Wisconsin Utilities Association Inc

Registered Principal Details

Business Or Interest:
The investor-owned gas and electric utilities.

Lobbying Interests:
All legislation and rules affecting investor-owned utilities including, but not limited to, tax, environment, regulation, tax reform.

CEO Name:
William Skewes

Contact
WS
William Skewes
44 E Mifflin Street, Suite 402
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 257-3151
bskewes@wisconsinutilities.com
http://wiutilities.org

Authorized Lobbyists

Lobbyist Name Exclusive Duties Authorized On Withdrawn On

Lobbying Interests

Legislative Bills/Resolutions

Assembly Bill 20
Assembly Bill 20
Relating to: the sales and use tax exemption for electricity and natural gas sold for residential use. (FE)

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
5/18/2023
First Communication Date
5/16/2023
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has communicated on this matter.
Assembly Bill 45
Assembly Bill 45
Relating to: restricting local regulation of utility service based on the type or source of energy. (FE)

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
5/1/2023
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.
Assembly Bill 46
Assembly Bill 46
Relating to: requiring notice to political subdivisions and landowners regarding proposed large solar energy facilities, requirements for applying for certificates for large solar electric generating facilities, joint development agreements related to larg...

Bill Text and History

Other
Notification Date
3/1/2023
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
WUA maintains that state energy policy, including renewables, natural gas, coal, nuclear, etc., is the jurisdiction of the State of Wisconsin and should not be set by local governments.
Assembly Bill 73
Assembly Bill 73
Relating to: changing the phase-out of utility aid payments for decommissioned power plants. (FE)

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
3/1/2023
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.
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.
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
7/26/2023
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.
Assembly Bill 470
Assembly Bill 470
Relating to: an incumbent transmission facility owner's right to construct, own, and maintain certain transmission facilities and Public Service Commission procedures if the transmission facility is a regionally cost-shared transmission line.

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
10/6/2023
First Communication Date
9/28/2023
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has communicated on this matter.
Assembly Bill 480
Assembly Bill 480
Relating to: eligibility for farmland preservation tax credits. (FE)

Bill Text and History

Other
Notification Date
12/6/2023
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.
Assembly Bill 670
Assembly Bill 670
Relating to: prohibiting certain utility service disconnections for nonpayment.

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
12/6/2023
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.
Assembly Bill 674
Assembly Bill 674
Relating to: procedures related to certain complaints filed with the Public Service Commission. (FE)

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
11/29/2023
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.
Assembly Bill 675
Assembly Bill 675
Relating to: the Public Service Commission's website and an annual report relating to its dockets.

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
11/29/2023
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.
Assembly Bill 676
Assembly Bill 676
Relating to: notice to public utility customers of potential and final rate changes.

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
11/29/2023
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.
Assembly Bill 681
Assembly Bill 681
Relating to: amending certain orders and certificates issued by the Public Service Commission. (FE)

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
11/29/2023
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.
Assembly Bill 682
Assembly Bill 682
Relating to: use of environmental trust bonds to finance the costs of retiring electric generating facilities; integrated resource and reliability planning by electric utilities and cooperatives; closure of large electric generating facilities; and grantin...

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
11/29/2023
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.
Assembly Bill 683
Assembly Bill 683
Relating to: the amount certain public utilities may recover in rates relating to amounts assessed by the Public Service Commission.

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
11/29/2023
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.
Senate Bill 22
Senate Bill 22
Relating to: the sales and use tax exemption for electricity and natural gas sold for residential use. (FE)

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
2/1/2023
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.
Senate Bill 49
Senate Bill 49
Relating to: restricting local regulation of utility service based on the type or source of energy. (FE)

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
2/15/2023
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
WUA maintains that Wisconsin energy policy, including that affecting renewables, natural gas, nuclear, etc., is a matter of statewide interest and is only appropriately addressed at the state legislative, executive and regulatory levels.
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
4/17/2023
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.
Senate Bill 308
Senate Bill 308
Relating to: a sales and use tax exemption for data center equipment or software. (FE)

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
5/25/2023
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.
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
7/26/2023
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.
Comments
WUA supports SB 355 and AB 354.
Senate Bill 468
Senate Bill 468
Relating to: eligibility for farmland preservation tax credits. (FE)

Bill Text and History

Other
Notification Date
12/6/2023
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.
Senate Bill 481
Senate Bill 481
Relating to: an incumbent transmission facility owner's right to construct, own, and maintain certain transmission facilities and Public Service Commission procedures if the transmission facility is a regionally cost-shared transmission line.

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
10/5/2023
First Communication Date
9/28/2023
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
WUA Supports the Right of First Refusal for Wisconsin transmission providers to build transmission lines.
Senate Bill 646
Senate Bill 646
Relating to: notice to public utility customers of potential and final rate changes.

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
11/29/2023
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.
Senate Bill 647
Senate Bill 647
Relating to: the Public Service Commission's website and an annual report relating to its dockets.

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
11/29/2023
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.
Senate Bill 648
Senate Bill 648
Relating to: procedures related to certain complaints filed with the Public Service Commission. (FE)

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
11/29/2023
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.
Senate Bill 649
Senate Bill 649
Relating to: the amount certain public utilities may recover in rates relating to amounts assessed by the Public Service Commission.

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
11/29/2023
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.
Senate Bill 650
Senate Bill 650
Relating to: amending certain orders and certificates issued by the Public Service Commission. (FE)

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
11/29/2023
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.
Senate Bill 651
Senate Bill 651
Relating to: use of environmental trust bonds to finance the costs of retiring electric generating facilities; integrated resource and reliability planning by electric utilities and cooperatives; closure of large electric generating facilities; and grantin...

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
11/29/2023
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.
Senate Bill 812
Senate Bill 812
Relating to: increasing the penalties for gas pipeline safety violations and providing a penalty.

Bill Text and History

2023 Wisconsin Act 242

For
Notification Date
12/18/2023
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.

Budget Bill Subjects

Shared Revenue and Tax Relief
Biennial budget bill treatment of matter relating to
Shared Revenue and Tax Relief

Notification Date
4/26/2023
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.

Comments
WUA supports including Utility Aid for energy storage facilities hosted by counties and municipalities, and updating existing Incentive Aid Payments to keep pace with municipal service costs.

Topics Not Yet Assigned A Bill Or Rule Number

Allowing access to federal funds for private water systems
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
Allowing access to federal funds for private water systems

Action Intended To Affect
Legislative matter

Notification Date
10/7/2024
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.

FTE for PSC
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
FTE for PSC

Action Intended To Affect
Legislative matter

Notification Date
7/23/2024
First Communication Date
7/23/2024
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has communicated on this matter.

Comments
WUA supports the approval of 23 FTE for PSC under 14 day passive review.

LRB-1340/1 – restricting local regulation of utility service based on the type or source of energy
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
LRB-1340/1 – restricting local regulation of utility service based on the type or source of energy

Action Intended To Affect
Legislative matter

Notification Date
2/1/2023
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
WUA supports this legislation and maintains that regulation of all utility fuel choices, including renewables, natural gas, etc. is solely within the jurisdiction of the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin.

Battery Storage
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
Battery Storage

Action Intended To Affect
Both Legislative matter and rule

Notification Date
1/3/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal do not intend to communicate on this matter.

Community Solar
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
Community Solar

Action Intended To Affect
Legislative matter

Notification Date
1/3/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal do not intend to communicate on this matter.

Data Centers
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
Data Centers

Action Intended To Affect
Legislative matter

Notification Date
1/3/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal do not intend to communicate on this matter.

Electric vehicles
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
Electric vehicles

Action Intended To Affect
Legislative matter

Notification Date
1/3/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal do not intend to communicate on this matter.

energy produced at animal agriculture facilities
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
energy produced at animal agriculture facilities

Action Intended To Affect
Legislative matter

Notification Date
1/3/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal do not intend to communicate on this matter.

PSC Omnibus
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
PSC Omnibus

Action Intended To Affect
Legislative matter

Notification Date
1/3/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal do not intend to communicate on this matter.

ROFR
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
ROFR

Action Intended To Affect
Legislative matter

Notification Date
1/3/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal do not intend to communicate on this matter.

Solar Siting
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
Solar Siting

Action Intended To Affect
Legislative matter

Notification Date
1/3/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal do not intend to communicate on this matter.

Comments
WUA maintains that energy policy, including renewable, nuclear, fossil fuel, etc., is the jurisdiction of the State of Wisconsin and should not be set by local governments

WUA opposes creating an exemption in the statutes for third parties to sell electricity to the public, either directly or indirectly.
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
WUA opposes creating an exemption in the statutes for third parties to sell electricity to the public, either directly or indirectly.

Action Intended To Affect
Legislative matter

Notification Date
1/3/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal do not intend to communicate on this matter.

Total Lobbying Effort

  2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
Total
Total Lobbying Expenditures 2023
January - June
$3,625.44
2023
July - December
$23,348.70
2024
January - June
$40,100.67
Total $67,074.81
Total Hours Communicating 2023
January - June
19.00
2023
July - December
47.00
2024
January - June
55.50
Total 121.50
Total Hours Other 2023
January - June
42.00
2023
July - December
56.25
2024
January - June
44.00
Total 142.25

Percent Allocation of Lobbying Effort

Legislative Bills/Resolutions

Relating to: changing the phase-out of utility aid payments for decommissioned power plants. (FE)
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
2%
2023
July - December
1%
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total < 1%
Relating to: warning lights on public utility, telecommunications carrier, or cooperative vehicles.
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
3%
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total < 1%
Relating to: the sales and use tax exemption for electricity and natural gas sold for residential use. (FE)
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
5%
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total 1%
Relating to: restricting local regulation of utility service based on the type or source of energy. (FE)
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
10%
2023
July - December
5%
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total 4%
Relating to: requiring notice to political subdivisions and landowners regarding proposed large solar energy facilities, requirements for applying for certificates for large solar electric generating facilities, joint development agreements related to large solar electric generating facilities, and granting rule-making authority. (FE)
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
10%
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total 2%
Relating to: restricting local regulation of utility service based on the type or source of energy. (FE)
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
10%
2023
July - December
5%
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total 4%
Relating to: a sales and use tax exemption for data center equipment or software. (FE)
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
10%
2023
July - December
5%
2024
January - June
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
20%
2023
July - December
10%
2024
January - June
5%
2024
July - December
Total 10%
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
20%
2023
July - December
10%
2024
January - June
5%
2024
July - December
Total 10%
Relating to: notice to public utility customers of potential and final rate changes.
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
1%
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total < 1%
Relating to: the Public Service Commission's website and an annual report relating to its dockets.
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
1%
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total < 1%
Relating to: procedures related to certain complaints filed with the Public Service Commission. (FE)
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
1%
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total < 1%
Relating to: the amount certain public utilities may recover in rates relating to amounts assessed by the Public Service Commission.
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
1%
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total < 1%
Relating to: amending certain orders and certificates issued by the Public Service Commission. (FE)
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
1%
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total < 1%
Relating to: use of environmental trust bonds to finance the costs of retiring electric generating facilities; integrated resource and reliability planning by electric utilities and cooperatives; closure of large electric generating facilities; 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
1%
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total < 1%
Relating to: increasing the penalties for gas pipeline safety violations and providing a penalty.
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
10%
2024
January - June
10%
2024
July - December
Total 8%
Relating to: an incumbent transmission facility owner's right to construct, own, and maintain certain transmission facilities and Public Service Commission procedures if the transmission facility is a regionally cost-shared transmission line.
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
20%
2024
January - June
40%
2024
July - December
Total 23%
Relating to: an incumbent transmission facility owner's right to construct, own, and maintain certain transmission facilities and Public Service Commission procedures if the transmission facility is a regionally cost-shared transmission line.
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
20%
2024
January - June
40%
2024
July - December
Total 23%

Budget Bill Subjects

2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
10%
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total 2%

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
2023
July - December
2%
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total < 1%
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2%
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total < 1%
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2%
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total < 1%
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2%
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total < 1%

Minor Efforts

No minor efforts found.

Other Matters

No other matters found.

Filed Statements of Lobbying Activity and Expenditures