Creating a Just and Sustainable Wisconsin Together
Welcome to the Environmental Justice and Infrastructure Initiative Wisconsin (EJII), where advocacy meets action. Wisconsin stands at a crucial crossroads. From affordable energy to clean water, the challenges we face affect underserved communities the most. But change is possible—with your support.
We aim to protect Wisconsin’s environment, promote equity, and empower communities to thrive. Together, we can make a difference.
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2025 Energy Planning: the Gas Plant Issue in Wisconsin
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Wisconsin's energy transition comes at a staggering cost—both financial and human. As We Energies shifts away from coal, ratepayers face a billion-dollar burden while communities grapple with severe health impacts. From the $1 billion price tag for a closed plant to the estimated 13 annual deaths linked to another, this section exposes the true cost of power in Wisconsin. We'll examine how utility decisions, approved by regulators, affect your wallet and your health, revealing the hidden price of keeping the lights on.
Methane leaks: Unintentional leaks occur throughout the LNG process, contributing to climate change as methane is a potent greenhouse gas
STATUS
Proposed 33-mile natural gas transmission pipeline
Hearing Dates and Locations
Public hearing combined with Oak Creek plant
COMBINED WITH OAK CREEK
$427 Million
Rochester Lateral Project
Fine particle pollution from the plant causes an estimated 13 deaths, 21 heart attacks, and 220 asthma attacks annually, with a total health cost of over $100 million per year
STATUS
Plans to stop burning coal entirely by 2032
Hearing Dates and Locations
Not Scheduled
COMMENT CLOSED
Cost not yet filed
Weston Power Plant
High greenhouse gas emissions: The project is projected to produce up to about 590,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually
STATUS
Proposed New Plant
Hearing Dates and Locations
February 5 at 2 pm and 6 pm in person at Municipal Center Community Room Union Grove Village Hall 925 15th Avenue, Union Grove or via zoom.
$303.3 Million
Paris RICE Units
Residents near the plant report chronic respiratory problems, with coal dust and toxic elements like boron and molybdenum found in their homes and well water, potentially linked to various health issues including cancer
STATUS
Older units planned to CLOSE in 2024 and 2025
Hearing Dates and Locations
March 25 at 1 pm and 6 pm at The Oak Creek Community Center Ballroom, 8580 South Howell Avenue, Oak Creek
1.2 Billion
Oak Creek Power Plant Conversion
Though closed, its legacy of coal ash contamination continues to pose risks of groundwater pollution and potential exposure to toxic heavy metals for nearby residents
STATUS
CLOSED
Hearing Dates and Locations
Not Scheduled
COMMENT CLOSED
$1 billion over 20 years
Pleasant Prairie Power Plant
Increases in nitrogen oxide emissions contribute to smog formation, exacerbating respiratory issues and heart disease in nearby communities
STATUS
WPSC approved $100 million for WEC to increase its share in the combined cycle gas plant which it co-owns with Alliant Energy
Hearing Dates and Locations
Not Scheduled
COMMENT CLOSED
52.78 Million
Riverside Enhancement Project
"Stranded Assets = Stranded Customers: The Hidden Costs of the Energy Transition"
"Paying for Ghosts: The Hidden Cost of Shuttered Power Plants"
"Energy Injustice: Charging Customers for Closed Power Plants"
Environmental Justice Illuminated
Dr. Donna Givens
Transformational Insights
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Advancing Energy Affordability and Comprehensive Planning in Wisconsin
Unraveling Racism's Environmental Legacy: A Detroit Visionary's Clarion Call for Change
Dr. Donna Givens, a distinguished expert from the Detroit area, presents a compelling 30-minute learning journey that serves as the cornerstone for the Environmental Justice and Infrastructure Initiative (EJII) Trainings. This concise yet powerful presentation lays the foundation for understanding environmental justice, offering a comprehensive overview of critical issues and strategies for action.
Wisconsin families are struggling with high energy costs, with many spending over 6% of their income on utility bills. In 2022, nearly 96,000 households faced disconnections. It's time for change, and you can help make it happen. We've laid the groundwork for crucial legislation that includes:
We've laid the groundwork for crucial legislation that includes:
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3% Rate Cap: Ensuring no family pays more than 2% of their income on energy
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LIFT Program Expansion: Lowering the eligibility threshold to help more families
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Percentage of Income Payment Program: Tying utility payments to income levels
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Enhanced Energy Efficiency: Strengthening programs like Focus on Energy
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Community Solar Promotion: Increasing access to renewable energy
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Comprehensive Integrated Resource Planning (IRP): Mandating a public IRP process for utilities
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More ways to Connect coming soon...
Upstream Work and Ratepayer Impact
Integrated Policy Approaches: Coordination among federal, state, and local agencies to…
Integrated Policy Approaches: Coordination among federal, state, and local agencies to streamline services and maximize their impact on reducing energy burdens
Renewable Energy and Clean Energy Initiatives
Solar Energy Programs: Provide incentives or support for installing solar panels,…
Community Choice Aggregation: Allows communities to procure cleaner and often cheaper energy on behalf of their residents
Financial Assistance Programs
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): Provides financial assistance to…
Utility Discount Programs: Offer reduced rates for eligible low-income customers to make energy bills more affordable
Impacted Residents | Community Development
We are reshaping the funding landscape for underserved communities, collaborating with…
Healthy Homes Initiative | Elected Decision Makers
Our core intention focuses on creating safe, healthy, and energy-efficient housing…
Housing Rehab, Weatherization and Retro Fit
Educational and Outreach Programs
Energy Literacy Initiatives: Educate consumers about energy usage, budgeting, and making…
Outreach and Support Services: Help households navigate available programs and services to maximize their benefits
Energy Efficiency Programs
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP): Offers services like insulation, sealing, and heating…
Energy Audits and Assessments: Conduct comprehensive evaluations of a home's energy use to identify opportunities for efficiency improvements
Issue Advocacy | Civic Engagement
Fostering a vibrant community involvement lies at the core of our…
Utility Rate Cases and Public Proceedings | EJII Steering Committee | We Energies Gas Plan Video | Carbon Free Power Wisconsin | 2024 Proposed We Energies Rate Case Schedule
Regulatory Bodies | Environmental Stewardship
EJII implements green infrastructure projects like stormwater management, solar, urban agriculture,…
Education and Capacity Building |
Having trouble with your We Energies bill or service? If you're experiencing issues with We Energies and your landlord isn't cooperating, file a complaint with:
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Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC)
Email: PSCConsumerAffairs@wisconsin.gov -
Wisconsin Consumer Protection Agency
Email: DATCPHotline@wisconsin.gov -
Wisconsin Attorney General's Office
Email: consumerprotection@doj.state.wi.us
Important: By law (PSC 185.30), utilities must respond to your complaint within 10 calendar days. If denied, they must notify you in writing within 5 days.Take action to protect your rights. Contact these agencies for assistance with your We Energies concerns.
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What You Can do about it!
Letter: A Consumer Specialist will review your letter and call you to discuss your concerns. You may send a letter to:Public Service Commission of Wisconsin. Box 7854Madison, WI 53707-7854
SHARE INFORMATION
For complaints regarding services not regulated by the PSC please visit the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection or call 1-800-422-7128.
Contact Wisconsin Public Service Commission
Phone: You can reach a Consumer Specialist between 7:45 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, by calling 1-800-225-7729 or 1-608-266-2001 (Local).
- Advocate for policies that ensure all communities have the opportunity to participate in decisions that affect their environment and health. - Push for the introduction of new regulations to enhance public participation in environmental decision-making. - Engage with communities to ensure their voices are heard in environmental decision-making processes.
The "Me Energies" movement in Milwaukee, WI, appears to be a grassroots campaign aimed at addressing the high cost of utilities and advocating for fair energy practices. The term "Me Energies" seems to be a play on the name of the local utility company, We Energies, and may represent a community-driven initiative for more affordable and equitable energy solutions.
Corporate social responsibility, including its commitments to sustainability, stewardship, compliance, and engagement, is also a significant policy issue.
- Advocate for policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote climate resilience. - Push for the state to lead by example in mitigating climate change. - Engage in public education efforts to raise awareness about the impacts of climate change and the need for action.
- Advocate for fair and effective regulations that do not unduly burden businesses or disadvantaged communities. - Push for regular reviews of existing administrative rules to repeal or modify costly or cumbersome regulations. - Engage with businesses and communities to understand their concerns about the regulatory environment.
The energy burden, or the percentage of household income spent on energy costs, is a significant issue for many Milwaukee residents. EJII has been involved in advocating for policies that reduce this burden, particularly for low to middle-income ratepayers.
Advocate for the expansion of the Focus on Energy program to reach more households and businesses. Push for increased funding for energy efficiency programs. Work to ensure that energy efficiency standards are updated to reflect the latest technological advancements.
The transition to renewable energy is a key issue, with implications for rate structures, infrastructure investments, and environmental impact. This includes the closure of older, less efficient fossil fuel plants and their replacement with renewable energy sources
- Advocate for stronger policies to promote the use of clean, renewable energy sources. - Push for the state to lead by example in reducing energy use in state-owned buildings. - Work to ensure that the transition to clean energy is inclusive and benefits all communities.
