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Public Involvement, Intervenor Status and Compensation

How to Get Involved
The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin has a long tradition of encouraging public participation in its proceedings.  There are a number of ways that individuals and organizations can get involved in matters before the Commission.

  1. The PSC regulates the state's utilities and makes decisions that affect rates and construction of utility facilities. The review process is formal, quasi-judicial and is intended to protect the public's best interest. When the PSC begins its review process for an application, it is often referred to as a case, proceeding or docket.Attend Public Hearings and Provide Testimony
    Public hearings are held for cases before the Commission.  Public Hearings provide an opportunity for consumers, property owners, local government officials and others to bring their suggestions and concerns to the attention of the Commission. Hearings are held in Madison as well as in the area affected by decisions in the case.

    Providing testimony at a hearing is easy. A lawyer is not necessary and you do not need to stay for the entire hearing.  If you choose to testify, you will be asked to fill out an appearance slip, will be called on by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), asked to state your name and address and asked to take an oath.  You will then be allowed to begin your statement.  The ALJ ensures the hearings are conducted in a fair and orderly manner.

    All testimony provided at Public Hearings is included in the record that the Commission reviews in making a decision.  If you filled out an appearance slip at the hearing, the PSC will mail you a copy of the decision the Commission makes.

    For more information, please see the PSC’s brochure on Public Hearings or call the PSC at 608-266-5481 or toll free at 1-888-816-3831.

  2. Submit Comments Electronically or by Mail
    If organizations or individuals cannot attend one of the scheduled Public Hearings, or choose not to attend, they can submit comments to the PSC electronically or by mail. Please visit the PSC’s Public Comments web page to find an active case before the Commission and submit your comments electronically, or mail your comments to the PSC at:
    Public Service Commission of Wisconsin
    P.O. Box 7854
    Madison, WI 53707-7854
  3. Subscribe to PSC’s Electronic Regulatory Filing System
    The PSC's Electronic Regulatory Filings System allows utilities, consumer groups and the public to file and view case documents online.  All documents are in Portable Document Format (PDF) unless otherwise noted. Users can search by case number (Docket), utility, keyword, date range or document type.

    Users can also subscribe to receive e-mail notifications when documents are loaded to the system and set specific profiles for notifications. They can subscribe to receive an e-mail  when notices are sent, when an order is issued or to receive all documents associated with a specific case.

  4. Request to be an Intervenor – Party of the Case
    Intervenor status - sometimes referred to as being a party to a case - is governed by Wisconsin Administrative Code provisions.  Any person or organization whose substantial interests may be affected by the Commission’s decisions or those who will promote the proper disposition of the issues in the case can request to intervene. To intervene, please submit a written request to the PSC’s Administrative Law Judge.

public hearing Intervenor Status
A person granted party status is responsible for prefiling testimony and exhibits according to the schedule set by the ALJ.  They are also required to provide copies of these documents to all persons on the case’s service list and to the PSC.  During the proceeding, parties receive copies of testimony and supporting documentation from the other parties. All prefiled testimony is subject to rebuttal by other parties of the case.

Intervenors must appear at the technical hearings and be available for cross-examination by the other parties.  They are also allowed to ask other parties questions at the technical hearings and reply to rebuttal aimed at their testimony.

All public testimony and testimony provided by parties at the technical hearings is given full consideration and becomes part of the record that the Commission reviews when making a decision.

Intervenor Compensation
In 1983, the Legislature created the Intervenor Compensation program to provide financial assistance for organizations and individuals who choose to become an intervenor for a PSC proceeding.  Each year, the Commission awards a number of different organizations and individuals with finances to help them participate in cases.

The Wisconsin Administrative Code sets the criteria used to evaluate applicants’ need for funding.  Anyone interested in applying for intervenor compensation can do so by reviewing the information below and completing an application.  If you have questions about the Intervenor Compensation program, please contact Gordon Grant at 608-267-9086 or Gordon.Grant@psc.state.wi.us.

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