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Commission Approves Modifications to Wisconsin Power and Light Arrears-management Pilot
Summary
The commission approved changes to Wisconsin Power and Light’s arrears management program (docket 6680TE112), requiring the utility to work with staff on annual performance metrics while leaving the program’s pilot status unchanged.
At its open meeting Thursday, the commission approved modifications to Wisconsin Power and Light’s arrears management program (docket 6680TE112), adding a requirement that the utility work with commission staff to develop performance metrics and report annually while taking no action to change the program’s pilot status.
The approved changes—negotiated between Wisconsin Power and Light and BPSA—are intended to improve the program’s accessibility and effectiveness. Chairperson Strand said the revised program “is a product of negotiation and compromise between W. P. and L. and B. P. S. A.” and that she was “very optimistic that these changes further set the WP and L AMP program up for success.”
Commissioner Nieto said past reporting shows the pilot has produced measurable benefits but did not provide specific figures. “This program is significantly increasing on time payments and reducing participant arrears levels and decreasing the cost of disconnections to the utility system, based on past reporting,” she said. Commissioner Hawkins joined Nieto in proposing a narrow modification that would require the utility to work with commission staff to develop performance metrics and annual reporting.
The commission’s action approves the applicant’s requested modifications to the arrears management program and adds an order point requiring the applicant to work with staff to develop agreed performance metrics and annual reporting. Commissioners also decided not to convert the program out of pilot status or specify a termination date for the pilot at this time. Chairperson Strand explained that the program “does not include a rate design element” and that keeping pilot status preserves flexibility for further changes.
Commissioners noted a late filing was received but said it was unnecessary to accept that filing to reach the current decision. The meeting record does not specify the content of the late filing nor present numerical results for the program; commissioners described results only in general terms and referenced past reporting without quoting figures.
In a recorded motion, Commissioner Nieto moved to approve the modifications consistent with the discussion; Commissioner Hawkins seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
The commission opened this docket noting the AMP was originally approved as a pilot in 2020. The new reporting requirement matches reporting provisions used in other utilities’ AMP dockets, according to commissioners, who asked staff and the applicant to finalize the specific metrics to be tracked.
The commission adjourned after completing its business; the next open meeting is scheduled for Thursday, 09/25/2025 at 10:30 a.m.
