Public Service Commission

MGE Seeks to Expand Popular Community Solar Program for Residential and Small Business Electric Customers

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, April 3, 2024
Alternative Energy, Energy, Utilities, Environment, Electricity, Solar energy, Gas, Small business, Madison Gas and Electric, Carbon, MGE, Public Service Commission, Renewable energy

Madison Gas and Electric (MGE) is asking the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin to approve a new community solar program largely based on Shared Solar, MGE's original and fully subscribed community solar program.

Key Points: 
  • Madison Gas and Electric (MGE) is asking the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin to approve a new community solar program largely based on Shared Solar, MGE's original and fully subscribed community solar program.
  • Under Shared Solar II, customers who may not own their residence or who do not want to install rooftop solar could receive additional solar energy from MGE.
  • "Shared Solar II builds on the success of our popular community solar program and provides our customers with another option for affordable, locally generated, carbon-free energy while also reducing costs for nonparticipating customers.
  • Strix Solar, a six-megawatt (MW) solar array being built in Fitchburg, would serve the Shared Solar II program.

Duke Energy Progress looks to add solar power in eastern South Carolina as part of diverse plan to support booming growth

Retrieved on: 
Friday, March 22, 2024
Electricity, United States Census Bureau, Nuclear, Natural gas, Duke Energy, Palmetto, Carbon accounting, News, Carbon, Investment, South, Hydrogen, Weather, Multimedia, Public Service Commission, Population growth, Renewable energy

The facility will provide fuel-free power to meet the growing needs of the Pee Dee region of South Carolina.

Key Points: 
  • The facility will provide fuel-free power to meet the growing needs of the Pee Dee region of South Carolina.
  • From population growth to the expansion of manufacturing and other major economic development wins, South Carolina is booming.
  • "This diverse mix will help Duke Energy meet customer expectations for cleaner energy while also reliably powering communities across the state."
  • Duke Energy Progress, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, owns 12,500 megawatts of energy capacity, supplying electricity to 1.7 million residential, commercial and industrial customers across a 29,000-square-mile service area in North Carolina and South Carolina.

Construction is Underway on Second Utility-Grade Solar Site in West Virginia

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
FirstEnergy, Electricity, Solar energy, Solar Energy Industries Association, Economic development, FE, Safety, Coal, Multimedia, Rivesville, West Virginia, Public Service Commission, Renewable energy

FAIRMONT, W.Va., March 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) subsidiaries Mon Power and Potomac Edison have begun construction on their second utility-grade solar site in West Virginia to help meet the state's energy needs and further encourage economic growth.

Key Points: 
  • The Rivesville solar site in Marion County will be situated along Morgan Ridge Road on approximately 27 acres.
  • One MW of solar energy powers a national average of 173 homes, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association.
  • The Rivesville solar site is the second of the companies' five planned solar sites in West Virginia.
  • The Rivesville solar site is being constructed by local union workers, just like the Fort Martin site .

Retail Energy Supply Association Announces Serious Consequences of Maryland’s Senate Bill 1/House Bill 267

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, March 6, 2024
State, Local, Public Policy, Other Energy, Nuclear, Utilities, Oil, Gas, Coal, Alternative Energy, Government, Advocacy Group Opinion, Energy, RESA, PSC, IGS Energy, APG, Marylanders, Administration, SB1, Legislation, Public Service Commission, Senate, Energy Information Administration, Environment

The Retail Energy Supply Association (RESA), the nation’s leading trade association representing competitive retail energy suppliers, announces its concern about the serious implications Senate Bill 1/House Bill 267 (SB1) will have for Maryland consumers, businesses, and workers should it become law.

Key Points: 
  • The Retail Energy Supply Association (RESA), the nation’s leading trade association representing competitive retail energy suppliers, announces its concern about the serious implications Senate Bill 1/House Bill 267 (SB1) will have for Maryland consumers, businesses, and workers should it become law.
  • Brian Crosby with the promise to protect constituents in the State of Maryland from paying high energy prices.
  • “While this bill has been touted as a consumer protection bill, it is just the opposite.
  • Today, more than 500,000 Marylanders, including nearly 15% of residential energy consumers, choose to purchase their energy from a competitive electric or gas supplier.

West Virginia American Water Receives Base Rate and Surcharge Orders from Public Service Commission of West Virginia

Retrieved on: 
Monday, March 4, 2024
Energy, Other Energy, Utilities, Human services, American Water, PSC, Investment, Water, Water quality, American Water Works, Public Service Commission, WSIC, Health insurance

The Public Service Commission of West Virginia (PSC) issued an order late Friday, February 23 approving adjusted water and wastewater rates for West Virginia American Water customers following the company’s May 2023 request for a rate adjustment.

Key Points: 
  • The Public Service Commission of West Virginia (PSC) issued an order late Friday, February 23 approving adjusted water and wastewater rates for West Virginia American Water customers following the company’s May 2023 request for a rate adjustment.
  • The new base rates are effective as of February 25, 2024, and follow a 300-day statutory review of the company’s rate request.
  • “West Virginia American Water is committed to making needed infrastructure improvements across our service areas so we can continue to comply with water quality and environmental regulations and meet customers’ water and wastewater service needs,” said Robert Burton, president, West Virginia American Water.
  • West Virginia American Water also wants to remind its customers about several targeted customer assistance programs.

New Solar Added to the Grid, More in Development

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, February 21, 2024
Environment, Utilities, Sustainability, Alternative Energy, Green Technology, Energy, Tyto, Transport, MGE, Carbon, Climate change, Badger Hollow Solar Farm, WEC Energy Group, Gas, Electricity, Snow, Public Service Commission, Wind, Renewable energy

Like MGE’s other Madison-area renewable energy projects, Tyto Solar is a distributed energy resource that is connected to MGE’s distribution system.

Key Points: 
  • Like MGE’s other Madison-area renewable energy projects, Tyto Solar is a distributed energy resource that is connected to MGE’s distribution system.
  • Bifacial solar panels produce energy from both sides as they track the sun throughout the day.
  • Tyto Solar and the High Noon Solar Energy Center are two of several projects to help MGE achieve our industry-leading carbon reduction goals.
  • More than 50 MW of solar generation is expected to be added to MGE’s energy supply mix by the end of this year with projects currently in development.

Government of Canada announces first steps in its Action Plan to support Black public servants

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, February 21, 2024
Treasury Board of Canada, Employee assistance program, Mental health, Health Canada, Workplace, The Honourable, PSC, Investment, Addiction, Racism, Government, Action plan, Organization, Task force, Public service, TBS, Public Service Commission, Research, Employment, Nursing

As a result, nearly $50 million is supporting the creation and development of the Action Plan for Black Public Servants (Action Plan) to establish career development programs and mental health supports for Black public servants.

Key Points: 
  • As a result, nearly $50 million is supporting the creation and development of the Action Plan for Black Public Servants (Action Plan) to establish career development programs and mental health supports for Black public servants.
  • Today, the Honourable Anita Anand, President of the Treasury Board, announced the first initiatives of the Action Plan, which will continue to be refined through meaningful input from Black public servants.
  • The Public Service Commission (PSC) is receiving funding to provide individualized assessment, counselling and coaching services to Black public servants.
  • - The Honourable Ya'ara Saks, Minister of Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health
    For more information about the Action Plan, public servants can contact the Task Force for Black Public Servants at [email protected] .

Alliant Energy Announces 2023 Results

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, February 15, 2024
Energy, Utilities, Oil, Gas, Alliant Energy, Investment, Interest, Internal Revenue Service, Parent, Average revenue per user, Local, Alliant, GAAP, Webcast, Public expenditure, IPL, ATC, Public Service Commission, EPS, WPL, Cryptocurrency

Alliant Energy is affirming EPS guidance for 2024 of $2.99 - $3.13.

Key Points: 
  • Alliant Energy is affirming EPS guidance for 2024 of $2.99 - $3.13.
  • A conference call to review the 2023 results is scheduled for Friday, February 16, 2024 at 9 a.m. central time.
  • Alliant Energy Executive Chairman John Larsen, President and Chief Executive Officer Lisa Barton, and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Robert Durian will host the call.
  • In conjunction with the information in this earnings announcement and the conference call, Alliant Energy posted supplemental materials on its website.

Windstream Enhances Network Reliability for 911, Broadband in Nebraska

Retrieved on: 
Monday, February 5, 2024
Telecommunications, Software, Networks, Internet, Technology, Carriers and Services, Mobile, Wireless, Other Technology, Internet access, Public Service Commission

Windstream has activated a new network path from Lincoln to Dallas, providing an additional layer of reliability and protection against outages impacting 911 services and broadband provided by Windstream in Nebraska.

Key Points: 
  • Windstream has activated a new network path from Lincoln to Dallas, providing an additional layer of reliability and protection against outages impacting 911 services and broadband provided by Windstream in Nebraska.
  • Windstream now has three separate network paths for traffic into and out of Nebraska, connecting to Dallas, Denver and Chicago.
  • “Activating a third network path into and out of Nebraska means enhanced protection for the services Nebraskans rely on, especially 911, internet access and long-distance calling,” said Brad Hedrick, operations president in Nebraska for Windstream.
  • “Establishing ‘triversity’ in Nebraska reflects Windstream’s commitment to providing a robust network experience along with exceptional customer service,” Hedrick said.

Australia’s ranking in global anti-corruption index remains steady – but shows we cannot be complacent

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, January 30, 2024
National Anti-Corruption Commission, Democracy, Public Service Commission, Research, Social media, Transparency, Transparency International, Policy, Culture, Corruption, Crime, Government, AIC, Election commission, Australian Public Service Commission, Corruption Perceptions Index, Leppington, Robodebt scheme, Drug

The latest Corruption Perceptions Index – an annual survey from Transparency International that tracks how corrupt governments are perceived to be – shows Australia still has a way to go on this front.

Key Points: 
  • The latest Corruption Perceptions Index – an annual survey from Transparency International that tracks how corrupt governments are perceived to be – shows Australia still has a way to go on this front.
  • Australia came in at 14th place with a score of 75 out of 100, which is the same score as last year.
  • In 2012, Australia had ranked an impressive seventh in the world with a score of 85.

The anti-corruption commission is just the first step

  • Using rigorous methodology, the index compiles independent assessments of a country’s efforts to prevent and control corruption by business leaders and experts.
  • The National Anti-Corruption Commission, for example, is not the magic bullet that alone will restore Australia’s good standing on the global stage.
  • While it’s important to investigate these allegations of wrongdoing, the National Anti-Corruption Commission cannot stop every bad policy or practice.
  • Promoting integrity is bigger than the National Anti-Corruption Commission.

Election financing and whisteblower reforms

  • While the National Anti-Corruption Commission is a first step, we still need to implement reforms on election financing, foreign bribery and anti-money laundering regulations, and protections for whistleblowers.
  • However, there is more the commission should be able to do if the government makes the appropriate policy decisions on election reform.
  • Three areas need attention: 1) We need limits on campaign financing and better regulation of political donations.


Adam Graycar has received funding from the Australian Research Council. He is a member of Transparency International.