The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin plays a major role in the development of policies that keep Wisconsin’s economic development and environmental protection efforts on the right track.   The PSC works on a number of initiatives in the areas of energy, telecommunications, water policy and utility regulation to assure reliable services at reasonable rates with as little impact on the environment as possible.

Govenor's Task Force on Global Warming
Based on the recommendations made by the Governor’s Task  Force on Global Warming the Commission has opened the following five dockets to explore initiatives and policies that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, take advantage of ongoing opportunities to address global warming locally while growing our state's economy, and identify specific short term and long term goals for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions in Wisconsin.

As of July 2008 the Task Force recommendations have been forwarded to the Governor. The PSC anticipates additional dockets in response to the recommendations.

• 5-EI-144 – Investigation to Assess Wisconsin’s Potential for the Development of Wind Energy Resources in Lake Michigan and Lake Superior 

 
• 5-EI-145 – Investigation to Explore the Potential for Geologic Carbon Sequestration for Carbon Dioxide Produced by Wisconsin’s Electricity Generation Fleet

 
• 5-UI-114 – Investigation on the Commission’s Own Motion Regarding Innovative Utility Ratemaking Approaches that Promote Conservation and Efficiency Programs by Removing Disincentives that May Exist Under Current Ratemaking Policies

 
• 5-UI-115 – Investigation into the Adoption and Achievement of Increased Conservation and Energy Efficiency Goals 

 
• 5-UI-116 – Investigation to Develop and Analyze Alternative Electric and Natural Gas Rate Design and Load Management Options which have the Potential to Reduce Emissions of Greenhouse Gases

 

IGCC-Clean Coal Study Group
As a part of his Conserve Wisconsin agenda, Governor Doyle asked the PSC and DNR to investigate Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) technology and its potential for the future of Wisconsin. IGCC converts coal into gas. The gas is cleaned and then burned in a combined cycle gas turbine power plant. IGCC dramatically reduces air emissions, water use and industrial waste. For more information about IGCC and to read a report presented to Governor Doyle, please visit the Clean Coal Study Group’s website.

Midwest Renewable Energy Tracking System (M-RETS)
Wisconsin continues to lead the way in meeting the region’s renewable energy goals. For more information about the Midwest Regional Energy Tracking System and how participants are tracking renewable energy generation, please visit the M-RETS website.

Public Hearings on Rail Service in Wisconsin
The PSC and the Department of Agriculture, Trace and Consumer Protection (DATCP) have called for major reform of the nation’s railroad system.  Both agencies have played an active role in gathering input from the public and presenting comments to the Surface Transportation Board, asking the federal agency to help provide reliable and affordable rail service for the nation.  For more information about these efforts, please visit the Rail Service in Wisconsin website.

Water Conservation Initiative
Water conservation is a key step to protecting the quality and enjoyment of Wisconsin’s abundant water resources.  As part of his Conserve Wisconsin agenda, Governor Doyle called on the PSC and DNR to work with stakeholders to develop a statewide water conservation strategy.  For more information about water conservation and to read the final report presented to Governor Doyle, please visit the Water Conservation Initiative website.