Wisconsin’s Clean Energy Commitments in Threat • Wisconsin Examiner

In a recent event, We Energies announced plans to build two massive new gas-fired power plants, potentially costing taxpayers billions of dollars. The move represents a significant step back in its clean energy commitments and raises concerns about Wisconsin’s ability to provide more affordable energy sources in the future.

At the heart of the problem is a significant gap in Wisconsin’s regulatory process: the lack of a holistic Integrated Resource Planning (IRP) within the Public Service Commission (PSC). Without this key tool to assess the merits of new energy projects in the context of the state’s overall energy needs and sustainability goals, Wisconsin risks making short-sighted decisions with long-term, costly consequences.

We Energies cites several factors for its plans, including new capacity requirements from regional grid operator MISO, recent EPA air regulations and increased demand in southeastern Wisconsin, particularly fueled by the Microsoft data center project. But those reasons don’t align with broader clean energy aspirations set by the state and country.

The planned gas-fired plants are in stark contrast to We Energies’ stated commitments to reducing carbon emissions. Despite a commitment to an 80% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 and a goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, the company’s actions tell a different story. The proposed plants, with a lifespan of more than 30 years, would significantly hamper progress toward these ambitious goals. In addition, the gas-fired plants emit methane, a potent greenhouse gas that is more than 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide.

Microsoft is already moving to 100% renewable energyincluding contracts covering all fossil fuel-emitting electricity used by its data centers. The company is also exploring opportunities to make its battery backup power banks available to transmission network operators to help meet electricity demand.

In addition, across the country, even in Alaska, massive battery storage systems are being deployed to replace gas-fired power plants to meet peak demand while reducing costs. The price of natural gas can fluctuate wildly, increasing the financial burden on ratepayers and hampering the state’s progress toward more affordable, sustainable energy. Wisconsin’s electricity rates already rank in the top 15 states in the country and above the Midwest average.

In addition, the health effects of continued reliance on natural gas cannot be ignored. Methane emissions associated with natural gas extraction and combustion pose serious health risks and air pollution-related ailments to Wisconsin residents. Combustion of natural gas, combined with other air pollutants, worsens the deficiency of ozone pollution, which can inhibit business and manufacturing growth.

With the 100% Clean Energy Standard, Wisconsin can accelerate and scale solar and wind projects, advanced battery storage, microgrids and affordable community solar projects, and modernize the transmission grid with smart grid technologies. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has identified offshore wind energy as another technology worth considering, in which floating wind turbines on the Great Lakes could tap into the power plant’s existing transmission and distribution networks, saving taxpayers money.

In addition, leveraging the new federal Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) tax credit, home energy efficiency rebates, building sealing and other incentives will reduce energy demand and help spur clean energy technology production and workforce development in the region.

The potential health consequences, growing financial burdens, and economic impacts on green sector job growth underscore the urgent need to transition to cleaner, renewable energy sources. That’s why many groups across the state — including the Clean Economy Coalition of Wisconsin (CECW), a coalition of climate, energy, environmental justice and conservation organizations, businesses, and allies — oppose new fossil fuel plants and support a more holistic planning process that aligns with the state’s clean energy goals and the development of Wisconsin’s clean energy economy.

It’s time to prioritize the long-term well-being of our communities and environment over short-term profits. Together, let’s urge decision-makers to embrace a clean energy future for Wisconsin—one that benefits everyone, now and for generations to come.