Public Service Commission grants Oak Creek 
CPCN for about 1,100 MW gas-fired plant; opens cost-overrun investigation

The Public Service Commission on May 22, 2025, voted to grant Wisconsin Electric Power Company a certificate of public convenience and necessity (CPCN) to build the Oak Creek CT project — a proposal of five combustion-turbine generators, each with a nominal 220-megawatt capacity for a total of about 1,100 megawatts — subject to project-specific conditions and new reporting requirements.

The commission said the project is intended to address significant near-term load growth in southeastern Wisconsin and provide dispatchable, on-demand generation to complement intermittent renewable resources. Chairperson Strand said the record and modeling work demonstrated need and that, with conditions, the project meets statutory criteria for a CPCN. The commission also voted to open a generic investigation into cost overruns affecting major construction projects.

Why it matters: Commissioners framed the decision around reliability, near-term forecasted load growth in the I‑94 corridor, and the need for dispatchable generation that can run when renewables cannot. The project drew heavy public participation, extensive intervenor testimony, and detailed modeling and environmental review. The DNR-PSC environmental review concluded the proposal could be permitted and noted that, with the retirement of existing Oak Creek coal units and proposed emission limits, regulated emissions from the site would decrease.

Most important facts

- Proposal: the Oak Creek CT (OCCT) project consists of five combustion-turbine generators, each having a nominal 220 MW capacity (approximately 1,100 MW total). Chairperson Strand summarized the proposal and the procedural history, including notice of proceeding issued Aug. 15, 2024.

- Record and public participation: PSC staff and…