Municipal Electric Utilities of Wisconsin

Registered Principal Details

Business Or Interest:
Municipally owned electric and telecommunications utilities.

Lobbying Interests:
Legislation and administrative rules that affect the operation of municipally owned electric utilities and telecommunications, including but not limited to rules before the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin and the DNR.

CEO Name:
David J. Benforado
Executive Director

Contact
DJB
David J Benforado
725 Lois Dr
Sun Prairie, WI 53590
(608) 837-2263
(608) 837-0206
dbenforado@meuw.org
meuw.org

Authorized Lobbyists

Lobbyist Name Exclusive Duties Authorized On Withdrawn On

Lobbying Interests

Legislative Bills/Resolutions

Assembly Bill 88
Assembly Bill 88
Relating to: allowing electric utilities and retail electric cooperatives to include energy derived from garbage and certain waste in satisfying renewable portfolio standards.

Bill Text and History

None
Notification Date
3/11/2009
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.
Assembly Bill 138
Assembly Bill 138
Relating to: the appointment and term of service of the secretary of natural resources and vacancies on the Natural Resources Board.

Bill Text and History

None
Notification Date
7/27/2009
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.
Other
Notification Date
7/27/2009
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.
Assembly Bill 220
Assembly Bill 220
Relating to: regulation of telecommunications utilities and alternative telecommunications utilities, and public utility accounting filing requirements.

Bill Text and History

None
Notification Date
3/15/2010
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.
Assembly Bill 256
Assembly Bill 256
Relating to: regulation of wind energy systems and granting rule-making authority.

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
5/28/2009
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.
Supporting Documentation
20090528_070558_MEUW Testimony in support of SB 185 may 09.pdf

Assembly Bill 271
Assembly Bill 271
Relating to: professional land surveyors, the practice of professional land surveying, surveying land abutting navigable waters, and granting rule-making authority.

Bill Text and History

None
Notification Date
7/7/2009
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.
Assembly Bill 316
Assembly Bill 316
Relating to: emergency management, succession of public offices, liability and licensure of emergency volunteers, disaster relief, ratification of the pest control compact, transportation and disposal of animal carcasses, the plant industry, computation of...

Bill Text and History

2009 Wisconsin Act 42

None
Notification Date
7/7/2009
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.
Assembly Bill 384
Assembly Bill 384
Relating to: operation of neighborhood electric vehicles.

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
9/4/2009
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.
Assembly Bill 391
Assembly Bill 391
Relating to: deployment of high-speed Internet services.

Bill Text and History

None
Notification Date
8/18/2009
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.
Assembly Bill 401
Assembly Bill 401
Relating to: creation of renewable resource credits by electric providers and granting rule-making authority.

Bill Text and History

None
Notification Date
11/3/2009
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.
Assembly Bill 402
Assembly Bill 402
Relating to: the operation of neighborhood electric vehicles on county trunk highways.

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
9/4/2009
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.
Assembly Bill 403
Assembly Bill 403
Relating to: local government property insurance fund premiums.

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
9/4/2009
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.
For
Notification Date
9/4/2009
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.
Supporting Documentation
20090928_144051_MEUW Letter of Support for AB 403.pdf

Assembly Bill 404
Assembly Bill 404
Relating to: prohibiting municipal electric or water utilities from collecting certain utility arrearages from owners of rental properties as property liens.

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
8/31/2009
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.
Assembly Bill 429
Assembly Bill 429
Relating to: driving a motor vehicle while using a wireless telecommunications device and providing a penalty.

Bill Text and History

None
Notification Date
12/16/2009
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.
Assembly Bill 475
Assembly Bill 475
Relating to: prohibiting privatization of certain municipal water utilities.

Bill Text and History

Other
Notification Date
3/23/2010
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.
Assembly Bill 600
Assembly Bill 600
Relating to: authority of the Public Service Commission regarding fuel costs of certain electric public utilities and granting rule-making authority.

Bill Text and History

2009 Wisconsin Act 403

For
Notification Date
4/6/2010
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.
Assembly Bill 606
Assembly Bill 606
Relating to: the regulation of video service providers and interim cable operators, granting rule-making authority, making an appropriation, and providing a penalty.

Bill Text and History

None
Notification Date
12/16/2009
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.
Assembly Bill 649
Assembly Bill 649
Relating to: goals for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, for construction of zero net energy buildings and for energy conservation; information, analyses, reports, education, and training concerning greenhouse gas emissions and climate change; energy...

Bill Text and History

None
Notification Date
1/11/2010
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.
Supporting Documentation
20100111_121814_MEUW Statement 1-7-10 re Clean Energy Jobs Act.pdf

For
Notification Date
1/11/2010
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
Please see attached statement.
Supporting Documentation
20100128_074937_MEUW Statement in Support of SB450-AB649 Jan 27 2010.pdf

Assembly Bill 689
Assembly Bill 689
Relating to: Public Service Commission intervenor grants and making an appropriation.

Bill Text and History

2009 Wisconsin Act 383

For
Notification Date
2/4/2010
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.
Assembly Bill 696
Assembly Bill 696
Relating to: authority of the Public Service Commission over certain telecommunications utilities, telecommunications access charges, universal service fund contributions based on interconnected voice over Internet protocol service, tandem switching provid...

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
3/15/2010
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.
Assembly Bill 718
Assembly Bill 718
Relating to: operation of low-speed vehicles on highways and providing a penalty.

Bill Text and History

None
Notification Date
2/17/2010
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.
Assembly Bill 755
Assembly Bill 755
Relating to: allowing certain utilities to administer investment programs for energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy applications, creating requirements for political subdivision loans for similar improvements and applications, providing an ex...

Bill Text and History

None
Notification Date
3/15/2010
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.
Against
Notification Date
3/15/2010
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.
Assembly Bill 843
Assembly Bill 843
Relating to: energy conservation standards for the construction of certain buildings, energy and environmental design standards for state buildings, structures, and facilities, energy and environmental design standards for school district facilities and ot...

Bill Text and History

None
Notification Date
3/15/2010
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.
Assembly Bill 857
Assembly Bill 857
Relating to: exemption for interstate natural gas companies from certain requirements regarding real estate transactions and court actions, creation and powers of municipal electric companies, and exemption from certificate of public convenience and necess...

Bill Text and History

2009 Wisconsin Act 378

For
Notification Date
3/23/2010
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 113
Senate Bill 113
Relating to: the appointment and term of service of the secretary of natural resources and vacancies on the Natural Resources Board.

Bill Text and History

None
Notification Date
7/27/2009
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 128
Senate Bill 128
Relating to: regulation of telecommunications utilities and alternative telecommunications utilities, and public utility accounting filing requirements.

Bill Text and History

None
Notification Date
12/16/2009
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 185
Senate Bill 185
Relating to: regulation of wind energy systems and granting rule-making authority.

Bill Text and History

2009 Wisconsin Act 40

For
Notification Date
5/1/2009
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.
Supporting Documentation
20090501_101339_Joint WPPI MEUW Statement Supporting SB 185.pdf

Senate Bill 261
Senate Bill 261
Relating to: deployment of high-speed Internet services.

Bill Text and History

None
Notification Date
8/18/2009
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 273
Senate Bill 273
Relating to: creation of renewable resource credits by electric providers and granting rule-making authority.

Bill Text and History

2009 Wisconsin Act 406

None
Notification Date
11/3/2009
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 306
Senate Bill 306
Relating to: driving a motor vehicle while using a wireless telecommunications device and providing a penalty.

Bill Text and History

None
Notification Date
12/16/2009
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 321
Senate Bill 321
Relating to: operation of neighborhood electric vehicles.

Bill Text and History

2009 Wisconsin Act 311

For
Notification Date
10/5/2009
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.
Supporting Documentation
20091005_112225_MEUW Letter of Support for NEV Legis SB321.pdf

Senate Bill 398
Senate Bill 398
Relating to: privatization of certain municipal water utilities.

Bill Text and History

Other
Notification Date
3/23/2010
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 442
Senate Bill 442
Relating to: requiring local units of government to use the qualifications-based selection process for certain public works consulting contracts.

Bill Text and History

None
Notification Date
1/11/2010
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 450
Senate Bill 450
Relating to: goals for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, for construction of zero net energy buildings and for energy conservation; information, analyses, reports, education, and training concerning greenhouse gas emissions and climate change; energy...

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
1/28/2010
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
Please see attached statement provided to Committee for 1-27-10 hearing
Supporting Documentation
20100128_074712_MEUW Statement in Support of SB450-AB649 Jan 27 2010.pdf

Senate Bill 469
Senate Bill 469
Relating to: authority of the Public Service Commission over certain telecommunications utilities, telecommunications access charges, universal service fund contributions based on interconnected voice over Internet protocol service, tandem switching provid...

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
3/15/2010
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 512
Senate Bill 512
Relating to: the transfer of moneys from the general fund to the utility public benefits fund and the calculation of the low-income assistance fee for the 2010-11 fiscal year.

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
4/6/2010
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 615
Senate Bill 615
Relating to: exemption for interstate natural gas companies from certain requirements regarding real estate transactions and court actions, creation and powers of municipal electric companies, and exemption from certificate of public convenience and necess...

Bill Text and History

2009 Wisconsin Act 379

For
Notification Date
3/23/2010
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.

Topics Not Yet Assigned A Bill Or Rule Number

Legislation relating to the ability of municipal utilities to collect unpaid utility bills
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
Legislation relating to the ability of municipal utilities to collect unpaid utility bills

Action Intended To Affect
Legislative Matter

Notification Date
7/23/2009
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.

Advanced renewable/feed-in/buy back tariff
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
Advanced renewable/feed-in/buy back tariff

Action Intended To Affect
Both Legislative Matter and Rule

Notification Date
4/21/2009
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.

Stray voltage
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
Stray voltage

Action Intended To Affect
Legislative Matter

Notification Date
4/21/2009
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.

Legislation and administrative rules relating to the Governor's Global Warming Task Force Final Report and climate change
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
Legislation and administrative rules relating to the Governor's Global Warming Task Force Final Report and climate change

Action Intended To Affect
Both Legislative Matter and Rule

Notification Date
2/12/2009
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
www.dnr.state.wi.us/environmentprotect/gtfgw/

Legislation and administrative rules relating to uniform wind siting standards
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
Legislation and administrative rules relating to uniform wind siting standards

Action Intended To Affect
Both Legislative Matter and Rule

Notification Date
2/12/2009
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.

Total Lobbying Effort

  2009
January - June
2009
July - December
2010
January - June
2010
July - December
Total
Total Lobbying Expenditures 2009
January - June
$6,895.69
2009
July - December
$3,282.26
2010
January - June
$6,500.19
2010
July - December
$3,010.98
Total $19,689.12
Total Hours Communicating 2009
January - June
23.00
2009
July - December
3.50
2010
January - June
15.00
2010
July - December
2.00
Total 43.50
Total Hours Other 2009
January - June
36.50
2009
July - December
24.00
2010
January - June
55.50
2010
July - December
21.00
Total 137.00

Percent Allocation of Lobbying Effort

Legislative Bills/Resolutions

Relating to: allowing electric utilities and retail electric cooperatives to include energy derived from garbage and certain waste in satisfying renewable portfolio standards.
2009
January - June
2009
July - December
2010
January - June
2010
July - December
Total
2009
January - June
5%
2009
July - December
2010
January - June
2010
July - December
Total 2%
Relating to: regulation of wind energy systems and granting rule-making authority.
2009
January - June
2009
July - December
2010
January - June
2010
July - December
Total
2009
January - June
50%
2009
July - December
2010
January - June
2010
July - December
Total 17%
Relating to: operation of neighborhood electric vehicles.
2009
January - June
2009
July - December
2010
January - June
2010
July - December
Total
2009
January - June
2009
July - December
5%
2010
January - June
15%
2010
July - December
Total 7%
Relating to: exemption for interstate natural gas companies from certain requirements regarding real estate transactions and court actions, creation and powers of municipal electric companies, and exemption from certificate of public convenience and necessity for certain electric transmission line projects.
2009
January - June
2009
July - December
2010
January - June
2010
July - December
Total
2009
January - June
2009
July - December
2010
January - June
5%
2010
July - December
Total 2%
Relating to: goals for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, for construction of zero net energy buildings and for energy conservation; information, analyses, reports, education, and training concerning greenhouse gas emissions and climate change; energy efficiency and renewable resource programs; renewable energy requirements of electric utilities and retail cooperatives; requiring electric utilities to purchase renewable energy from certain renewable facilities in their service territories; authority of the Public Service Commission over nuclear power plants; motor vehicle emission limitations; a low carbon standard for transportation fuels; the brownfield site assessment grant program, the main street program, the brownfields grant program, the forward innovation fund, grants to local governments for planning activities, the transportation facilities economic assistance and development program, a model parking ordinance; surface transportation planning by the Department of Transportation and metropolitan planning organizations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; environmental evaluations for transportation projects; idling limits for certain vehicles; energy conservation codes for public buildings, places of employment, one- and two-family dwellings, and agricultural facilities; design standards for state buildings; energy efficiency standards for certain consumer audio and video devices, boiler inspection requirements; greenhouse gas emissions and energy use by certain state agencies and state assistance to school districts in achieving energy efficiencies; creating an exception to local levy limits for amounts spent on energy efficiency measures; creating an energy crop reserve program; identification of private forest land, promoting sequestration of carbon in forests, qualifying practices and cost-share requirements under the forest grant program established by the Department of Natural Resources; air pollution permits for certain stationary sources reducing greenhouse gas emissions; allocating a portion of existing tax-exempt industrial development revenue bonding to clean energy manufacturing facilities and renewable power generating facilities; requiring a report on certain programs to limit greenhouse gas emissions; granting rule-making authority; requiring the exercise of rule-making authority; and providing a penalty.
2009
January - June
2009
July - December
2010
January - June
2010
July - December
Total
2009
January - June
2009
July - December
2010
January - June
70%
2010
July - December
Total 27%

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

2009
January - June
2009
July - December
2010
January - June
2010
July - December
Total
2009
January - June
2009
July - December
10%
2010
January - June
2010
July - December
Total 2%
2009
January - June
2009
July - December
2010
January - June
2010
July - December
Total
2009
January - June
2009
July - December
2010
January - June
2010
July - December
5%
Total < 1%

Minor Efforts

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

Minor Efforts
2009
January - June
2009
July - December
2010
January - June
2010
July - December
Total
2009
January - June
45%
2009
July - December
85%
2010
January - June
10%
2010
July - December
95%
Total 44%

Other Matters

No other matters found.

Filed Statements of Lobbying Activity and Expenditures