| 7/22/2026 | 0 |
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
| RECOMMENDED FOR PLACING ON FILE
Minutes note: Representatives from We Energies (Bert Garvin, Michelle Banaszek, and Jennifer Buchanan) presented their 2027-2028 rate review filing and their approach to data centers.
Bert Garvin stated that a new tariff ensures data center customers pay for their own infrastructure costs, protecting non-data center residents from those expenses.
Alderman Alex Brower questioned the utility's profit motives and cited data showing municipal utilities in Wisconsin often have significantly lower rates than We Energies.
Ms. Banaszek highlighted its "Careers in Energy" program, which has seen 40 full-time hires from Milwaukee Public Schools and other local high schools since 2019. They described barriers to entry but explained the program is nationally recognized and includes wraparound support services.
Alderman Bauman challenged We Energies strategy, arguing that the primary directive of a shareholder-owned utility is return on investment rather than public service.
Several follow-up items were assigned to We Energies, including providing more data on program participation, network upgrades, and specific benefits of proposed local renewable energy projects. See full video for more details.
| Pass | 5:0 |
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