State Collects Public Input On Major Utility Acquisition

Public hearings were held this week on the utility We Energies’ proposed $9.1 billion acquisition of the energy company Integrys, which includes Wisconsin Public Service.

The hearings were held in Milwaukee and Green Bay. So far the Public Service Commission says it’s gotten 26 comments, nearly half of them written.

Tuesday’s hearing in Milwaukee drew 13 comments, all of them in favor of the acquisition.

In Green Bay, only two people spoke. One of them was Alexander Tetzlaff, who worked as a line electrician and now is with the International Union of Operating Engineers. He’s concerned the acquisition will result in job cuts.

“The key to ensure that We Energies and WPS continue to provide excellent service as it has for years is by maintaining a strong, skilled workforce. Reductions in staffing, whether either by attrition or layoffs, is going to negatively affect that,” said Tetzlaff.

The PSC is accepting online comments on the proposed merger until March 10. It’s expected to announce a decision on April 16.