Senate Bill 1122 introduces several changes to the regulations surrounding electric service utility rates and the construction of large electric generating facilities in Wisconsin. Notably, the bill prohibits electric public utilities from recovering any rate of return on equity for retired electric generating facilities. Additionally, it allows individuals to construct large electric generating facilities without obtaining a certificate of public convenience and necessity (CPCN) if they can demonstrate that at least 70 percent of the facility's output will be consumed for nonresidential purposes on-site and agree to cover all costs associated with interconnecting the facility to a public utility's electric infrastructure.

Furthermore, the bill mandates the Public Service Commission (PSC) to create and maintain a web page that displays the procedural status of every CPCN application, along with any other necessary permits or approvals from federal, state, or local authorities. The bill also amends existing language to clarify that the 70 percent consumption requirement applies to nonresidential purposes rather than manufacturing processes or ferrous mineral mining. These changes aim to streamline the permitting process for large electric generating facilities while ensuring that retired facilities do not contribute to rate recovery.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 196.491(4)(b)2, 196.491