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.