PSC Uses Global Warming Lobbying As Decision Point For Rate Increases

The PSC should focus on its job instead of using its power to encourage utilities to lobby on Global Warming. 

Members of the state Public Service Commission today defended their choice of words regarding an agreement by Wisconsin Public Service Corp. that said the utility “should” lobby on behalf of the recommendations of the global warming task force.

The commissioners said the use of the word “should” meant that the commission was recommending - not mandating - that the utility lobby on behalf of the global warming legislation.

Raising free speech concerns, the Green Bay utility and customer groups contended it was a mandate, since the lobbying language was included as an order point in a decision setting rates for the company’s customers.

1. Should, not shall.  What’s the problem?  The state issues regulatory suggestions like this all the time.  Your employer should give you a lunch break, but it’s not required by law, and you won’t be penalized for ignoring the DWD suggestion.

   Posted by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on February 03, 2009 at 1735 hrs




2. As someone who works closely with Federal and State regulations, I can tell you almost certainly that “should” means “shall”.

   Posted by Steve on February 03, 2009 at 1956 hrs




3. PSC waaaaaayyyy overstepped its bounds with that crap, and WE Energies is on the same hook.

   That was all part of the BS “green” report/agreement issued back in July(?)—the one Ariens Corp. flat-out refused to sign.

   Posted by dad29 on February 03, 2009 at 2049 hrs