The Electric Wire

The Electric Wire

By Customers First! CoalitionNewsBusiness News
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The Electric Wire episodes

  • 2023 Year-in-Review Roundtable and Highlight Clips

    The year-in-review roundtable is back with both new and

    familiar faces to help us recap this year in Wisconsin energy news. We discuss the top stories, ideas, and developments in 2023, as well as making some predictions for the year ahead.

    Our special guests include:

    ·      Kara Pennoyer, Chief of Staff to Public Service

    Commission of Wisconsin Chairperson Rebecca Valcq

    ·      Matthew Spencer, Director of Government Relations,

    Madison Gas and Electric

    ·      Carrie Templeton, Regulatory Relations and

    Policy Manager, Alliant Energy

    ·      Andy Bochman, Senior Grid Strategist, Idaho

    National Laboratory

     

    Key Moments

    03:25 - Top Energy Stories of the Year

    07:10 – Top Sustainable Energy Developments of the Year

    12:50 – Most Promising Energy Idea of the Year

    18:30 – “Shock” of the Year

    25:00 – Favorite Episode of the Electric Wire This Year

    32:45 – Predictions (Reflecting Back & Looking Forward)

    42:30 – “All the Power” Moments

    2023 Reflection Clips

    49:15 –Episode 37: Brent Ridge, CEO of Dairyland Power Cooperative,

    discusses hydropower using mine storage

    52:05 –Episode 38: Cindy Smith, Chief Legal Counsel at

    Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, discusses public participation and
    process at the PSCW

    55:40 –Episode 33: Sen. Julian Bradley discusses an “all of

    the above” approach to energy during his “All the Power” moment


    Links to Previous, Highlighted Episodes

    Electric Wire, Episode 40: Tours at MGE EV Fast Charging

    Hub and O’Brien Solar Fields

    Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tours-at-mge-ev-fast-charging-hub-and-obrien-solar-fields/id1497322756?i=1000630813364

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVK0103DDaE&t=1114s

    Electric Wire, Episode 41 - MEUW Celebrates with Public

    Power on Parade at the State Capitol

    Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/meuw-celebrates-with-public-power-on-parade-at-the/id1497322756?i=1000633242021

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIL9Qi_Z4FY

    Electric Wire, Episode 38 - Cindy Smith discusses

    participation and process at the PSCW

    Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cindy-smith-discusses-public-participation-and/id1497322756?i=1000622954015

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YS6PQZLEpOQ

    Electric Wire, Ep. 39 - Marcus Hawkins discusses his role

    leading the Organization of MISO States

    Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/marcus-hawkins-discusses-his-role-leading-the/id1497322756?i=1000626358105

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqYCUp7_dTM&t=468s

    Electric Wire, Episode 27 - The Reality of Retail Choice

    with Laurel Peltier

    Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-reality-of-retail-choice-with-laurel-peltier/id1497322756?i=1000578685568

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6fD7EMD_BY&t=164s

    Electric Wire, Episode 25 - Nuclear Power, Reliability

    & Global Weirding

    Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nuclear-power-reliability-global-weirding-with-andy/id1497322756?i=1000567542737

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpcEMypyy8o&t=32s

    For more detailed analysis of PSCW rate proceedings this

    year, you can check out content from our friends at the Citizens Utility Board
    of Wisconsin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLwz3hEZvK8

    59 min
  • All About Focus On Energy, Wisconsin's Statewide Energy Efficiency Program

    Wisconsin’s state-wide energy efficiency program, Focus on Energy, helps electric customers achieve cost-savings through

    energy conservation measures. Our guests on this episode discuss more about the program, why it was created, what’s in it for customers, costs and benefits, the program’s four-year planning process, and more. We are joined by Lisa Stefanik,
    Managing Director, Focus on Energy, and Jolene Sheil, Portfolio Manager for Focus on Energy, Public Service Commission of Wisconsin. Matthew Spencer, Director of Government Relations, Madison Gas and Electric, and Board Member for the Statewide
    Energy Efficiency and Renewable Administration (SEERA), co-hosts.

    Key Moments

    4:43 – What is the Focus on Energy

    program?

    5:50 – When, how, and why was Focus on

    Energy created?

    7:15 – More on the roles of the program’s

    administrator, APTIM; the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin; and, the Statewide
    Energy Efficiency and Renewable Administration

    9:55 – How is Focus on Energy funded and

    what is the relationship between the state’s electric utilities and Focus on Energy?

    14:35 – What does Focus on Energy do for

    Wisconsin’s electric customers?

    17:30 – How does the program reach out to

    customers about available offerings?

    18:48 – How are decisions made about what

    energy efficiency programs to offer?

    22:50 – What are the costs and benefits

    of the program?

    23:40 – More on the benefits of the

    program (bill savings, grid improvements, environmental, and economic benefits)

    29:10 – What are the top performing

    programs? (Industrial projects; discussion of LED lightbulbs)

    39:00 – Related federal funding from the Inflation

    Reduction Act

    43:50 – The Quadrennial Planning Process

    48:30 – Renewable energy funding

    50:29 – Issues that arose during COVID-19

    pandemic

    Links from Episode

    Focus on Energy
    https://focusonenergy.com/

    Focus on Energy Success Stories

    https://focusonenergy.com/success-stories-1

    Online Home Assessment Tool Walkthrough
    https://focusonenergy.com/home-assessment

    Focus on Energy Annual Reports
    https://focusonenergy.com/evaluation-reports/categories/annual-reports

    Public Service Commission of Wisconsin

    https://psc.wi.gov/Pages/Home.aspx

    APTIM (Focus on Energy Program Administrator)

    https://www.aptim.com/

    1 hr
  • MEUW Celebrates with Public Power on Parade at the State Capitol

    As the Municipal Electric Utilities of Wisconsin, or MEUW, celebrated its 95th birthday on October 18, 2023, the organization brought municipal utility leaders from across the state to the State Capitol to share the benefits of public power in their communities. The celebration culminated with a parade around the Capitol Square, with 81 utility bucket trucks showing their public power pride.

    This podcast episode features several short interviews conducted on-site during MEUW’s day at the Capitol; a quick look at some of the communities represented in the public power bucket truck parade; and, the episode concludes with a sit-down interview with Richard Heinemann, a long-time energy attorney at Boardman Clark representing municipal utilities. **Energy nerds will not want to miss the long-form interview with Richard Heinemann starting at 15:30!**
    Episode Special Guests
    • Tim Heinrich, President and CEO, Municipal Electric Utilities of Wisconsin
    • Jill Weiss, Utilities Director, Stoughton Utilities
    • George Morrissey, Director of Public Works, Cuba City
    • Richard Heinemann, Attorney, Boardman & Clark LLP
    Links from Episode
    October 2023 Issue of Live Lines Newsletter (MEUW Celebrates 95th Anniversary)
    https://www.meuw.org//Files/Live%20Lines/2023%20October%20Live%20Lines.pdf
    Map of Municipal Electric Utilities in Wisconsin
    https://www.meuw.org/map
    Electric Wire, Episode 29 - Rooted in Community: Municipal Electric Utilities of Wisconsin
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00s1H5MNYN0&t=592s
    Key Moments
    1:35 – Interview with Tim Heinrich (MEUW) begins
    6:19 – Interview with Jill Weiss (Stoughton Utilities) begins
    9:00 – Public Power on Parade at the Capitol (about 3 mins 30 seconds)
    12:48 -- Interview with George Morrissey (Cuba City) begins
    15:30 – Interview with Richard Heinemann (Boardman Clark) begins
    19:00 – Founding of municipal utilities/service territories
    23:30 – Regulatory issues specific to municipal utilities
    30:00 – “Pancaking”(or, stacking) of transmission rates
    32:36 – Municipal utility regulation at the local level
    36:15 – What is a joint action agency?
    41:26 – How are municipal utilities funded?
    43:25 – Is it possible to become a public power community today?
    48:58 – Richard’s “All the Power” answer

    53 min
  • Tours at MGE EV Fast Charging Hub and O’Brien Solar Fields

    On today’s episode, we are bringing listeners along for two recent, in-person tours hosted by CFC for our members. Our first stop was at Madison Gas and Electric’s fast-charging hub for electric vehicles in downtown Madison, Wisconsin. The fast-charging hub features sixteen fast-charging stalls, including eight Tesla Superchargers.

    Our next tour stop was at Madison Gas and Electric’s O’Brien Solar Fields just south of Madison in Fitchburg, Wisconsin. The 22-MW O'Brien Solar Fields delivers locally-generated solar energy to large energy users.
    The episode features subject matter experts from Madison Gas & Electric guiding our tours, including:
    • Erinn Monroe-Nye – Energy Services and Policy Manager
    • John Armstrong – Renewable Engineering Manager
    • Mark Lydon – Senior Account Manager
    • Jeanne Burns-Frank – Environmental and Sustainability Program Manager
    Key Moments from the Episode Include:
    2:00 – Erinn Details EV Fast Charging Hub
    7:34 – Lessons learned during operation of EV Fast Charging Hub
    9:20 – Question about managing cars parked at hub
    10:19 – Erinn’s “All the Power” Moment (Paving the way for more fast chargers)
    11:00 – O’Brien Solar Tour Begins
    14:20 – Mark discusses MGE customers receiving power from project
    16:28 – Project Development and Leasing with John
    18:30 – Jeanne discusses vegetation mix and ideal native plants for solar sites
    27:40 – Process of converting sunlight to electricity on site
    29:40 – Winter considerations at solar site
    31:40 – Land use and benefits to the land
    32:41 – John’s “All the Power” Moment (MISO Queue)
    33:44 – Mark’s “All the Power” Moment (Energy jargon)
    34:55 – Jeanne’s “All the Power” Moment (Energy storage)
    Find more information about the EV fast charging hub and O’Brien Solar Fields at the Madison Gas & Electric website:

    EV Charging Hub:

    https://www.mge.com/newsroom/news-rel...
    MG&E Solar Projects:
    https://www.mge.com/our-environment/g...

    37 min
  • Marcus Hawkins discusses his role leading the Organization of MISO States

    Our special guest Marcus Hawkins, Executive Director, Organization of MISO States (OMS), walks us through some of the day-to-day functions of OMS, how he keeps up with proceedings at the Midwest Independent System Operator (MISO), and his view on the benefits of Regional Transmission Organizations (RTO's).

    Links from Episode:
    PSCW’s Strategic Energy Assessment (2028)
    https://apps.psc.wi.gov/pages/viewdoc.htm?docid=451939
    2023 MISO-OMS Resource Adequacy Survey
    https://cdn.misoenergy.org/20230714%20OMS%20MISO%20Survey%20Results%20Presentation629607.pdf
    Midwest Independent System Operator (MISO)
    https://www.misoenergy.org/
    Organization of MISO States (OMS)
    https://www.misostates.org/index.php
    Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)
    https://www.ferc.gov/

    53 min
  • Cindy Smith discusses public participation and process at the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin

    Cindy Smith has served as the Chief Legal Counsel at the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin for over a decade and across three administrations. She joins the Electric Wire to discuss her role at the PSCW, ways the public can participate in the PSCW’s deliberative process, and how the energy landscape has changed over the past decade.

    Cindy will answer the following questions and more over the course of the episode:

    ·      What should the public know about the process for participating in cases before the PSC? (12:19)

    ·      What are some of the cases of interest to the public that are currently before the Commission or coming up? (27:20)

    ·      How has the energy landscape changed since Cindy started at the Commission and how do those changes impact the work of the PSCW?

    (30:00)

    ·      What are the most memorable cases that have come through the PSCW during Cindy’s time there? (36:32)


    Links from Episode

    Public Service Commission of Wisconsin Homepage:

    https://psc.wi.gov/Pages/Home.aspx

    Public Service Commission of Wisconsin Highlighted Cases:

    https://psc.wi.gov/Pages/CommissionActions/HighlightedCases.aspx

    48 min
  • Exploring the possibility of pumped hydro energy storage within abandoned mines with Dairyland Power Cooperative and Michigan Tech University

    Mine storage is a specific form of pumped hydro energy storage

    that is currently being explored in a partnership between Dairyland Power
    Cooperative, Michigan Technological University, and Sweden-based Mine Storage.

    This episode of the Electric Wire podcast includes

    executives from Dairyland Power Cooperative, with President and CEO Brent Ridge,
    and VP of Strategic Growth John Carr, both returning to the podcast to discuss
    this new possibility for energy storage.

    Dr. Timothy Scarlett is an Associate Professor of Archaeology and Anthropology at Michigan

    Technological University, and he joins the conversation to explain some of the
    specific considerations when using mines for pumped hydro energy storage.

    In

    the introductions alone, you will learn more about Dairyland’s interest in
    energy storage options and their plans for how it could complement other new technologies, such as small modular nuclear reactors (SMR’s).


    Other highlights from the episode include:

    19:00–Dr. Scarlett answers how pumped hydro storage using mines works

    25:45–Brent Ridge and John Carr discuss how Dairyland will decide whether or not to move forward with a potential project

    28:45–Brent Ridge answers which he thinks we will see first: mine storage for pumped hydro projects or new SMR’s

    29:45–Each of the guests discuss the challenges with

    implementing pumped hydro storage

    32:00–Dr. Scarlett discusses a case study demonstrating

    the capacity for mine storage projects

    45:30–Each of the guests discuss what they would do if

    they had “All the Power” in the industry

    Learn more about the recent announcement of the partnership

    between Dairyland Power Cooperative, Michigan Tech University, and Mine Storage at the following links:


    Dairyland Power Cooperative Press Release:
    https://dairylandpower.com/dairyland-exploring-pumped-hydro-energy-storage


    Michigan Technological University web site:
    https://www.mtu.edu/


    MTU 2023 Research Magazine story about the idea of PUSH/MineStorage: 

    https://www.mtu.edu/magazine/2023/stories/mines-new-energy/


    Mine Storage web site: https://www.minestorage.com/


    Mine Storage concept graphic:

    https://www.minestorage.com/energy-solution/#mine-storage-concept


    Wisconsin Public Radio:

    https://www.wpr.org/wisconsin-dairyland-energy-utility-converting-abandoned-mines-hydroelectric-generators


    Note: Dairyland Power Cooperative is a Founding Member of

    the Customers First Coalition

    54 min
  • Considerations When Installing Solar Power at Your Home or Business

    This episode examines some consumer issues associated with residential and commercial solar installations. Potential solar customers have many good options for reputable installers to work with, and by doing due diligence and planning, customers can feel confident they are making a sound investment.

    Steve Freese, President and CEO, Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association, co-hosts this episode along with Kristin Gilkes, Executive Director, Customers First Coalition.
    Special guests include:
    • Michael Domke, Director, Bureau of Consumer Protection; Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection
    • Leah Samson, Residential Energy Engineer; Madison Gas & Electric
    Mike and Leah answer the following questions and more during this episode:
    • What’s driving customers towards installing their own solar? (16:15)
    • Are there particular issues with door-to-door solar sales? (18:00)
    • What recourse do customers have if there is a problem with their solar installation? (29:00)
    • Where should customers considering solar start? (34:00)
    Links from episode
    Wisconsin Electric Cooperative News, Steve Freese Column: Contact Your Cooperative Before Making the Call on Solar
    https://wecnmagazine.com/article/contact-your-cooperative-before-making-the-call-on-solar/
    DATCP Consumer Complaint Hotline: 1-800-422-7128
    DATCP Solar Buying Tips:
    https://datcp.wi.gov/Documents/SolarPowerBuyingTips503.pdf
    DATCP Bureau of Consumer Protection:
    consumerprotection.wi.gov
    Energy.gov Homeowners Guide to Going Solar
    https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/homeowners-guide-going-solar

    52 min
  • 2023 Power Breakfast, Part 2 (The Role of Nuclear Power in Wisconsin's Energy Mix)

    We are bringing you event audio from CFC's Power Breakfast in Madison on April 13, 2023, titled "The Role of Nuclear Power in Wisconsin's Energy Mix." This podcast episode, "2023 Power Breakfast, Part 2," covers the second half of the event, featuring remarks from:

    -Panel Moderator: Ellen Nowak, Former Commissioner, Public Service Commission of Wisconsin
    Panelists
    -Tom Content, Executive Director, Citizens Utility Board of Wisconsin
    -Paul Wilson, Chair, UW-Madison Dept. of Engineering Physics
    -Emily Pritzkow, Executive Director, Wisconsin Building Trades Council
    -Jeremy Browning, Vice President, Generation and Power Supply, Dairyland Power Cooperative
    Our previous podcast episode, "2023 Power Breakfast, Part 1" features remarks from state and federal officials and NEI.
    WisconsinEye provided full event coverage, and full video of the event can be found by searching for the Customers First Coalition at ⁠wiseye.org⁠ - you will simply need a free account to watch the video. WisconsinEye subscribers can download audio and video from all events WisconsinEye covers and we encourage you to support WisconsinEye by becoming a subscriber!
    More event coverage can be found at the following links:
    WisconsinEye:
    ⁠https://wiseye.org/2023/04/13/customers-first-coalition-the-nuclear-option-new-technologies-new-opportunities-for-wisconsin/
    Wisconsin Public Radio:
    ⁠https://www.wpr.org/nuclear-key-key-cutting-carbon-emissions-combat-climate-change
    WUWM:
    ⁠https://www.wuwm.com/2023-04-14/there-seems-to-be-enthusiasm-for-more-nuclear-power-in-wisconsin-but-what-about-the-cost-and-waste
    WisBusiness:
    https://www.wisbusiness.com/2023/uw-madison-expert-says-nuclear-tech-at-pivot-point/

    1 hr
  • 2023 Power Breakfast, Part 1 (The Role of Nuclear Power in Wisconsin's Energy Mix)

    We are bringing you event audio from CFC's Power Breakfast in Madison on April 13, 2023, titled "The Role of Nuclear Power in Wisconsin's Energy Mix." This podcast episode, "2023 Power Breakfast, Part 1," covers the first half of the event, featuring remarks from:

    - Senator Melissa Agard, Minority Leader, Wisconsin State Senate
    - Representative Kevin Petersen, Speaker Pro Tempore, Wisconsin State Assembly
    - Cheryl Moss Herman, Senior Advisor, Department of Energy, Office of Nuclear Energy
    - Christine Csizmadia, Senior Director of State Outreach, Nuclear Energy Institute
    Our next podcast episode, "2023 Power Breakfast, Part 2" covers the Industry Perspectives Panel from the second half of the event.
    WisconsinEye provided full event coverage, and full video of the event can be found by searching for the Customers First Coalition at ⁠wiseye.org⁠ - you will simply need a free account to watch the video. WisconsinEye subscribers can download audio and video from all events WisconsinEye covers and we encourage you to support WisconsinEye by becoming a subscriber!
    More event coverage can be found at the following links:
    WisconsinEye:
    ⁠https://wiseye.org/2023/04/13/customers-first-coalition-the-nuclear-option-new-technologies-new-opportunities-for-wisconsin/
    Wisconsin Public Radio:
    ⁠https://www.wpr.org/nuclear-key-key-cutting-carbon-emissions-combat-climate-change
    WUWM:
    ⁠https://www.wuwm.com/2023-04-14/there-seems-to-be-enthusiasm-for-more-nuclear-power-in-wisconsin-but-what-about-the-cost-and-waste
    WisBusiness:
    https://www.wisbusiness.com/2023/uw-madison-expert-says-nuclear-tech-at-pivot-point/

    1 hr 17 min

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The Electric Wire Podcast is a production of the Customers First! Coalition, featuring Wisconsin energy and utilities interviews and news.

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