The Electric Wire

Episode 50! The 2024 Power Breakfast featuring Marcus Hawkins, Laurel Peltier, Brent Ridge, and more Sep 30, 2024

Earlier this year we celebrated some of our top episodes of the Electric Wire podcast in person by inviting previous podcast guests to Madison to speak at our annual Power Breakfast.

Thanks to WisconsinEye, we are able to bring Power Breakfast audio and video to our listeners. Please visit wiseye.org to check out more live and archived footage from WisconsinEye and consider making a donation to this free service!

This podcast episode follows the Power Breakfast agenda for speaker order:

- Opening Remarks by Commissioner Marcus Hawkins, Public Service Commission of Wisconsin

- Laurel Peltier, Journalist and Energy Advocate

- Brent Ridge, President and CEO, Dairyland Power Cooperative

- Wisconsin's Energy Providers Panel

- Rep. Lisa Subek, Ranking Member, Assembly Energy & Utilities Committee

Thanks for listening!

Previewing the 2024 Power Breakfast with Justin Chasco Aug 08, 2024

Justin Chasco of Fredrikson & Byron joins the podcast to discuss CFC's upcoming Power Breakfast event, which will celebrate the 50th episode of the Electric Wire podcast. Registration and info about the event can be found here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2024-power-breakfast-the-best-of-the-electric-wire-tickets-923933468877

Overview of Vista Sands Solar Project in Central WI with Jon Baker Jun 28, 2024

Jon Baker, Project Manager of the proposed Vista Sands Solar Project in Central Wisconsin, joins the Electric Wire to discuss the process, opportunities, and challenges that come with siting a large solar project. Read Jon’s recent opinion column highlighting the project, here: https://captimes.com/opinion/guest-columns/opinion-solar-project-furthers-conservation-clean-energy-goals/article_b0e07dba-0ef5-11ef-9435-dba12b87857a.html Register for CFC's August 15, 2024, Power Breakfast, here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2024-power-breakfast-the-best-of-the-electric-wire-tickets-923933468877

Powering Wisconsin with Peder Mewis and Mike Kuglitsch Jun 28, 2024

On Episode 47 of the Electric Wire, we discuss the steps Powering Wisconsin is taking to help include utility-scale renewable energy in Wisconsin’s generation portfolio and the process it takes to get more renewable energy sited here in Wisconsin. Special guests include Peder Mewis, Clean Grid Alliance, and Mike Kuglitsch, Michael Best Strategies LLC, representing Powering Wisconsin. Matthew Spencer, Madison Gas & Electric, co-hosts. Read Peder’s recent Op-Ed on Wisconsin’s energy policies, here: https://captimes.com/opinion/guest-columns/opinion-lawmakers-taking-right-approach-to-renewable-energy/article_668ac7f6-03ed-11ef-8533-7b7ef69acb83.html

Don't forget to register for CFC's Power Breakfast on August 15, 2024, here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2024-power-breakfast-the-best-of-the-electric-wire-tickets-923933468877

Consumer Issues, Data Centers, and Recapping the NASUCA Conference with Tom Content Jun 20, 2024

Tom Content, Executive Director of the Citizens Utility Board of Wisconsin, joins host Kristin Gilkes to recap the recent NASUCA Conference in Madison, WI, and the issues discussed at the conference, such as data centers, transmission, EV buildout, innovative rate designs, and more.

CFC's Power Breakfast on August 15 will highlight key speakers from the Electric Wire podcast as we celebrate our 50th episode. Register here: 2024 Power Breakfast: The Best of the Electric Wire Tickets, Thu, Aug 15, 2024 at 8:15 AM | Eventbrite Key Moments from this Episode:

4:00 – NASUCA Conference: Discussion of Consumer Impacts from Extreme Heat + PSCW Commissioner Kristy Nieto Introductory Remarks

5:57 – Issues related to data centers

8:10 – Considerations of direct selling baseload power to data centers in other states

9:30 – Microsoft data center in WI

10:15 – cost allocation for data centers

11:06 – transmission issues discussed at conference

16:22 – EPRI Electric Vehicles Buildout Tool for Utilities

18:45 – Consumer issues on the horizon

19:50 – Increasing demand/affordability tipping point

20:50 – Bringing down costs

23:15 – Tom’s “All the Power” moment

25:12 – Appropriate levels of spending on energy efficiency

27:00 – Upcoming CFC Power Breakfast on August 15

Registration Link:

2024 Power Breakfast: The Best of the Electric Wire Tickets, Thu, Aug 15, 2024 at 8:15 AM | Eventbrite

31:20 – Upcoming CCIF report on innovative rate designs and time of use rates

Wisconsin Moving Forward with National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Plan Apr 05, 2024

Wisconsin is taking action to access federal funding through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program which will help install EV fast charging stations along the state's major highway corridors. Our special guests for this episode include: Emma Heins of the Electrification Coalition and Kaleb Vander Wiele of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.

Links from Episode

Wisconsin Department of Transportation – Electrification

https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/projects/multimodal/electrification.aspx

Interactive Map of Potential Charging Station Locations

https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/8405604ccc034f7c8c4e95e6776951a7#data_s=id%3AdataSource_7-189ad031f53-layer-11%3A17

Electrification Coalition

https://electrificationcoalition.org/

Key Moments

1:40 - Interview with Emma Heins begins

4:40 - WI legislation

8:00 - Additional aspects of legislation

11:15 - Why federal incentives for EVs?

13:00 - How will EV charging in WI change over the next year?

14:30 - Other policy actions needed on EVs?

17:40 - Emma's "All the Power" moment

19:57 - Interview with Kaleb Vander Wiele begins

25:00 - Changes in EV policies since 2017

28:10 - NEVI

30:30 - Charging Station Map (See map online: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/8405604ccc034f7c8c4e95e6776951a7#data_s=id%3AdataSource_7-189ad031f53-layer-11%3A17)

38:22 - Where do we go from here?

46:37 - Kaleb's "All the Power" moment

Chairperson Rebecca Valcq Reflects on Her Time Leading the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin Jan 31, 2024

Chairperson Rebecca Valcq joins us to reflect on her five years leading the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin as she prepares for her final day at the agency on February 2, 2024. We discuss her proudest moments, biggest challenges, memorable cases, and much more. Lori Sakk, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Public Utility Institute, joins to co-host this episode.

Chairperson Valcq discusses the following during our conversation:

What’s been happening at the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin since the last time we spoke (5:05)
Looking back at expectations for the job (7:00)
Proudest moments (9:22)
Biggest challenges (12:16)
Major cases (18:38)
Generic dockets (20:25)
Memorable episodes of the Electric Wire podcast (25:15)
Memorable WPUI programs (28:00)
Sharing wisdom from experience (31:20)
Legacy (34:44)
All the Power moment (37:28)
What’s ahead (40:10)

Links from Episode:

Wisconsin Public Utility Institute (WPUI):

https://wpui.wisc.edu/

Upcoming Educational Programs from WPUI:

https://wpui.wisc.edu/programs/

Electric Wire, Episode 3 (Apple)

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/energy-innovation-with-wisconsin-energy-leaders/id1497322756?i=1000468353689

Electric Wire, Episode 3 (Spotify)

https://open.spotify.com/episode/6gpyBr1DZAFbYOq2rIc6Ja

2023 Year-in-Review Roundtable and Highlight Clips Dec 28, 2023

The year-in-review roundtable is back with both new and familiar faces to help us recap this year in Wisconsin energy news. We discuss the top stories, ideas, and developments in 2023, as well as making some predictions for the year ahead.

Our special guests include:

· Kara Pennoyer, Chief of Staff to Public Service Commission of Wisconsin Chairperson Rebecca Valcq

· Matthew Spencer, Director of Government Relations, Madison Gas and Electric

· Carrie Templeton, Regulatory Relations and Policy Manager, Alliant Energy

· Andy Bochman, Senior Grid Strategist, Idaho National Laboratory

Key Moments

03:25 - Top Energy Stories of the Year

07:10 – Top Sustainable Energy Developments of the Year

12:50 – Most Promising Energy Idea of the Year

18:30 – “Shock” of the Year

25:00 – Favorite Episode of the Electric Wire This Year

32:45 – Predictions (Reflecting Back & Looking Forward)

42:30 – “All the Power” Moments

2023 Reflection Clips

49:15 –Episode 37: Brent Ridge, CEO of Dairyland Power Cooperative, discusses hydropower using mine storage

52:05 –Episode 38: Cindy Smith, Chief Legal Counsel at Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, discusses public participation and process at the PSCW

55:40 –Episode 33: Sen. Julian Bradley discusses an “all of the above” approach to energy during his “All the Power” moment

Links to Previous, Highlighted Episodes

Electric Wire, Episode 40: Tours at MGE EV Fast Charging Hub and O’Brien Solar Fields

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tours-at-mge-ev-fast-charging-hub-and-obrien-solar-fields/id1497322756?i=1000630813364

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVK0103DDaE&t=1114s

Electric Wire, Episode 41 - MEUW Celebrates with Public Power on Parade at the State Capitol

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/meuw-celebrates-with-public-power-on-parade-at-the/id1497322756?i=1000633242021

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIL9Qi_Z4FY

Electric Wire, Episode 38 - Cindy Smith discusses participation and process at the PSCW

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cindy-smith-discusses-public-participation-and/id1497322756?i=1000622954015

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YS6PQZLEpOQ

Electric Wire, Ep. 39 - Marcus Hawkins discusses his role leading the Organization of MISO States

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/marcus-hawkins-discusses-his-role-leading-the/id1497322756?i=1000626358105

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqYCUp7_dTM&t=468s

Electric Wire, Episode 27 - The Reality of Retail Choice with Laurel Peltier

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-reality-of-retail-choice-with-laurel-peltier/id1497322756?i=1000578685568

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6fD7EMD_BY&t=164s

Electric Wire, Episode 25 - Nuclear Power, Reliability & Global Weirding

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nuclear-power-reliability-global-weirding-with-andy/id1497322756?i=1000567542737

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpcEMypyy8o&t=32s

For more detailed analysis of PSCW rate proceedings this year, you can check out content from our friends at the Citizens Utility Board of Wisconsin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLwz3hEZvK8

All About Focus On Energy, Wisconsin's Statewide Energy Efficiency Program Nov 30, 2023

Wisconsin’s state-wide energy efficiency program, Focus on Energy, helps electric customers achieve cost-savings through energy conservation measures. Our guests on this episode discuss more about the program, why it was created, what’s in it for customers, costs and benefits, the program’s four-year planning process, and more. We are joined by Lisa Stefanik, Managing Director, Focus on Energy, and Jolene Sheil, Portfolio Manager for Focus on Energy, Public Service Commission of Wisconsin. Matthew Spencer, Director of Government Relations, Madison Gas and Electric, and Board Member for the Statewide Energy Efficiency and Renewable Administration (SEERA), co-hosts.

Key Moments

4:43 – What is the Focus on Energy program?

5:50 – When, how, and why was Focus on Energy created?

7:15 – More on the roles of the program’s administrator, APTIM; the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin; and, the Statewide Energy Efficiency and Renewable Administration

9:55 – How is Focus on Energy funded and what is the relationship between the state’s electric utilities and Focus on Energy?

14:35 – What does Focus on Energy do for Wisconsin’s electric customers?

17:30 – How does the program reach out to customers about available offerings?

18:48 – How are decisions made about what energy efficiency programs to offer?

22:50 – What are the costs and benefits of the program?

23:40 – More on the benefits of the program (bill savings, grid improvements, environmental, and economic benefits)

29:10 – What are the top performing programs? (Industrial projects; discussion of LED lightbulbs)

39:00 – Related federal funding from the Inflation Reduction Act

43:50 – The Quadrennial Planning Process

48:30 – Renewable energy funding

50:29 – Issues that arose during COVID-19 pandemic

Links from Episode

Focus on Energy
https://focusonenergy.com/

Focus on Energy Success Stories

https://focusonenergy.com/success-stories-1

Online Home Assessment Tool Walkthrough
https://focusonenergy.com/home-assessment

Focus on Energy Annual Reports
https://focusonenergy.com/evaluation-reports/categories/annual-reports

Public Service Commission of Wisconsin https://psc.wi.gov/Pages/Home.aspx

APTIM (Focus on Energy Program Administrator) https://www.aptim.com/

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Assessing the Benefits of the Inflation Reduction Act Jan 31, 2023

All about the Inflation Reduction Act!

Our panel breaks down some of the major energy provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), federal legislation signed into law by President Joe Biden on August 16, 2022, which included sweeping changes to existing renewable energy production and investment tax credits, game-changing incentives for electric vehicles and electrification, and a host of rebates and other programs to spur home and building efficiency upgrades.

Our Panel Includes:

· Kathy Kuntz, Director, Dane County Office of Energy & Climate Change

· Andrew Hanson, Partner, Perkins Coie LLP

· Anne Blair, Senior Director of Policy, Electrification Coalition

How You Can Take Advantage of the IRA – From the Dane County Office of Energy & Climate

https://daneclimateaction.org/what-you-can-do/federal-funding

Electric School Bus Funding in the IRA

https://stnonline.com/special-reports/inflation-reduction-act-offers-latest-school-bus-electrification-funding-opportunities/

The IRA makes school buses eligible for electrification funds through a new Clean Heavy Duty Vehicles program run by the EPA as part of the Clean Air Act.

The new program includes $1 billion for medium and heavy duty commercial electric vehicles, charging infrastructure and related workforce training. Class 6 and 7 school buses are eligible.

A Customer’s Guide to how to save money with IRA programs:

https://www.whitehouse.gov/cleanenergy/

White House IRA Guidebook:

https://www.whitehouse.gov/cleanenergy/inflation-reduction-act-guidebook/

IRS Information on Tax Credits for EV purchases

https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/credits-for-new-electric-vehicles-purchased-in-2022-or-before

Third Annual Year-in-Review Roundtable Dec 22, 2022

The Year-in-Review crew is back to discuss all things energy in 2022. Our panel answers questions about their top energy stories, ideas, projects, and podcast episodes of the year!

Topics this year include: the Inflation Reduction Act, energy reliability, nuclear fusion, the Inflation Reduction Act, Miss Wisconsin (and now, Miss America!) Grace Stanke and her clean energy platform, electric vehicles, storage as the new solar, and the Inflation Reduction Act. (Notice a pattern?)

Our panel includes:

• Carrie Templeton, Chief of Staff to PSCW Chairperson Rebecca Valcq

• Chris Hubbuch, energy reporter for the Wisconsin State Journal

• Matthew Spencer, Director of Government Affairs, Madison Gas and Electric

• Jennifer Shilling, Government Relations Manager, Dairyland Power Cooperative

Our panel answers the question of what they’d do with “All the Power” in the industry with answers ranging from more news coverage of energy issues (guess!); encouraging Wisconsin’s use of federal funds for clean energy projects; and, highlighting the positive work of the electric industry.

Show Links:

Spence & Chris - Favorite Episode of the Electric Wire:

Electric Wire, Episode 28 - Shining a Light on Investor-Owned Utilities with Jeff Keebler https://youtu.be/M6g_x2Fd9XY

Carrie - Favorite Episode of the Electric Wire:

Episode 23: The Future of Utilities with Rebecca Ryan and Lauren Azar https://youtu.be/fgfVpRNS04o

Jen - Favorite Episode(s!) of the Electric Wire:

Electric Wire, Episode 24 - Nuclear Power and the Clean Energy Transition with Brent Ridge https://youtu.be/KGw0c7H8Vis

Electric Wire, Episode 30 - Getting to Know Wisconsin's Electric Cooperatives https://youtu.be/sUjZS7wfNq4

Electric Wire, Episode 18 (2021) - New Energy for an Old Coal Plant: Beloit College Powerhouse Interview with Dan Schooff https://youtu.be/AsQh0eadEGA

Kristin - Favorite Episode(s) of the Electric Wire:

Electric Wire, Episode 27 - The Reality of Retail Choice with Laurel Peltier https://youtu.be/r6fD7EMD_BY

Electric Wire, Episode 21 - A Second Wind: Recycling Wind Turbine Blades https://youtu.be/IebcxHpMf5M

Chris Hubbuch’s story about the Inflation Reduction Act and heat pumps: https://madison.com/news/local/environment/a-little-bit-for-everybody-how-the-inflation-reduction-act-boosts-clean-energy/article_d6e7fb5a-468f-5126-9b17-33d4883a7888.html

Link to provide feedback about the Electric Wire podcast: https://forms.gle/yL5va4kR7RU4qiju8

Don’t forget you can also give us some stars and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts! Thanks for listening!

Getting to Know Wisconsin's Electric Cooperatives Dec 12, 2022

Rob Richard of the Wisconsin Electric Cooperatives Association joins Kristin Gilkes as co-host of the latest episode of the Electric Wire, which is all about electric cooperatives.

We’ll meet representatives from four electric cooperatives from across the state, including:

· Robert Cornell, Manager, Washington Island Electric Cooperative

· Monica Obrycki, President and CEO, Eau Claire Energy Cooperative

· Karen Newbury, Director, Price Electric Cooperative (also WECA Board member and Dairyland Power Cooperative Board member)

· Nate Boettcher, President and CEO, Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services

Our discussion includes stories about cooperation among co-ops, energy generation and reliability, the new Charge EV network for electric vehicle charging at cooperatives, and bringing broadband to cooperative members.

Note: WECA is a Founding Member of the Customers First! Coalition.

Links:

Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association:
https://www.weca.coop/

Washington Island Electric Cooperative
https://www.wiecoop.com/

Eau Claire Energy Cooperative
https://www.ecec.com/

Price Electric Cooperative
https://priceelectric.coop/

Pierce Pepin Electric Cooperative
https://www.piercepepin.coop/

CHARGE EV network:
https://www.electric.coop/co-ops-create-electric-vehicle-charging-network-in-upper-midwest

Rooted in Community: Municipal Electric Utilities of Wisconsin Nov 08, 2022

In this episode, we will learn more about the 81 cities, towns and villages across Wisconsin that own and operate a municipal electric utility. These municipal utilities are organized together through the Municipal Electric Utilities of Wisconsin (MEUW), and we brought together a panel of experts to share more about the unique benefits of public power, including: Tim Heinrich, President and CEO of MEUW; Tyler Vorpagel, Director of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs at MEUW; Troy Adams, General Manager, Manitowoc Public Utilities; Jill Weiss, Utilities Director at Stoughton Utilities; and, Rick Wicklund, General Manager, Sun Prairie Utilities.

Note: MEUW is a member of the Customers First! Coalition.

Links from Episode:

Municipal Electric Utilities of Wisconsin

https://www.meuw.org/

Manitowoc Public Utilities

https://www.mpu.org/

Sun Prairie Utilities

https://www.sunprairieutilities.com/

Stoughton Utilities

https://stoughtonutilities.com/

Great Lakes Utilities

https://www.greatlakesutilities.org/

WPPI Energy

https://wppienergy.org/

Shining a Light on Investor-Owned Utilities with Jeff Keebler, CEO of Madison Gas and Electric Oct 21, 2022

We take a closer look at the investor-owned utility model with Jeff Keebler, Chairman, President, and CEO of Madison Gas and Electric. Jeff shares more insights on how investor-owned utilities work, how they're regulated, and the new technologies changing the power dynamics in the industry.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) electric power sector survey data, almost 3,000 electric distribution companies—or utilities—are operating in the United States. EIA classifies utilities into three ownership types: investor-owned utilities, publicly run utilities such as municipal utilities, and cooperatives.

This episode features investor-owned utilities, or IOUs, which are large electric distributors that issue stock owned by shareholders. Almost three-quarters of utility customers get their electricity from these companies.

Upcoming episodes will discuss municipal utilities and electric cooperatives.

Note: MGE is a member of the Customers First! Coalition, which produces the Electric Wire podcast.

Links and additional reading:

Energy Information Administration (EIA): https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=40913

Madison Gas and Electric https://www.mge.com/

Wisconsin Utilities Association https://www.wiutilities.org/

Edison Electric Institute https://www.eei.org/

American Gas Association https://www.aga.org/

Public Service Commission of Wisconsin https://psc.wi.gov/

Public Service Commission of Wisconsin: Electric Service Territory Maps https://maps.psc.wi.gov/portal/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=bb1a9f501e3d472cbde970310540b466

Wisconsin Legislative Council: Overview of Wisconsin’s Public Utility Regulatory System https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/misc/lc/information_memos/2017/im_2017_01

The Reality of Retail Choice with Laurel Peltier Sep 07, 2022

Laurel Peltier of the Maryland Energy Supplier Reform Coalition joins to discuss her first-hand experience with retail choice in Maryland. Laurel helps customers decipher their energy bills and has found countless examples of customers who would be saving money if they had stayed with their regulated utility.

Laurel's web site: https://www.energysupplierhelpdesk.org/

Laurel's recommendation for saving money on energy bills starts with energy efficiency! Wisconsin customers can get information on energy efficiency audits and energy saving measures from Focus on Energy, here: https://focusonenergy.com/

Taking the Industry By Storm: The First F150 Lightning EV is Here Aug 08, 2022

[Note: Audio Only Episode] New Ford F150 Lightning owners Nick and Alicia Schmidt join the Electric Wire to share some of their experiences as the first recipients of Ford's F150 Lightning EV. We discuss EV charging, the Lightning's infamous "frunk", and their experience towing an Airstream behind the Lightning.

Link to NPR story on Nick and Alicia from earlier this summer: https://www.npr.org/2022/06/20/1104920656/ford-electric-f150-lightning-electric-vehicles-automakers

Nuclear Power, Reliability, & Global Weirding with Andy Bochman and Bob Stone Jun 23, 2022

Andy Bochman, Senior Grid Strategist, Idaho National Lab and Bob Stone, Business Manager, IBEW 2150, join host Kristin Gilkes to discuss a range of issues including preserving jobs and reliability in the coal to cleaner power transition, and how Andy's coined the term "global weirding." A must-listen episode that serves as a follow up to our recent conversation with Brent Ridge of Dairyland Power Cooperative about their exploration of nuclear energy.

Nuclear Power and the Clean Energy Transition with Brent Ridge Jun 07, 2022

Brent Ridge, President and CEO, Dairyland Power Cooperative, and Phil Montgomery, former Wisconsin legislator and PSCW Chairperson, join host Kristin Gilkes, Executive Director, Customers First! Coalition, to discuss the future of nuclear power in Wisconsin and how new small modular reactor (SMR) technology may help facilitate the clean energy transition.

Previewing CFC's May 3 Power Dialogue Event on Electric Vehicles Apr 28, 2022

Matthew Spencer of Madison Gas & Electric joins host Kristin Gilkes for a short conversation previewing an upcoming event hosted by the Customers First! Coalition to discuss state policies impacting electric vehicle adoption.

The event is titled "CFC Power Dialogue: A Candid Conversation about Electric Vehicle Policies" and will be held from 2 pm - 6 pm on Tuesday, May 3, 2022 at the Madison Club in Madison, WI.

Register to attend the May 3 Power Dialogue event here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cfc-power-dialogue-a-candid-conversation-about-electric-vehicle-policies-registration-315742663807

Watch the Power Dialogue event on Wisconsin Eye live on May 3, 2022 beginning at 2:30 pm CST: https://wiseye.org/live/

The Future of Utilities with Rebecca Ryan and Lauren Azar Mar 16, 2022

Rebecca Ryan and Lauren Azar join the Electric Wire for a conversation about change in the energy industry and in our world. Rebecca, one of the nation’s leading futurists, discusses local and global trends that everyone should be preparing for. Lauren, one of America’s most respected utility attorneys, leads the conversation about change in the energy industry, as they answer the following questions, and more:

· How do we get those in the utility industry to start thinking like futurists?

· How important are governmental or industry goals to get where we want to go?

· What does the future look like for EV’s and electrification?

· What are the craziest changes coming by 2050 that we haven’t thought of yet?

Cari Anne Renlund, Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Madison Gas and Electric Co., joins Kristin Gilkes, Executive Director of the Customers First! Coalition, as co-host (and bonus guest) for a lively and inspiring conversation about the direction of the industry.

Links from the Episode:

More on MGE’s 2030 and 2050 Carbon Reduction Goals:
https://www.mge2050.com/en/

IPCC: Sixth Assessment Report
https://www.ipcc.ch/assessment-report/ar6/

Note from Rebecca: The Good Judgment Project (https://www.gjopen.com) makes predictions on EV penetration and MANY other things. The Good Judgment Project was founded by the author of Superforecasting, Phil Tetlock who found that regular people can learn to do foresight as well or better than trained CIA agents.

Long Bets is also does long term wagering about the future, fueled by a bunch of futurists and thought leaders. I just dropped on and Steven Pinker has a challenge about Bioterrorism.

How to Become a Cyborg from MIT Technology Review:
https://www.technologyreview.com/2018/06/19/142228/here-are-some-ways-to-upgrade-yourself-one-body-part-at-a-time/

Capitol Briefing on Winter Heating Bills Feb 28, 2022

On February 23, 2022, several legislators invited representatives from Wisconsin’s investor-owned utilities to provide information to legislative offices at the Wisconsin State Capitol about the higher-than-average costs of natural gas heating bills this winter.

On this episode of the Electric Wire podcast, we share a recording of the briefing, including information provided by Bill Skewes, Executive Director, Wisconsin Utilities Association; Rich Stasik, Director of State Regulatory Affairs, WEC Energy Group; Sara Mead, Director of Gas Supply, WEC Business Services; and, Matt Vincent, Senior Manager of Energy Markets and Fuel Supply, Alliant Energy.

Energy Information Administration: Fluctuating weather this winter has significantly affected natural gas prices…

“Natural gas prices in the United States fluctuate during the winter months due to a variety of factors, including the levels of natural gas inventories, production, consumption, exports, pipeline congestion, availability and competition with other energy sources in electricity generation, and weather.

Unusually cold winter weather events result in increased demand for space heating and may be accompanied by production disruptions (such as well freeze-offs) or natural gas infrastructure disruptions (such as compressor outages).”

Link:
https://www.eia.gov/naturalgas/weekly/archivenew_ngwu/2022/02_24/#itn-tabs-0

We Energies: Understanding the PGA line on your bill

“Natural gas is bought and sold on the commodities market, similar to goods like oil or milk. The price we pay for the gas is the same price you pay — there is no mark up.”

Link:
https://www.wecenergygroup.com/home/message/we-energies-cold-wx-impact.htm

Related Resources

Home Energy Plus Application
https://energybenefit.wi.gov/OnlineApps/OnlineApp/Default#!

Keep Wisconsin Warm Fund
https://www.kwwf.org/apply

A Second Wind: Recycling Wind Turbine Blades Jan 25, 2022

Episode 21 of the Electric Wire podcast features a conversation about wind turbine blade recycling with Nicholas Killen, Director, Head of Manufacturing Lifecycle Services, Regional Manufacturing AME, Vestas Blades. Commissioner Tyler Huebner of the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin joins Kristin Gilkes, Executive Director of the Customers First! Coalition, as a co-host.

The interview addresses the following questions and more:

How do wind turbines work and how long do they last?

What is the process for recycling wind turbine blades?

What does the recycled material become at the end of the recycling process?

What is the future for the recycling of blades?

What are the costs and benefits of recycling the blades?

Both Killen and Commissioner Huebner share what they’d do with “all the power” in the industry for the final question of the episode.

Video of episode is available on the Customers First! Coalition YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/IebcxHpMf5M

Public Service Commission of Wisconsin on Twitter: @PSCWisconsin

Nicholas Killen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-killen/

Electric Wire on Twitter: https://twitter.com/theelectricwire

2021 Year-in-Review Roundtable Dec 22, 2021

The Year-in-Review Crew is back to break down the top energy stories and ideas of 2021! Carrie Templeton, Heather Allen, Chris Hubbuch, and Matthew Spencer join to share their picks for top energy story, idea, and shock of the year, along with their predictions for 2022 and, of course, what they'd do with "all the power." We also ask the Crew to share their favorite Electric Wire episodes of the year, and those episodes are linked below.

Favorite Electric Wire Episodes of 2021:

Kristin Gilkes:

Episode 9 – Utility Regulation and Protecting Customers with Commissioner Nowak and Bill Malcolm
https://youtu.be/5szygleajsI

Episode 14 – 10 Powerful Moments on the Electric Wire
https://youtu.be/9P509tDWlJg

Matthew Spencer:

Episode 16 – A Lucid EV Conversation with Daniel Witt
https://youtu.be/8Y5EHkQ4UE4

Carrie Templeton:

Episode 17 – Navigating the Roadmap to Zero Carbon with Joe Fontaine
https://youtu.be/rzXT4GPNWkI

Episode 14 – Energy Assistance during the Pandemic with Barb Krug and Kristy Nieto
https://youtu.be/9ogRle6Rdms

Heather Allen:

Episode 15 – Thinking Outside the Landfill: A Conversation on Solar Panel Recycling with Chris Stearns
https://youtu.be/2nKV15kL9LU

Chris Hubbuch:

Episode 17 – Navigating the Roadmap to Zero Carbon with Joe Fontaine
https://youtu.be/rzXT4GPNWkI

Deconstructing the Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework with Denise Bode Nov 30, 2021

How closely have you been tracking the energy provisions in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework (BIF) that recently passed Congress? Denise Bode, Partner at Michael Best Strategies, and Senior Partner, Michael Best & Friedrich LLC, helps us deconstruct the BIF and the Build Back Better plan that is still working its way through Congress.

Denise leads the federal policy practice at Michael Best Strategies with over 30 years of experience in trade association and coalition management as well as development of public policy strategies, at both the state and federal level. She has been following these landmark pieces of legislation closely as they relate to the energy industry, including transmission, smart grid, electrification, and hydrogen infrastructure provisions.

Jennifer Shilling of Dairyland Power Cooperative joins Kristin Gilkes of the Customers First! Coalition as co-host for the nineteenth episode of the Electric Wire podcast.

New Energy for an Old Coal Plant: Beloit College Powerhouse Tour and Interview with Dan Schooff Oct 29, 2021

Is there a second life for retired power plants? We joined Dan Schooff, currently the Chief of Staff and Secretary at Beloit College, and a former Beloit-area legislator and WI Department of Administration Secretary, to tour the Beloit College Powerhouse on the banks of the Rock River to see the transformation that has taken place there. The Beloit College Powerhouse was originally a coal plant built in the early 1900’s and was recently reimagined as a student center for the college. Dan led the efforts on this massive undertaking, and in our interview, he shares more about preserving and restoring the historic power plant, and the core mission of sustainability that drove efforts to use geothermal heating and cooling on this award-winning structure. The YouTube version of this podcast has video clips from our tour included, and our Twitter page, @theelectricwire, has pictures from the tour as well.

Link to YouTube video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsQh0eadEGA

Link to Electric Wire Twitter page:

https://twitter.com/theelectricwire

Navigating the Roadmap to Zero Carbon Docket with Joe Fontaine Sep 30, 2021

Sit back, crack open a PBR, and enjoy the latest episode of the Electric Wire podcast featuring an interview with Joe Fontaine, the case coordinator for the Public Service of Wisconsin’s current open docket on the Roadmap to Zero Carbon (5-EI-158). Joe helps navigate the Commission’s recent order in this docket, and we discuss upcoming items relating to Performance Based Regulation (PBR), the Focus on Energy Quad Planning Process, utility resource planning, and consumer affordability.

Link to article:

'This is starting on the right path': Hawaii sees early successes with performance-based regulation (July 29, 2021)
https://www.utilitydive.com/news/this-is-starting-on-the-right-path-hawaii-sees-early-successes-with-perf/604108/

Link to Docket 5-EI-158:

https://apps.psc.wi.gov/APPS/dockets/content/detail.aspx?id=5&case=EI&num=158

A Lucid EV Conversation with Daniel Witt Aug 31, 2021

Daniel Witt, Head of State and Local Public Policy at Lucid Motors, joins the podcast to discuss more about Lucid, the benefits of electric vehicles, EV battery reuse and recycling, making supply chains local, and policies impacting the electric vehicle industry.

Links mentioned in the episode:

Lucid Motors

https://www.lucidmotors.com/

TechCrunch: Lucid Motors sees a second life for its EV batteries in energy storage

https://techcrunch.com/2021/03/17/lucid-motors-sees-a-second-life-for-its-ev-batteries-in-energy-storage/

Thinking Outside the Landfill: A Conversation About Solar Panel Recycling Jul 30, 2021

Not only is the energy produced by solar panels clean, but cutting-edge recycling technology makes them fully sustainable as well. On this episode of The Electric Wire, Kristin Gilkes is joined by Chris Stearns, National Sales Director at Cascade Eco Minerals, to discuss solar module recycling and the policies and costs impacting the demand for this process.

Ten Powerful Moments on the Electric Wire Jun 30, 2021

We’ve been bringing you the Electric Wire podcast as a way to stay informed on Wisconsin energy and utility news since February of 2020, and we thought it was time to take a look back on some of our favorite moments from the Electric Wire.

Matt Spencer from Madison Gas and Electric joins Kristin Gilkes to co-host a countdown of Ten Powerful Moments (and one honorable mention) from the Electric Wire.

Themes from these top moments include bringing stakeholders together to tackle big issues in the industry; protecting all utility customers; and visualizing the new energy innovations that are propelling the clean energy transition forward.

Hot Take: Community Solar May 27, 2021

The latest episode of the Electric Wire is a “hot take” episode, where we’ve conducted four separate mini-interviews, about 5-6 minutes each, to talk about community solar in Wisconsin.

Back in 2017, the Customers First! Coalition put together a whitepaper about the community solar projects and models that fit within the regulatory structure here in Wisconsin. In this podcast episode, we’ll follow up on some of those innovative projects mentioned in the whitepaper.

Our guests include:

Commissioner Ellen Nowak, Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (Interview begins at ~2:45)
Deb Erwin, Manager of Regulatory Policy, Xcel Energy (11:00)
Lynn Thompson, President and CEO, Eau Claire Energy Cooperative (17:50)
Cheri Salmon, Manager of New Products and Services, Madison Gas and Electric (23:30)

Links mentioned in Episode

2017 CFC Community Solar Whitepaper
http://www.customersfirst.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Community-Solar-reduced.pdf

Electric Wire Podcast Episode: Utility Regulation and Protecting Customers
http://www.customersfirst.org/electricwire/electric-wire-episode-9-utility-regulation-and-protecting-customers/

Electric Wire Podcast Episode: EV Road Trip
http://www.customersfirst.org/electricwire/electric-wire-episode-2-ev-road-trip/

Energy Assistance During the Pandemic Apr 14, 2021

On this episode, our goal is to help listeners better understand how energy assistance is administered, how pandemic-related funding is being distributed, and what resources are available to in-need households as Wisconsin’s moratorium on disconnecting electric customers from service comes to an end on April 15.

Our guests include:

Barb Klug, Home Energy Plus Bureau Director; Division of Energy, Housing and Community Resources
Wisconsin Department of Administration
Kristy Nieto, Administrator, Division of Digital Access, Consumer and Environmental Affairs
Public Service Commission of Wisconsin

You’ll find answers to these questions and more:

What energy assistance funding has come from the federal government since the beginning of the pandemic and how is Wisconsin administering programs to distribute this assistance?
What is a first step for a customer who is behind on their bill? Who should they reach out to first and how do they know what they are eligible for?
What role does the PSC play in helping customers stay on track with paying their bills and settling any disputes with utilities?
What are some common questions from legislative offices as they try to connect their constituents with resources?

The following resources are mentioned in this episode:

Energy Benefits & Eligibility

www.energybenefit.wi.gov - Home Energy Plus Application

1-800-506-5596 – On-demand energy assistance application and customer care center

Public Service Commission Resources

Call 1-800-225-7729 to talk to a customer care representative at the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin or visit www.psc.wi.gov to find information or file a complaint online. More information from the PSC can be found in this press release: PSC Urges Consumers to Seek Assistance before Moratorium on Utility Disconnections End

Noted in the podcast: Customers should reach out to their local utility provider first to begin the process of working out a payment plan if they’re at risk of disconnection for non-payment.

Regulation, Reliability…and Texas Mar 12, 2021

Widespread power outages and skyrocketing customer bills due to a frigid February freeze in Texas are raising questions about the way the state regulates power providers.

We brought in a panel of experts to weigh in on questions about regulation, reliability, and what went wrong in Texas. Our panel:

John Carr, VP – Power Supply, Dairyland Power Cooperative
Paul Griffin, Executive Director, Energy Fairness
Kira Loehr, Partner, Perkins Coie

We’ll address the following questions in this roundtable discussion:

What is the role energy choice played in the Texas system outages?
How can we prevent this type of massive, prolonged power outage from happening here?
Are grid updates needed to prepare for more extreme weather events?
Was any generation source the clear winner or loser coming out of this situation?

Links Referenced

“The real problem in Texas: Deregulation,” Opinion Columnby Paul Griffin, Utility Dive,
https://www.utilitydive.com/news/the-real-problem-in-texas-deregulation/595564/

“Texas Energy Co-Op Files For Bankruptcy After Storm, High Bill,” NPR,
https://www.npr.org/2021/03/01/972408584/texas-energy-co-op-files-for-bankruptcy-after-storm-high-bill

Other Readings

“Texas Electric Bills Were $28 Billion Higher Under Deregulation,” Wall Street Journal,
https://www.wsj.com/articles/texas-electric-bills-were-28-billion-higher-under-deregulation-11614162780?mod=hp_lead_pos7

“Texas Overcharged $16 Billion for Power During Freeze, Monitor Says” Wall Street Journal,
https://www.wsj.com/articles/texas-overcharged-16-billion-for-power-during-freeze-monitor-says-11614894714

“The $16 Billion in Texas Power Overcharges? Monitor Says Only $3.2 Billion Can Be Undone,” Wall Street Journal,
https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-16-billion-in-texas-power-overcharges-market-monitor-now-pins-figure-at-3-billion-11615479832?page=1

“Texas PUC doubles down on refusal to reprice $16B market 'error' under pressure from leg, governor,” Utility Dive,
https://www.utilitydive.com/news/texas-puc-doubles-down-on-refusal-to-reprice-16b-market-error-under-pres/596595/

Other Podcast Episodes

The Energy Gang Podcast: “The Texas Grid Failure,”
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-energy-gang/id663379413?i=1000510505053

Columbia Energy Exchange: “Making Sense of the Texas Energy Crisis,”

https://columbiaenergyexchange.libsyn.com/making-sense-of-the-texas-energy-crisis

Coal Plant Closures and the Clean Energy Transition Feb 23, 2021

With so much breaking energy news, co-hosts Kristin Gilkes (CFC) and Tom Content (CUB) first review recent headlines, including: the announced closure of the coal-fired Columbia Energy Center in Portage, WI; a new solar/storage proposal from WEC and MGE; diversity and equity reporting requirements at the PSCW; recent WI state budget and legislative news; and the devastating electric system failures in Texas. We are joined by a panel to discuss coal plant closures and the clean energy transition from the perspective of several different stakeholders, including Todd Stuart of the Wisconsin Industrial Energy Group, Scott Smith of Madison Gas and Electric, and Dan Litchfield of Invenergy. Panel begins at 21:00.

Utility Regulation and Protecting Customers Jan 25, 2021

We’re talking utility regulation! We start with a simple question – why are utilities regulated? (Ok, this question technically doesn’t get asked until minute 7:56, but who’s counting?) We also sort through some common terms on this topic, including discussion about deregulation, restructuring, and retail choice. These topics were central to the founding of the Customers First! Coalition over twenty years ago.

Our first interview is with Commissioner Ellen Nowak of the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin. We discuss some basics of utility regulation from a regulator’s perspective, as well as her take on topics like retail choice and performance-based ratemaking.

Next, Bill Malcolm of AARP joins to discuss his views on regulation and protecting utility customers. Follow Bill on Twitter @RTOWatchdog. He’s also available to connect on Facebook and LinkedIn. AARP web site: https://www.aarp.org/

Interview with Commissioner Nowak begins at minute 3:30.

Interview with Bill Malcolm begins at minute 35:00.

CUB Illinois: Report: Since 2015, IL Customers Have Lost $1 Billion With Alternative Suppliers
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/report-since-2015-il-customers-have-lost-1-billion-with-alternative-suppliers-301110974.html

Link to download referenced 2019 Illinois Commerce Commission report: https://www.icc.illinois.gov/downloads/public/July%201%20ORMD%20Final%20PR.pdf

2020 Year-in-Review Roundtable Dec 21, 2020

What was the energy story of 2020? What about the "shock" of the year? Who's got the next bright idea for 2021? On the latest episode of The Electric Wire podcast, we've got an outstanding roundtable to help review the year of 2020 and look ahead to some brighter days in 2021.
Our roundtable includes:

Chris Hubbuch, Reporter, Wisconsin State Journal
Carrie Templeton, Chief of Staff, Public Service Commission of Wisconsin
Heather Allen, Executive Director, RENEW Wisconsin
Matt Spencer, Government Affairs, Madison Gas & Electric

Links Mentioned During Podcast:

Keep Wisconsin Warm Fund:
https://kwwf.org/

Annual Renewable Energy Summit Registration Link:
https://renewwisconsin.swoogo.com/2021RESummit

Wisconsin State Journal: Xcel Energy proposes microgrids to improve reliability for large customers
https://madison.com/wsj/business/xcel-energy-proposes-microgrids-to-improve-reliability-for-large-customers/article_ab848cd8-eeee-5609-81ac-f183932684cc.html

2020 Election Recap and Government Affairs Roundtable Nov 05, 2020

In this episode of the Electric Wire, we take a look at polling and the 2020 Presidential Election results with pollster Charles Franklin, @pollsandvotes. Later in the podcast, we host a Customers First! Coalition member roundtable with some of the government affairs representatives for CFC members, including Matt Spencer of Madison Gas & Electric, Jennifer Shilling of Dairyland Power Cooperative, Joseph Owen of WPPI Energy, and Rob Richard of Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association.

Interview with Franklin begins at 7:10

Government Affairs Roundtable begins at 33:55

Building Together Oct 02, 2020

Kristin Gilkes is joined by Marge Anderson, Executive Vice President at Slipstream, to discuss green buildings and the upcoming October Energy webinar series hosted by the Customers First! Coalition and Slipstream. Kathy Kuntz, Acting Director of the Dane County Office of Energy and Climate Change also joins to discuss the Dane County Climate Action Plan’s recommendations on buildings and more. We discuss measures listeners can take today to make their homes and businesses more energy efficient.

Interview with Kathy Kuntz begins at 14:13.

Register for October Energy webinars: www.customersfirst.org/events

Information about Oregon, WI School District new net-zero elementary school: https://www.nationalsolartour.org/event/forest-edge-elementary-school

Storage Space Aug 26, 2020

Today we begin to unpack energy storage from a customer angle and discuss the first “storage as transmission only asset” project being developed in Wisconsin. First, CFC Executive Director Kristin Gilkes interviews Tom Content, Executive Director of the Citizens Utility Board (CUB), to discuss potential customer benefits from increased use of energy storage and how CUB will evaluate utility storage proposals going forward. Our second interview is with Bob McKee, Strategic Projects Director at American Transmission Company, who gives an overview of the company’s “SATOA” project impetus, timeline, and multi-faceted benefits.

Interview start times:

Tom Content – 3:29

Bob McKee - 21:10

Links discussed in the podcast:

WisEye.org archived coverage of energy storage presentation at the CFC Game Changers Power Breakfast (link will start at ~57:00 mark): https://wiseye.org/player/?clientID=2789595964&eventID=2019021061&startStreamAt=3427

Wisconsin Energy Distribution and Technology Innovation Report: https://www.m-werc.org/wedti-report

MISO Generator Interconnection Queue – Active Projects Map: https://api.misoenergy.org/PublicGiQueueMap/index.html

Shooting the Breeze with WISCEF and DPC Aug 13, 2020

Just in time for #AmericanWindWeek, CFC Executive Director Kristin Gilkes interviews Scott Coenen of the Wisconsin Conservative Energy Forum regarding the organization’s mission and the status of wind in Wisconsin from that group’s perspective. Brian Rude and Jennifer Shilling of Dairyland Power Cooperative discuss their roles within the organization and on the CFC Board, as well as DPC’s investment in wind energy on behalf of co-op customers.

Energy Innovation with Wisconsin Energy Leaders Mar 13, 2020

Public Service Commission of Wisconsin Chairperson Rebecca Valcq and Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes join Kristin Gilkes and co-host Bob Stone of the IBEW 2150 to discuss Wisconsin’s carbon reduction goals, the Governor’s Climate Change Task Force, and the appointment of Wisconsin’s newest PSC Commissioner.

Interview with Chairperson Valcq begins at 9:30

Interview with Lt. Governor Barnes begins at 27:02

Registration is still open for the April 29, 2020 Power Lunch. As we get closer to the event date, we will evaluate options to determine if we need to either postpone the event or host it online.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/power-lunch-building-toward-net-zero-carbon-registration-93806500769

Electric Vehicle Road Trip! Feb 26, 2020

Customers First! Coalition Executive Director Kristin Gilkes and RENEW Wisconsin’s Jane McCurry co-host this special episode all about electric vehicles (EVs) and EV policies. Gilkes and McCurry share personal and nostalgic experiences as EV drivers and discuss some of the advantages of choosing electric transportation. They also discuss current topics such as battery recycling and mining. Later, they’re joined by a panel of EV policy experts including Corey Singletary, Citizens Utility Board of Wisconsin; Debbie Branson, Madison Gas & Electric; and Deb Erwin, Xcel Energy to discuss EV rates and utility issues, including how EVs can ultimately benefit all utility customers. Finally, we have added an extended interview with Deb Erwin from Xcel Energy to delve more deeply into the company’s efforts to study fleet savings that can result from electric vehicle conversion and an EV Roadmap for the City of Eau Claire.

Panel Discussion begins at 16:40.

Extended Interview with Deb Erwin begins at 1:05:25

APRIL 29, 2020, POWER LUNCH REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

Register here:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/power-lunch-building-toward-net-zero-carbon-registration-93806500769

The Rise of Solar! Feb 12, 2020

The Rise of Solar! The first episode of our Energy Innovation Series focuses on solar power in Wisconsin. Heather Allen of RENEW Wisconsin joins to give a lay of the land and share her personal story of getting involved in renewable energy. Jeff Ripp of Alliant Energy discusses Alliant Energy’s recent announcement regarding an investment in 1GW of solar. Rep. Mike Kuglitsch discusses legislation he is working on to aid solar and wind workforce training grants.

INTERVIEW START TIMES

Heather Allen – 10:30

Jeff Ripp – 35:00

Rep. Kuglitsch - 47:15

LINK TO POWER LUNCH REGISTRATION:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/power-lunch-building-toward-net-zero-carbon-registration-93806500769