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GRANT COUNTY
TO VOTE ON

CARDINAL HICKORY CREEK
RESOLUTION
 

County Administration Committee
Approved Resolution March 13, by 6-1 vote

 

Tuesday, March 20, 10 AM
111 S. Jefferson St. 
Lancaster, WI


        Following months of public and elected official outreach and education by municipalities and organizations opposing the Cardinal Hickory Creek transmission line proposal, on March 20, the Grant County Board of Supervisors will finally consider adoption of a Resolution that would add numerous protections for landowners, local economies and electric customers— not only in Grant County, but across the entire Midwest.

        If the transmission line builders and the Wisconsin PSC adhere to the requests in the resolution [1] which passed the Administration Committee last week by a vote of 6-1, the Cardinal Hickory Creek transmission line proposal transmission line would be subject to economic examination that has caused states to reject or downsize more than nine expansion transmission line proposals in recent years [2].

        The resolution presented to the county board by the Village of Montfort and the Town of Wingville last December, resembles those adopted by more than 100 municipalities and 9 counties in Wisconsin [3]. It requests transmission line builders and Public Service Commission staff to test need for the 345 kV expansion transmission line with comprehensive, cost-benefit analysis. It asks that electric customers be shown the energy savings, emission reductions, and reliability benefits customers would receive if the total, 40 year costs of the new transmission line assumed by electric customers were spent, instead, on energy efficiency, modern load management and development of locally-serving renewable power resources.

        Despite the misleading phrasing [4] made to the Grant County Board last month by Angela Jordon, a public relations employee of transmission builder ITC, none of the capital transmission expansion planning conducted by regional utility interests or the applicants since 2010 risks presenting this sensible comparison to ratepayers. The computations Jordon referenced have never tested by impartial, third party review and consider only potential benefits dependent on 17 transmission lines being built, electricity use inexplicably returning to pre 2005 levels and a host of major national and state policy changes being in place.

        Proponents of the resolution before Grant County have stress that unlike the potential, razor-thin benefits from more expansion transmission lines, dollars directed to improved efficiencies and locally-serving renewable power produce guaranteed, maximized savings and CO2 emission reductions over time. The guarantees stem from transmission expansion causing rates to soar [5] and bettered efficiency/self-sufficiency slashing use of transported regional power averaging 74% fossil fuel generation in 2016 with only 8% generated by wind power. The renewable percentage has squeaked-up only 3 points since 2006 despite more than $6 billion invested in expansion transmission lines— including seven in Wisconsin [6].

        SOUL of Wisconsin observes that environmental accountability rests in actual CO2 emission reductions which, in WI, have declined in proportion to declining electricity use [7]. While state law requires stringent, annual performance evaluation of the Focus on Energy program with its region low rebate allotments, state laws do not require any performance testing of transmission expansion lines with six in service begging to be examined.

        Elected and appointed officals of the Village of Montfort, the towns of Wingville and Lima who volunteered countless hours to public education, are quick to point out that easy to understand, head to head comparisons as requested in the resolution were required by Wisconsin energy law before 1998 [8].

        Residents of southwest and western Wisconsin, northeast Iowa, northern Illinois and southeast Minnesota should take heed of Resolve point 1(e) in the resolution asking applicants, “..in consideration of long-term, potential impacts of establishing 345 kV substation in or near Montfort,.. provide knowledge (even speculation) of future interests in constructing new 138 kV or larger transmission lines connecting with the 345 kV facility.” Applicant materials, thus far, describe no need for a city-scale, 40 acre substation other than vague interaction with the area’s self-standing low voltage grid. Concern about creating this 345 kV substation was founded on prior utility planning showing 345 and 765 kV lines crisscrossing the area intersecting with a substation in the vicinity of Montfort [9]. Concerns were dramatically elevated on February 20 when in response to questioning by County Board Supervisor Mark Stead, a representative of the transmission line builders would provide no assurances concerning interests in more larges, adding, “...anything is possible.[10]"

        Municipalities and groups ask residents across the area to fill-up their cars with neighbors and pack the county board room with resolution supporters. The resolution is expected to be near the top of the agenda slated to begin at 10 am.

      Immediately following the vote of the board, everyone is invited to stroll two blocks to the Copper Dome Sports Bar at 126 N Madison St. for food, conversation and news of other resolution efforts underway.

NOTES
 Text as revised by Grant County Corporate Counsel and approved by the Administration Committee as of March 13, 2018: http://bit.ly/GrantRevResolution
  See compiled chart of projects, bottom p. 2. State of Wisconsin's Lack of Energy Planning http://bit.ly/Stateof_WI_Lack_of_Energy_Planning
3   See map and lists: http://bit.ly/Resolutions-Map-List
 See p. 6 transcription: http://bit.ly/GrantCo_20180220_Mtg-Transcript
5    See PSC quote and charts p.1, State of Wisconsin's Lack of Energy Planning http://bit.ly/Stateof_WI_Lack_of_Energy_Planning
 See discussion of regional generation percentages with citations in article, “Towards reducing CO2 emissions related to electricity generation,” http://bit.ly/TowardsReducingCO2
 U.S. Electric Power Industry Estimated Emissions for WI (source EIA-767, EIA-906, EIA-920, and EIA-923) CO2 totals from all electric generation sources show significant, year to year, fluctuation and slow progress. WI CO2 metric tons per year declined at the rate .2% per year from 2006 to 2015 which corresponds with a .16% per year decline in electricity use over the same years (Source EIA-861)
 Advance Plan requirements for applicants and PSC staff were replaced by relaxed accountabilities in the Strategic Energy Assessment under ACT 204 in 1997.
 See maps excerpted from the Regional Generation Outlet Study Phase I Executive Summary Report, on p. 10 of Village of Montfort’s presentation to Grant County board http://bit.ly/GrantCoBoardPacket_20171219
10   See p. 5 transcription: http://bit.ly/GrantCo_20180220_Mtg-Transcript .


       
 


Mar. 2 Dodgeville Energy Forum
 STOP CHC  
Harnessing Our Local
Energy Futures


HIGHLY INFORMATIVE & INSPIRING PRESENTATIONS 
RECORDED & WEB-HOSTED


ON WIS VIDEO HUB 


PRINTED PROGRAM - FEATURED ARTICLES
 

Session I
Meeting Our Priorities with Household and Local Solutions
Michael McDermott
Bill Powers
Gary Radloff
Melissa Davis
Sondy Pope
 

Session II
Shortfalls in Transmission Review Process and Busting Utility Myths
Ross Astoria
Keryn Newman
Frank Jablonski
Bill Powers


Session III
Confronting the Harmful Land and Economic Impacts of Transmission Expansion
Mary Mauch
Marilyn Pedretti
Dave Clutter
Lila Zastrow & Dave Hendrickson
Jon Greendeer


Evening Speakers
Pat Raimer
Trustee, Village of Montfort, WI 


Keryn Newman
StopPATH WV, Shepherdstown, WV
Participation, Politics, and Public Opinion

Dave Clutter
Driftless Area Land Conservancy, Dodgeville, WI
Protecting the Natural Habitats and Local Economies of the Driftless Area from Unnecessary Transmission Expansion

Bill Powers
Powers Engineering, San Diego, CA
Local-Based Energy Futures and the Obstacle of Transmission Expansion

Complete, Live Stream Recording with Discussion

Event Co-Hosts
Inter-Municipal Energy Planning Committee [IMEPC]
SOUL of Wisconsin

Event Organizing Team
Karen Carlock
Rob Danielson
Sally Leong
Michael McDermott
Monica Sella
Chuck Tennessen

Event Planning Assistance and Volunteers

Laurie Graney, Gary Cox, Frank Sandner, Kerry Beheler,
Richard Graney, Robin Schumacher, Katie McGrath, Nancy Bruins,
David Lucey, David Hess, John Wright, Betsy Deangelo, Jon Lund,
Terese Agnew and Keith Ashley-Wright

Event Co-Sponsors

Black Earth Creek Watershed Association
Citizens’ Climate Lobby of Iowa Co.
Crawford Stewardship Project
Coulee Region of Sierra Club
Driftless Defenders
Driftless Solar
80 Feet Is Enough
Family Farm Defenders
Prairie Solar Power & Light
Sacred Water Sacred Lans
Timmerman's Talents
Vermont Citizens Power Line Action Committee
Western Dane Preservation Campaign
Wisconsin Network For Peace, Justice & Sustainability
Arcadia Books
Baraboo Range Preservation
Bleu Mont Dairy
Citizens Steering Committee of Grant County
Community Rights US
Crossroads Coffeehouse
Driftless Area Land Conservancy
Reedsburg Area Concerned Citizens
Save the Hills Alliance
Sustain Iowa County
Uplands Cheese
Vermont Valley CSA
Wisconsin Farmers Union South Central
White Oak Savanna


 



 
 

The grid to nowhere

An argument against building giant transmission lines

BY  

MARCH 1, 2018




 
 



HAPPENINGS


Energy Self-Reliant States Special Edition:
A Utility Video Parody



Citizens’ Climate Lobby
2018 Wisconsin State Conference
“Keepin’ On and Movin’ Out!”
Saturday, April 7, 
10:15 am – 6 pm
Frame Memorial Presbyterian Church
 1300 Main Street, Stevens Point, WI 54482
Event Page




Sustainable Madison Committee
Re-Power Madison
Monday, April 2
4:30,  Room 357

 Sustainable Energy Group, Madison's
 consultantfor the 100%
renewable energy plan,
will report on timelines and plans.

Event Page


TENTH ANNUAL
WISCONSIN GRASSROOTS FESTIVAL

People Organizing for Solutions
Registration 8:00 / Event 9:00 To 4:45 pm
Wisconsin Heights High School
10173 US Highway 14 / Mazomanie, WI
Suggested $25 Donation / Lunch Included 
Event Page




Citizens Climate Lobby
Richland County Chapter
Bob Lindmeier 
Chief Meteorologist, WKOW-TV
Speaking on Climate Change
3:00 p.m.
Richland Center Senior Community Center
1050 N Orange St, Richland Center, WI 

More Info



VERNON ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING 
Saturday, March 24
Pancake Breakfast 8:00 a.m
Meeting 10:00 a.m

110 Saugstad Rd.
Westby, WI 54667

More Info
 

 

SPRING 2018
LOBBY DAYS

 
JOIN fellow a team of fellow constituents in co-signing, phoning and direct lobbying of your state lawmakers towards restoring compre-hensive energy planning in WI and electric customer priorities in state energy policies, 

Spring 2018 will feature several Lobby Days starting at 12 noon at the Downtown Madison Library to hear general tips and outline talking points, questions and requests as small teams. 

After sessions with lawmakers, teams retire to a nearby resturant for de-briefing and summarizing what was learned.

Spring efforts will focus on stopping unnecessary and backwards state-wide transmission expansion especially the current Cardinal Hickory Creek 345 kV proposal aimed at communities between Madison and Dubuque, IA.  

FILL OUT THIS FORM TO RECEIVE A SCHEDULE. Contact Sally  or  info@soulwisconsin.org for more information. 

SOUL OF WISCONSIN
MEETING

THURS., APRIL 12 
6:30 PM


One Organic Way
La Farge, WI

DIRECTIONS


Please join us in person at Organic Valley Headquarters or via conference call as we begin planning our activities  to intervene in the Cardinal Hickory Creek proceeding before the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin.  Meetings begin with opportunity for all attendees to introduce themselves and interests and projects they are working on. 

CHC Community
Email List Serve


SOUL also sponsors an email list serve for sharing news and ideas pertaining to responses to the Cardinal Hickory Creek 345 kV expansion transmission line proposal. Contact info@soulwisconsin.org to request a subscription.

MEETING

TUES., MARCH 20 
6:30 PM


Arena Town Hall
Highway 14, Arena, WI

DIRECTIONS


Join us in person as the representatives from the Towns of Arena, Clyde. Wyoming (Iowa Co,);  Lima  (Grant Co.); Belmont (Lafayette Co.); Stark [Vernon Co.] and Vermont (Dane Co.)  discussion measures to affect Wisconsin energy planning  and effective responses to the Cardinal Hickory Creek Transmission proposal.  Membership in the Inter-Municipal Energy Planning Committee [IMEPC] is open to all county and municipal governments as well as (non-voting participation) of organizations involved with energy planning. Visitors are welcome. Contact Chair, Karen Carlock for more information.. 

WESTERN DANE 
PRESERVATION CAMPAIGN


MEETING

TUES., MARCH 20 
6:30 PM


Grandstay Hotel

175 Lillehammer Lane
Mt. Horeb, WI
DIRECTIONS

Regarding activities pertaining to opposition to the Cardinal Hickory Creek transmission line. Contact Kerry Beheler kerry.beheler@gmail.com


Are You Fully Exploiting the Powers of your Household?

Discover clever, low-cost ways to become a 21st Century Load Defector to save money, slash emissions and live with cleaner conscience. 

 If your household electric bill is greater than 700 kilowatt hours, per month, it's likely you can make significant improvements. Learn more about the energy and emission savings tips and email SOUL for your personalized, online tracking sheet to record your monthly progress. See CONTEST  tor households tracking use frm  May 2017 to May 2018. .

Utilities Pursue Fleet of Cost-Masked Transmission Expansions
 
FIVE EYED
FOR WISCONSIN

As applications for high-capacity transmission proposals are denied or stall out across the land, midwest, for-profit utilities continue to probe chances for dozens of new transmission line additions across North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Iowa.Illinois, Arkansas, Missouri, Louisiana and Texas,  More than 65 new projects. many hopeful of acquiring regional cost-sharing status have been received through MISO's submission process as of March. Read more
 
20th Century Utility Assumptions Failing Ratepayers in 21st Century

Article by  David Roberts explaining causes for skyrocketing cost increases and unwitting liabilities utilities are bringing upon electric customers as they refuse to embrace cost-effective solutions. Companion article  by Roberts' provides an overview of New York State's Reforming the Energy Vision (REV) program in which the NY PSC ordered utilities to apply $200,000 towards energy efficiency, local power and load management instead of spending $1 billion upgrading an older substation. See also Sept 2016 progress report on the initiative.
LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP to support ratepayer energy investment priorities is only $5!  Membership numbers are especially important when SOUL intervenes in utility cases and seeks funding for engineers and other experts.  Consider two or more memberships for your family. Donations above the $5 fee are tax deductible. Join online here or mail a check to SOUL of Wisconsin, PO Box 146, La Farge, WI 54639 
Copyright © 2018 Wisconsin Energy Awareness Initiative, All rights reserved.


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