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Last Updated: April 2007
12/00:
Wisconsin Public Service Resources (WPS) filed a restructuring plan with the Wisconsin Pubic Service Commission (PSC) that would transfer WPS generating assets to a nonregulated subsidiary (genco) and transform Wisconsin Public Service Corporation into a regulated electric distribution company (disco). A power purchase agreement between the disco and genco would be executed, and ratepayers would retain the same rates as they have today. WPS sees this plan that would remove power plants and their construction from rate bases as a step toward a competitive market in Wisconsin, something they see as inevitable due to surrounding states restructuring status.
10/99: A proposal called "Reliability 2000," includes a budget plan to restructure the utility industry. It estimates a cost of $14 per year per consumer for energy conservation projects and low-income assistance programs; would create a nonprofit company to own and operate the transmission system; and would lift a rule that limits a utility's investments to 25 percent of its assets.
09/99: Wisconsin Electric Power Company requested that the PSC establish criteria for performance-based ratemaking. WEPC also submitted a request for a 3.1-percent rate increase.
04/98: Legislation to improve reliability and prevent power shortages by establishing a competitive merchant plant generating industry and creating a regional independent system operator was signed into law on April 28, 1998. The law will allow merchant plants up to 100 MW to be built without PSC approval, and utilities are required to join an ISO and create 50 MW of power from renewable sources by 2000.
04/98: IES Inc., Interstate Power Co., and WPL Holdings, Inc. merged and began operation as a new company named Alliant.
01/98: A bill authored by the Governor was introduced in the 1998 session that considers the reliability issues as proposed in the PSC final decision of October 30, 1997.
11/97: The PSC issued its final decision on electric industry restructuring. The plan does not recommend retail access before 2000, but focuses on improving the utility infrastructure. Recommendations included improving transmission facilities; removing barriers to open transmission access; developing an ISO; promoting construction of merchant plants; and promoting the development of renewable energy resources.
08/97: The PSC submitted its draft 7-step work plan to restructure the electric industry to the legislature. The plan focuses on reliability and infrastructure improvements, and does not recommend retail access at least until 2000. A final decision is set for October 30, 1997.