Our History
On July 9, 2007, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) celebrated its 100th anniversary. As the nation’s first state to regulate utilities, the PSC has always been a leader in the ever-changing world of utility regulation.
The photo to the right is from the PSC's 100th anniversary celebration on July 24, 2007. Former Commissioners shown include: Dan Ebert, George Edgar, Ave Bie, Lauren Azar, Mark Meyer, Scott Neitzel, Branco Terzic, Cheryl Parrino, and Charles H. Thompson.
The mission of the PSC is to oversee and facilitate the efficient and fair provision of quality utility services in Wisconsin.
The PSC works to ensure that, in the absence of competition, adequate and reasonably priced service is provided to utility customers. PSC approval is required before utilities can change rates, build large power plants, or construct major transmission lines. The PSC has specific rules it must follow prior to making decisions during its application review process.
To carry out our mission, the PSC:
- Values diversity in the work place, allowing employees to fully develop and contribute their individual skills in meeting the needs of our diverse customer base;
- Ensures fair pricing for utility services to customers and to utility investors;
- Sets quality standards for utility services and ensures that the standards are met or exceeded;
- Ensures reliability so there will be sufficient resources, facilities and alternatives available to meet the needs of present and future utility customers at a reasonable price;
- Ensures utility services are provided in an efficient and environmentally responsible manner;
- Protects the interests of both investors and customers and ensures that securities issued by utilities meet the needs of utilities;
- Provides fairness in transactions between utilities and their customers, other utilities, and other entities specifically provided protection by law;
- Adjusts our oversight of utilities according to the level of competition in their markets and according to the degree of customer satisfaction with their services;
- Educates Wisconsin citizens on utility issues and promotes their involvement in our decision-making process.
In all of the above, the PSC considers and balances diverse perspectives and endeavors to protect the environment, public interest, and public health and welfare.
