Customers First! Coalition

Registered Principal Details

Business Or Interest:
Alliance of consumer organizations, municipal electric utilities, rural electric cooperatives, wholesale electric suppliers, an investor owned utility, renewable energy advocates, and labor organizations.

Lobbying Interests:
The Customers First! Coalition weighs in on matters affecting electricity regulation, with a specific interest in protecting customers from an unstable regulatory environment caused by "deregulation" or "restructuring." The organization also supports energy assistance programs, cost-effective renewable energy, energy efficiency, electrification and electric vehicles.

Contact
KRG
Kristin Ruesch Gilkes
10 E Doty Street, Suite 800
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 286-0784
kristin@customersfirst.org
http://www.customersfirst.org

Authorized Lobbyists

Lobbyist Name Exclusive Duties Authorized On Withdrawn On

Lobbying Interests

Legislative Bills/Resolutions

Assembly Bill 258
Assembly Bill 258
Relating to: authorizing community solar programs and granting rule-making authority. (FE)

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
5/9/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Comments
CFC supports properly-structured community solar projects, but we oppose this bill as drafted.
Assembly Bill 331
Assembly Bill 331
Relating to: grants to map, control, eradicate, monitor, and minimize the spread of wild parsnip; funding for the Bureau of Natural Heritage Conservation; granting rule-making authority; and making an appropriation. (FE)

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
9/20/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Comments
Wild parsnip presents a safety hazard for utility workers and we support efforts to eradicate it.
Assembly Bill 354
Assembly Bill 354
Relating to: warning lights on public utility, telecommunications carrier, or cooperative vehicles.

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
9/20/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Comments
Allowing for flashing green lights on utility vehicles is a safety measure designed to protect utility workers, and we strongly support this legislation.
Assembly Bill 846
Assembly Bill 846
Relating to: exemptions from public utility regulation regarding electric vehicle charging stations, installation and operation of electric vehicle charging stations by state agencies or local governmental units, and imposing an excise tax on electric vehi...

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
1/5/2024
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Comments
We support AB 846 due to its adherence to WI’s utility regulatory structure while enabling more EV charging. We support an amendment ensuring electric utilities or cooperatives receive notification when a new EV charging station is proposed.
Assembly Bill 847
Assembly Bill 847
Relating to: an electric vehicle infrastructure program and making an appropriation. (FE)

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
1/5/2024
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Senate Bill 226
Senate Bill 226
Relating to: authorizing community solar programs and granting rule-making authority. (FE)

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
5/3/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Comments
CFC supports properly-structured community solar projects, but we do not support this bill as drafted.
Senate Bill 269
Senate Bill 269
Relating to: grants to map, control, eradicate, monitor, and minimize the spread of wild parsnip; funding for the Bureau of Natural Heritage Conservation; granting rule-making authority; and making an appropriation. (FE)

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
9/20/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Comments
Wild parsnip presents a safety hazard for utility workers and we support efforts to eradicate it.
Senate Bill 355
Senate Bill 355
Relating to: warning lights on public utility, telecommunications carrier, or cooperative vehicles.

Bill Text and History

2023 Wisconsin Act 155

For
Notification Date
7/17/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Comments
Allowing for flashing green lights on utility vehicles is a safety measure designed to protect utility workers, and we strongly support this legislation.
Senate Bill 791
Senate Bill 791
Relating to: exemptions from public utility regulation regarding electric vehicle charging stations, installation and operation of electric vehicle charging stations by state agencies or local governmental units, and imposing an excise tax on electric vehi...

Bill Text and History

2023 Wisconsin Act 121

For
Notification Date
12/18/2023
First Communication Date
12/14/2023
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has communicated on this matter.
Comments
We support SB 791 due to its adherence to WI’s utility regulatory structure while enabling more EV charging. We would support an amendment to ensure electric utilities or cooperatives receive notification when a new EV charging station is proposed.
Senate Bill 792
Senate Bill 792
Relating to: an electric vehicle infrastructure program and making an appropriation. (FE)

Bill Text and History

2023 Wisconsin Act 122

For
Notification Date
12/18/2023
First Communication Date
12/14/2023
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has communicated on this matter.

Budget Bill Subjects

Administration: Utility Public Benefits and Air Quality Improvement
Biennial budget bill treatment of matter relating to
Administration: Utility Public Benefits and Air Quality Improvement

Notification Date
2/28/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal do not intend to communicate on this matter.

Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection: Food Safety and Consumer Protection
Biennial budget bill treatment of matter relating to
Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection: Food Safety and Consumer Protection

Notification Date
2/28/2023
First Communication Date
2/22/2023
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has communicated on this matter.

Public Service Commission: Regulation of Public Utilities
Biennial budget bill treatment of matter relating to
Public Service Commission: Regulation of Public Utilities

Notification Date
2/28/2023
First Communication Date
2/22/2023
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has communicated on this matter.

Transportation: Local Transportation Assistance
Biennial budget bill treatment of matter relating to
Transportation: Local Transportation Assistance

Notification Date
2/28/2023
First Communication Date
2/22/2023
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has communicated on this matter.

Topics Not Yet Assigned A Bill Or Rule Number

Support - Kristy Nieto, of Monona, as a Commissioner of the Public Service Commission, to serve for the term ending March 1, 2025
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
Support - Kristy Nieto, of Monona, as a Commissioner of the Public Service Commission, to serve for the term ending March 1, 2025

Action Intended To Affect
Legislative matter

Notification Date
8/8/2024
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.

Support - Marcus Hawkins, of Madison, as a Commissioner on the Public Service Commission, to serve for the term ending March 1, 2027
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
Support - Marcus Hawkins, of Madison, as a Commissioner on the Public Service Commission, to serve for the term ending March 1, 2027

Action Intended To Affect
Legislative matter

Notification Date
8/8/2024
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.

Staffing levels at the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
Staffing levels at the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin

Action Intended To Affect
Legislative matter

Notification Date
8/8/2024
First Communication Date
7/25/2024
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has communicated on this matter.

LRB 2813 and LRB 4850 relating to: Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Policy and Funding
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
LRB 2813 and LRB 4850 relating to: Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Policy and Funding

Action Intended To Affect
Legislative matter

Notification Date
12/4/2023
First Communication Date
11/27/2023
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has communicated on this matter.

Support - Summer Strand, of Waunakee, as a Commissioner on the Public Service Commission, to serve for the term ending March 1, 2029
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
Support - Summer Strand, of Waunakee, as a Commissioner on the Public Service Commission, to serve for the term ending March 1, 2029

Action Intended To Affect
Legislative matter

Notification Date
5/9/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.

Changes to the utility aid formula to include battery storage projects
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
Changes to the utility aid formula to include battery storage projects

Action Intended To Affect
Both Legislative matter and rule

Notification Date
4/14/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.

LRB 0767/1- authorizing a community solar program
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
LRB 0767/1- authorizing a community solar program

Action Intended To Affect
Both Legislative matter and rule

Notification Date
3/22/2023
First Communication Date
3/21/2023
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has communicated on this matter.

Comments
CFC does not support LRB 0767/1 as currently drafted.

Electric Energy Regulation
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
Electric Energy Regulation

Action Intended To Affect
Legislative matter

Notification Date
1/2/2023
First Communication Date
1/11/2023
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has communicated on this matter.

Electric Vehicles and Electrification
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
Electric Vehicles and Electrification

Action Intended To Affect
Both Legislative matter and rule

Notification Date
1/2/2023
First Communication Date
1/11/2023
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has communicated on this matter.

Focus on Energy program
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
Focus on Energy program

Action Intended To Affect
Both Legislative matter and rule

Notification Date
1/2/2023
First Communication Date
1/11/2023
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has communicated on this matter.

Renewable energy proposals
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
Renewable energy proposals

Action Intended To Affect
Both Legislative matter and rule

Notification Date
1/2/2023
First Communication Date
1/11/2023
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has communicated on this matter.

Support - Tyler Huebner, of Madison, as a Commissioner on the Public Service Commission, to serve for the term ending March 1, 2027.
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
Support - Tyler Huebner, of Madison, as a Commissioner on the Public Service Commission, to serve for the term ending March 1, 2027.

Action Intended To Affect
Legislative matter

Notification Date
1/2/2023
First Communication Date
1/31/2023
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has communicated on this matter.

Total Lobbying Effort

  2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
Total
Total Lobbying Expenditures 2023
January - June
$7,248.05
2023
July - December
$7,191.26
2024
January - June
$8,773.75
Total $23,213.06
Total Hours Communicating 2023
January - June
29.50
2023
July - December
19.50
2024
January - June
18.50
Total 67.50
Total Hours Other 2023
January - June
49.00
2023
July - December
57.50
2024
January - June
65.00
Total 171.50

Percent Allocation of Lobbying Effort

Legislative Bills/Resolutions

Relating to: exemptions from public utility regulation regarding electric vehicle charging stations, installation and operation of electric vehicle charging stations by state agencies or local governmental units, and imposing an excise tax on electric vehicle charging. (FE)
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
11%
2024
July - December
Total 4%
Relating to: authorizing community solar programs and granting rule-making authority. (FE)
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
16%
2024
July - December
Total 5%

Budget Bill Subjects

No budget bill subjects found.

Administrative Rulemaking Proceedings

No administrative rulemaking proceedings found.

Topics Not Yet Assigned A Bill Or Rule Number

2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
13%
2023
July - December
21%
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total 11%
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
25%
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total 8%
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
51%
2023
July - December
39%
2024
January - June
33%
2024
July - December
Total 41%

Minor Efforts

(Time spent on matters each of which accounted for less than 10% of the organization's lobbying.)

Minor Efforts
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
11%
2023
July - December
40%
2024
January - June
40%
2024
July - December
Total 30%

Other Matters

No other matters found.

Filed Statements of Lobbying Activity and Expenditures