Public Participation

​​​​​​​Participate in a Case

All cases provide opportunities for participation. How an individual or organization participates in a proceeding depends on their interest in the issues and the type of case.

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Participate as a Member of the Public

The PSC encourages public participation in its cases because public input is essential to reach the most fair and reasonable decision possible. There are many ways a member of the public can participate in a proceeding.

1. Follow a case by accessing the case file on the PSC’s Case Management System

Anyone may obtain details about a case through the Case Management System (CMS). CMS contains information like the docket number and title, filed documents, event schedule, and PSC staff involved.

2. Subscribe to a case file

Anyone may follow the progress of a case by accessing the public documents filed for that case through the Electronic Records Filing System (ERF). Those interested may sign up to receive e-mail notifications whenever a document is filed in a particular case.

3. Commission Calendar and Contested Case Schedule Subscriptions

View the schedule of Open Meetings, and contested case hearing and filing deadlines online.​

4. Provide a comment “for the record” during an open comment period

In most cases the public may submit a comment “for the record,” one that PSC will consider when making its decision. A comment may be filed by mail, or online for cases that have an open comment period.

In some cases, public hearings are held as an additional way for the public to comment on a case. The notice of hearing issued for a case contains instructions on how to attend a hearing, file ​comments and the comment filing deadline.

• Learn what to expect ​when you attend a PSC public hearing
• If you are submitting a comment by mail, you must include the docket number in your comment for it to be added to the case record.​
• Read the following resources for requirements of a public comment​ and suggestions for making effective comments.

5. Submit comments during other open comment periods

The PSC uses public comments to assist PSC staff to determine the potential environmental impacts of a case. PSC staff notifies the public when it is accepting such comments and how to file them. PSC staff may use these comments when conducting its environmental review, but they are not made part of the official record in the case.

6. Attend the Commission’s Open Meetings

The Commission reviews cases and makes its decisions in Open Meetings. You can check the agenda for the next Open Meeting and listen using the Event Calendar.

For an overview of systems and subscription options, see our Stay Informed page.

Participate as an Intervenor/Party to a Case

Individuals and organizations, who meet certain criteria, may participate in some types of cases as parties by intervening in a case. Intervenors might be eligible for compensation.

1. Request to be an intervenor/party to some cases

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 an investigation or proceeding, can request to intervene. A person or organization whose request to intervene is granted becomes a party to the case. A party may present evidence through witnesses, question witnesses of other parties or PSC staff, and file briefs. A person or organization that is not a party to the case may not do these things. To intervene, submit a written request to the Commission’s Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). Typically, the period to file a request for intervention is 14 days after issuance of the notice that opens the docket.

2. File testimony and exhibits (if applicable)

If a hearing is held, an intervenor is responsible for filing written testimony and exhibits according to the formatting standards and schedule ordered in that particular case. 

View an example of such an order.​

Intervenors are also required to provide copies of these documents to everyone on the case’s service list and to the Commission. During the proceeding, parties receive copies of testimony and supporting documentation from the other parties. All testimony is subject to rebuttal by other parties of the case.

3. Appear at hearings (if applicable) 

An intervenor must appear at a hearing set for parties (if applicable) and be available for cross-examination by the other parties and PSC staff (if a hearing is held). They are also allowed to ask other parties questions at the hearing and reply to rebuttal directed at their testimony. All testimony and exhibits that become part of the record are reviewed by the PSC, and can be relied upon as a basis for its decision in the case.

4. Apply for Intervenor Compensation

Each year, the PSC provides a number of different organizations and individuals with funding to help them participate in cases. The Wisconsin Administrative Code PSC Chapter 3 Intervenor Compensation sets the criteria used to evaluate applicants’ need for funding. Any intervenor interested in applying for intervenor compensation can do so by completing the Intervenor Compensation Application Form.

Review this PSC Presentation​ for a more detailed background on intervention.