The Public Service Commission (PSC) of Wisconsin held a meeting on September 25, 2025, where significant discussions centered around a renewable energy project application. The meeting highlighted the extensive public participation and the challenges faced during the review process, particularly regarding communication and project modifications.

Commission members acknowledged the broad involvement of the public, landowner interveners, and other interested parties in the development of the project record. They expressed gratitude for the time and effort contributed by all participants, noting the volume of comments and evidence submitted.

A key issue discussed was the transition of project responsibility from Ranger Power to D.E. Shaw Renewables Investments earlier in the year. This change led to significant modifications in the project, which created confusion among participants and complicated the record. The PSC noted that the lack of clear communication about these changes muddied the review process, necessitating additional procedural steps, including an open house and roundtable discussions ordered by the administrative law judge. These steps aimed to ensure that the public and interveners were adequately informed and had opportunities for due process.

The commission also addressed instances where interveners introduced items not part of the official record or made misleading statements. Despite these challenges, the PSC emphasized its commitment to allowing citizen interveners some leeway, recognizing that many may lack formal legal representation or resources.

Ultimately, the commission concluded that the project met the necessary legal requirements for approval. However, they noted that the developers could have improved their outreach and communication efforts. As a result, the commission plans to propose three additional project-specific conditions to enhance transparency and address community concerns. These conditions will focus on the execution of signed agreements, the complaint process, and specific project staging areas.

The PSC's decision reflects a balance between individual interests and the broader public interest, ensuring reliable energy access while considering environmental and safety impacts. The meeting underscored the importance of effective communication and community engagement in the development of renewable energy projects in Wisconsin.