Number
140699
Version
sUBSTITUTE 1
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. ZIELINSKI, ALD. MURPHY, ALD. BAUMAN, ALD. KOVAC, ALD. WITKOWSKI, ALD. PEREZ AND ALD. STAMPER II
Title
Substitute resolution relating to changes in electric rates proposed by We Energies.
Analysis
This resolution expresses the City’s concern that We Energies’ 2015/16 rate proposal will cause significant environmental and economic damage to the state by discouraging the development of alternative, renewable sources of electricity generation and perpetuating Wisconsin’s unhealthy dependence on fossil fuels.
The resolution further calls upon Governor Scott Walker to publicly express his opposition to We Energies’ 2015/16 rate proposal on the grounds the proposal is environmentally irresponsible, represses healthy competition in the electricity generation sector and damages Wisconsin’s economy by eliminating valuable jobs.
Body
Whereas, Solar-powered energy generation shows signs of renewed vitality as evidenced by the fact a new solar power facility was installed every 4 minutes in the United States during 2013; and
Whereas, The number of solar power projects is expected to increase 30-fold between 2010 and 2016 as a result of falling prices and improved technology to the point that by 2016 roof-top solar panels may provide 1/3 of the electricity generated by today’s nuclear power plants; and
Whereas, Other states, including Arizona and New Jersey, have reduced the barriers of entry and made it easier for customers to supplement their electrical power needs with solar-power by allowing customers to lease solar panels rather buying them outright, and We Energies should support a bill allowing such lease programs if introduced as expected during the 2015 session of the Wisconsin legislature; and
Whereas, We Energies’ 2015/16 rate proposal to specifically bar customers from leasing solar power systems will hamper and slow the development of solar-power electricity generation; and
Wher...
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