A first of its kind energy storage system will be coming to Wisconsin in the next few years and could serve as a blueprint for wide-scale deployment across the country.

Alliant Energy has announced it has received a $30 million federal grant for a 200-megawatt-hour storage system in Columbia County. 

We Energies plans to spend $100 million on a distribution project to serve Microsoft’s proposed data center on land initially meant for Foxconn in the village of Mount Pleasant.

But, the project may not need approval by state regulators, due to exemptions created for Foxconn’s failed plans to create 13,000 jobs and produce large flat-screens in southeast Wisconsin. Now, critics are calling on state lawmakers to close those loopholes.  

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission has approved Xcel Energy’s expansion of the Sherco Solar project, which will soon become one of the biggest solar projects in the country. The project is a key element of Xcel Energy’s clean energy transition and will help the company triple the amount of solar on its Upper Midwest system by 2028.  The unanimous vote paves the way for 710 megawatts of solar generation near the existing Sherco coal plant in Becker, Minnesota, by adding a 250-megawatt array to the 460 megawatts currently under construction. All phases of the project are expected to be complete by the end of 2025, replacing the capacity of the Sherco plant’s first coal unit that is scheduled to retire later this year.

The solar portfolio approved by the Commission also includes a plan to purchase power from the 100-megawatt Apple River solar project in northwestern Wisconsin, which will be one of the largest solar projects in Wisconsin.

Xcel Energy’s Wisconsin customers will soon see the benefits of an improved, high-tech electric grid as the company begins installing smart electric meters at their homes and businesses. Installation work begins today in the company’s southern communities as part of a multiyear project to bring customers cleaner, safer and more reliable energy through advanced grid technology.

"We’re excited to take this next step in building a smarter, more resilient and efficient energy grid and making it easier than ever for customers to understand and manage their energy use,” According to  Karl Hoesly, President, Xcel Energy-Wisconsin. “Smart meters are the starting point for this advanced grid, boosting reliability and providing new tools and technology to help customers lower costs.”

The first meters were installed in the communities of Alma Center, Coon Valley, Ettrick, Hixton, Melrose, Rockland and Spartaas the company sets out to install more than 260,000 of the new devices in Xcel Energy’s Wisconsin service area this year and through 2025.

MILWAUKEE, Oct. 19, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The board of directors of WEC Energy Group (NYSE: WEC) today declared a quarterly cash dividend of 78 cents per share on the company's common stock.

On October 31, 2023, WEC Energy Group (NYSE: WEC)  reported net income of $316.0 million, or $1.00 per share, for the third quarter of 2023 — up from $302.0 million, or 96 cents per share, in last year's third quarter.

For the first nine months of 2023, the company recorded net income of $1.11 billion, or $3.52 per share — down from $1.16 billion, or $3.65 per share, in the corresponding period a year ago.

Recently introduced legislation (SB 481/AB 470) will allow Wisconsin utilities to maintain control over construction and operation of transmission infrastructure in this state. Without these bills, out of state investors will be allowed build and operate any new transmission lines which will not only harm investors but also consumers because a balkanized system will inevitably be more costly to build an operate.

Specifically, the bills provide a right of first refusal to incumbent transmission line owner/operators for any new transmission line projects. This will protect the current system which is owned and operated primarily by Xcel Energy and the American Transmission Company which, in turn, is owned by Alliant Energy, Madison Gas and Electric, WEC Energy Group and several Wisconsin municipal utilities.

Nearly 150 Wisconsin Utility Investor Members attended this year’s Annual Meeting held in East Troy, Wisconsin, bringing our attendance nearly back to pre-Covid numbers. Members took advantage of the opportunity to talk to shareholder relations representatives from Alliant Energy, MGE Energy, and WEC Energies, learning about current investment dividends and considering future stock options.

Xcel Energy is proposing to add an additional 250-megawatt solar project near the existing Sherco plant site in Becker, Minnesota, which will soon be home to the Upper Midwest’s largest solar development and represents an important piece of the company’s clean energy future.

Xcel Energy has asked the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission to add a third solar array adjacent to the 460-megawatt Sherco Solar project already under construction. The three solar projects are expected to be complete by the end of 2025 and will replace the capacity of the Sherco plant’s first coal unit that is scheduled to retire later this year. As part of its expansion of solar energy it delivers to customers, Xcel Energy is also proposing to purchase power from the 100-megawatt Apple River solar project being developed in northwest Wisconsin.

WEC Energy Group has released its 2022 Corporate Responsibility Report. The report provides a comprehensive overview of the company's environmental, social and governance performance. The report outlines the progress made by WEC Energy Group and its family of companies on major projects and the company's commitment to the environment and the economies of the areas it serves.

The report also examines the company's climate strategy and the research and development of emerging technologies such as hydrogen power and long-duration battery storage.

Alliant Energy has reported earnings of $160 million in its second quarter. On a per-share basis, the company said it had profit of 64 cents. The electric and gas utility parent company posted revenue of $912 million in the period.

Alliant Energy expects full-year earnings to be $2.82 to $2.96 per share.

MGE Energy has reported net income of $28.7 million in its second quarter. On a per-share basis, the company said it had net income of 79 cents. The public utility holding company posted revenue of $148 million in the period.

Xcel Energy has reported 2023 second quarter GAAP and ongoing earnings of $288 million, or $0.52 per share, compared with $328 million, or $0.60 per share, in the same period in 2022.

Earnings reflect the impact of unfavorable weather, higher operating and maintenance (O&M) expenses and interest charges, without expected increases in regulatory recovery to offset these drivers including the outcome of the Minnesota Electric Rate Case.

WEC Energy Group has reported net income of $289.7 million, or 92 cents per share, for the second quarter of 2023 — up from $287.5 million, or 91 cents per share, in last year's second quarter. For the first six months of 2023, the company recorded net income of $797.2 million, or $2.52 per share — down from $853.4 million, or $2.70 per share, in the corresponding period a year ago. Consolidated revenues totaled $4.7 billion for the first six months of 2023, down $317.9 million from revenues in the first half of 2022.

"After a down first quarter marked by one of the warmest winters on record, we delivered solid results in the second quarter. And we're firmly on track for a strong 2023," said Gale Klappa, executive chairman. "We're focused on the fundamentals of our business — financial discipline, operating efficiency and customer satisfaction."

Xcel Energy has announced its Clean Heat Plan, the company’s first significant proposal to strategically reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the natural gas system. 

The Clean Heat Plan, one of the first of its kind, provides a pathway to reduce emissions consistent with state goals and further implements Xcel Energy’s net-zero emissions goal for its natural gas business. The Plan fast-tracks clean, resilient, innovative solutions while ensuring our customers receive the reliable, affordable energy they need to power their lives. Designed to accommodate customers’ unique needs, the Plan offers a portfolio of solutions customers can choose that work for them, leading to greater emission reductions at a lower cost.

The Public Service Commission has a new online tool that makes it easier to determine the state’s energy mix. The "Wisconsin Energy Statistics" portal provides a snapshot of energy use in Wisconsin, as well as that energy’s economic and environmental impacts. 

The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin has published energy data in a physical book since 1976. In a statement, PSC Chair Rebecca Cameron Valcq said the new online resource aims to make that information more accessible.

Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells has hosted a ribbon cutting for one of Wisconsin’s largest and fastest public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations placed at Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells. Casino officials, Ho-Chunk Nation President, Marlon White-Eagle, and officials from Alliant Energy, Inertial Electric, and the Baraboo Area Chamber of Commerce were present for the event.

With collaborations from Alliant Energy and Inertial Electric, two ABB Terra 184 fast charging option with pull-in parking as well as a pull-through station which allows easy charging for larger vehicles pulling trailers. Both charging stations are ADA compliant designed and available around the clock in the parking lot just 2 miles south of interstate 90/94, on exit 92.

Lisa Barton, Alliant Energy President and Chief Operations Officer, has announced that Raja Sundararajan has been named Executive Vice President of Strategy and Customer Solutions of Alliant Energy effective June 12, 2023. 

“Sundararajan is a strategic thought leader in the energy industry who understands the transformation the sector is embarking on and has the leadership skills necessary to drive strategies and solutions for our customers,” said Barton. “His proven leadership and utility experience have been central to his ability to develop new approaches that enhance the customer experience. I am excited for him to join our leadership team and am confident he will help accelerate our strategy. He will play a key role in how we deliver on our purpose – to serve customers and build stronger communities.”  

In this role, Sundararajan will be responsible for the continued refinement of Alliant Energy’s long-term strategy and enhancement of the customer experience. He will have responsibility for the company’s corporate and regulatory strategy, positioning the company to create and develop solutions in an ever-changing landscape. Sundararajan will partner across the enterprise to leverage technology investments and work with operations’ leadership to drive continued growth. He also will be responsible for leading the company’s government affairs, renewables and business development, product offerings, marketing, communications and supply chain functions.  

Sundararajan said, “Alliant Energy is an industry leader in energy transition with a focus on serving customers and building stronger communities. I am excited about the opportunity and look forward to working alongside Alliant Energy’s talented employees.” 

Sundararajan began his career with General Motors as a Senior Product Engineer before moving to the energy industry in 2004, working for American Electric Power in Columbus Ohio. Over his near 20-year history with American Electric Power, Sundararajan held roles in Corporate Finance, Investor Relations and Market Risk before ascending to executive roles as Vice President of Transmission Strategy, as well as Vice President of Regulatory Services. In 2019, he was promoted to President and Chief Operations Officer of American Electric Power, Ohio, and subsequently in 2021 he took on the role of Senior Vice President of Regulatory and Customer Solutions. Most recently, he held the role of Executive Vice President of External Affairs at American Electric Power. 

Sundararajan earned his Bachelor of Technology degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, and his Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland. Additionally, he holds an MBA from the University of Michigan.