An incumbent transmission facility owner’s right to construct, own, and maintain certain transmission facilities and Public Service Commission procedures if the transmission facility is a regionally cost-shared transmission line.
The bill mandates that if a regionally cost-shared transmission line receives approval from the MISO, the incumbent transmission facility owner must notify the Public Service Commission (PSC) about their intent to construct the line within a specified timeframe. Furthermore, the incumbent owner is obligated to provide comprehensive cost estimates and reports throughout the construction process, aiming to enhance transparency with respect to costs incurred by energy consumers. The proposed law addresses both ownership rights and procedural necessity that must be fulfilled by the transmission facility owner during the construction of these vital energy infrastructures.
Senate Bill 28 establishes a legislative framework governing the rights of incumbent transmission facility owners in Wisconsin regarding the construction, ownership, and maintenance of transmission facilities that are part of the Midcontinent Independent System Operator's (MISO) transmission plan. The bill aims to enhance the clarity and efficiency of processes related to regionally cost-shared transmission lines. Specifically, it enables incumbent transmission owners the right to construct transmission facilities meeting certain criteria, thus facilitating the development of high-voltage transmission lines that bolster the state’s energy infrastructure.
While proponents highlight the improved rights for incumbent transmission owners as a means to streamline energy infrastructure projects, there may be concerns regarding cost allocation and economic impacts on energy consumers. The bill necessitates the PSC’s evaluation of costs, efficiency, and reliability when determining if another entity should construct the line if the incumbent decides not to. There is potential contention around how costs charged to energy consumers outside Wisconsin will be handled, raising questions about fairness and accountability in the broader regional energy market.