Commission had said proposal would actually lower costs to consumers

MNS [Madison, Wisc…] The Public Service Commission’s analysis of a controversial environmental bill was based on a “serious methodological error, that distorts the actual cost impact of the bill” according to the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC).

MMAC sent a letter to Senator Jeff Plale, co-Chair of the Senate Select Committee on Clean Energy Jobs, in which they outline their concerns.

“As you can see, the results, using PSC’s own study numbers, indicate that the CEJA Sub proposal would increase electric rates between 6.4% and 12.5% above the status quo, depending on the assumption made for CO2 regulation costs,” MMAC warned. “This would be an improvement from the original proposed bill, in which rates would increase between 7.8% and 20.8%, but it would still be a significant increase above the status quo.” 

MMAC’s revelation comes on the heels of continuing criticism that the Public Service Commission has become advocates for the legislation, rather than impartial, nonpartisan regulators.

“We are extremely concerned that these increased rate costs would have a dampening effect on the economy as electricity would cost more for everyone.  Those concerns are heightened further in light of  the current challenging economic climate,” said Steve Baas, MMAC’s director of Government Affairs in the letter to Plale.

The legislation, dubbed the ‘Clean Energy Jobs Act’ by its supporters, is scheduled for a vote in the State Assembly later Tuesday.

Attempts to reach Senator Plale for comment this morning were unsuccessful.

See the letter, here.