Authorizing the Public Service Commission to regulate storm water utilities. (FE)
Impact
The primary impact of AB457 will be a reevaluation of how storm water services are managed and charged at the municipal level. This could lead to more standardized rates and practices related to storm water utilities, potentially benefiting consumers through improved transparency and fair pricing. Municipal governments will need to adapt to the new regulations set forth by the PSC, which may also require them to reassess their budgeting and operational strategies concerning storm water services.
Summary
Assembly Bill 457 introduces a legislative framework to extend the regulatory authority of the Public Service Commission (PSC) over municipal storm water utilities in Wisconsin. The bill proposes amendments to existing statutes that will empower the PSC to oversee the rates and services of these utilities, which were previously only subject to limited oversight regarding user complaints. By placing municipal storm water utilities under PSC jurisdiction, the bill aims to enhance regulatory uniformity and service quality in storm water management across the state.
Contention
AB457 may generate points of contention among various stakeholders, particularly with municipal authorities concerned about losing their autonomy in managing local storm water systems. Critics may argue that greater state-level oversight could hinder municipalities' ability to address specific local environmental challenges. Proponents of the bill, however, contend that the PSC's regulatory oversight is crucial for ensuring equitable and adequate storm water management, arguing that uniform standards could result in overall improvements in water quality and infrastructure management across Wisconsin.
To require larger municipally owned public water and wastewater utilities to pass rates to meet the same standards as utilities regulated under Chapter 24 of the Code
Relating to the statutory time frames for public service commission resolution of complaints against locally rate regulated water and wastewater utilities
A bill for an act relating to the acquisition of water, sanitary sewer, and storm water utilities by rate-regulated public utilities.(See HF 473, HF 2101.)
A bill for an act relating to the acquisition of water, sanitary sewer, and storm water utilities by rate-regulated public utilities.(Formerly HF 56; See HF 2101.)