorily-designated organizations that represent the interests of customers before public utility commissions. David Springe, Executive Director, National Association of State Utility Consumer Advocates, and Tom Content, Executive Director, Citizens Utility Board of Wisconsin, join the Electric Wire to discuss more about the role and function of consumer advocate organizations, some of the challenges they face, and ways to keep energy affordable.

Links:

Home - NASUCA

Citizens Utility Board – Your Independent Consumer Voice (cubwi.org)

CUB Tracks on Apple Podcasts

CUB Tracks on Spotify

***

CFC is hosting a Power Breakfast focused on the role nuclear power plays in Wisconsin’s energy generation mix on Thursday, April 13, at the Premier Park Hotel in Madison, Wisconsin. One of this episode’s guests, Tom Content, will sit on an industry panel discussing costs and benefits of new nuclear power.

We’d love to see our Electric Wire listeners at the Power Breakfast! You can register for the Power Breakfast at our EventBrite page, here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/power-breakfast-the-role-of-nuclear-power-in-wis-electric-generation-mix-tickets-574574225977

We will have a special table reserved for Electric Wire listeners!

Special thanks to our event sponsors! “Energy Density” Sponsors include Fredrickson law firm and the Nuclear Energy Institute. “All the Power” sponsors include NuScale Power, Wisconsin Counties Association, and Stafford Rosenbaum LLP.

Commissioner Ellen Nowak Reflects on her time at the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin Feb 28, 2023

Show notes

Commissioner Ellen Nowak joined the Electric Wire podcast to reflect back on her 11 years at the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, as her term comes to a close on March 1, 2023. Nowak joined episode co-hosts Sen. Julian Bradley (R-Franklin), Chair of Wisconsin's Senate Committee on Utilities and Technology, and CFC Executive Director Kristin Gilkes to recall memories from the past decade at the PSCW, including her work on issues such as modeling and educating about the impacts of the proposed Clean Power Plan, Economic Development Rates, overseeing the Focus on Energy program, cyber security issues, NARUC leadership, and much more.

Interview begins just before the 5:00 mark.

Links mentioned in the episode:

NARUC Resolution:

https://pubs.naruc.org/pub/64709C9B-1866-DAAC-99FB-CE1E322EBACF?_gl=1*qvn4o7*_ga*MTI3NTY0MjgwMS4xNjc3MTg5MjUw*_ga_QLH1N3Q1NF*MTY3NzE4OTI1MC4xLjEuMTY3NzE4OTI1My4wLjAuMA

Electric Wire podcast, Episode 9 – Utility Regulation and Protecting Customers (with Commissioner Ellen Nowak)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5szygleajsI&t=618s