, , , ,

Solar Energy Groups File Suit Over Milwaukee Surcharge Ruling

Plaintiffs Argue Extra Fee Is Politically Motivated

By

Solar energy advocates are asking a Madison judge to review a recent ruling from the Wisconsin Public Service Commission.

As part of a rate case involving Milwaukee-based WE Energies, the PSC decided late last year to hit people who have solar panels with a monthly charge of about $20.

Two of Gov. Scott Walker’s appointees to the PSC outvoted an appointee of former Gov. Jim Doyle and approved what Amy Heart, of the Alliance for Solar Choice, called a discriminatory tax. Heart said the two Republican appointees seemed to act on their own.

Stay informed on the latest news

Sign up for WPR’s email newsletter.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

“The Public Service Commission staff members even reported that to the commissioners that there was nothing in the record that could justify the specific tax on solar customers,” said Heart.

RENEW Wisconsin is also asking a Dane County judge to review the case.

WE Energies has argued the charge for rooftop solar generators is justified.