Some Involved In Utility Rate Change Fight See It As An Election Issue

Some state residents see the current battle between the solar industry and Wisconsin electric utilities as an issue that’s relevant in the gubernatorial election — though only one of the two main candidates for the office seems to agree.

The Public Service Commision is holding public hearings this week on plans by two of the three Wisconsin utilities that are proposing to raise fixed monthly rates and take other steps that the solar power industry and its customers oppose.

Milwaukee resident Dan Folkman has solar panels on his house. At a rally, he noted that two of the three PSC commissioners who will decide the utility rate cases are appointees of Republican Gov. Scott Walker.

“What’s happening on Nov. 4? Does anybody know? Big election,” he said, addressing the crowd. “Who are we going to vote for? Mary Burke.”

Burke, the Democratic candidate running for governor, wrote in a statement that she wants the PSC to take all positions into account on the rate cases, particularly those of ratepayers. She wrote that solar energy plays an important role in the state’s energy mix, and the expansion of renewables should be encouraged. She also said that as governor, she would convene stakeholders and facilitate that discussion.

For his part, Walker says commenting on the rate cases is premature.

“I’ll leave that up to the commissioners on the Public Service Commission, because they’ve got the expertise to look at this specifically,” said Walker. “We want solar as part of an overall package that doesn’t favor one over another, but provides us with many viable options for cost-effective and reliable sources of power.”

At least one solar installer said this week that as the candidates for governor talk about jobs, he’ll have to lay off some workers if the PSC approves the utility rate hike requests.