"However, generator retirements continue to increase the risks associated with extreme summer temperatures, which factors into potential supply shortages in the western two thirds of North America if summer temperatures spike.”

A Waukesha County judge has approved the auction of all of Sun Badger Solar's assets. Sun Badger’s problems first came to light in February after dozens of customers signed contracts and paid thousands for solar panels they never received.

Judge Brad Schimel authorized an auction of what's left of Sun Badger's assets. According to Schimel and the receiver on this case, attorney John Wirth, there isn't much left. The I-Team learned all of the company's assets were recently moved to its Waukesha office after Wirth said the company's Minnesota landlord evicted them at that location and got rid of inventory.

Xcel Energy has announced a $10,000 grant to MAD DADS, a Minneapolis-based nonprofit that offers safe, positive youth programming and job creation, as part of the Xcel Energy Foundation’s 2023 Employee Choice Grant awards. MAD DADS received the most votes from Xcel Energy employees in Minnesota. Each year, employees nominate nonprofits for the award.

A panel of employees select finalists that align with the company’s values and Foundation’s focus areas. Employees statewide then vote for a single finalist.

Wisconsin’s utility regulator has received input from customers hoping to guide an investigation into alternative low-income assistance programs at two of the state’s largest utilities.

The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin hosted listening sessions in Green Bay and Milwaukee. The listening sessions followed rate increases regulators approved late last year for two WEC Energy Group utilities — We Energies and Wisconsin Public Service. 

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. 

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.

The U.S. General Services Administration and the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) have announced a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Xcel Energy to work toward providing federal facilities in Minnesota, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin with 100 percent carbon free electricity by 2030.

The federal government hopes to lead by example and leverage its scale and procurement power to tackle the climate crisis. The MOU will advance the Administration’s ambitious goal of sourcing 100 percent CFE to power federal facilities by 2030, at least half of which will be locally-supplied clean energy to meet 24/7 demand.

We Energies employees have contributed more than $160,000 to support performing arts in southeastern Wisconsin.

Hundreds of employees pledged part of their paycheck during the annual United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) campaign. On top of that, the We Energies Foundation will match all employee donations over $50.

Alliant Energy has begun the installation of solar panels at its 50-MW Beaver Dam Solar Project site. A ceremony was attended by executives, team members, construction partners, local leaders, neighbors, and participating landowners. Located in Dodge County, Wisconsin, just east of Beaver Dam, the project is part of Alliant Energy's Clean Energy Blueprint, an ambitious plan to expedite the development of renewable energy and decrease carbon emissions in a cost-effective manner.  The construction of this particular site is set to be completed by the end of 2023.

Overall, Alliant Energy's Clean Energy Blueprint comprises 12 utility-scale solar projects in Wisconsin, which will collectively generate almost 1,100 MW of energy once they are operational. Three of these projects, producing a combined total of 250 MW, commenced operations in late 2022, while the remaining nine are currently under construction.