By FRANZEN

Wednesday, June 9, 2004

The Wisconsin Public Service Commission is giving consumers through Tuesday to submit written comments on the proposed sale of the Kewaunee nuclear power plant to a Virginia-based company. We'll pause now to let the hosannas die down.

OK, we realize that it's summer, there's a war on and everyone has a hundred other things to worry about. The sale of one power plant may not be on the radar screen of a lot of folks, but this sale, nevertheless, is something that matters. This is a good opportunity for members of the public to add their voices to those of the usual suspects who will be sure to chime in over the next several days.

Supporters say the sale means ratepayers will continue to have access to low-cost electricity from Kewaunee while the out-of-state company, Dominion, accepts the risks of operating a nuclear plant. Opponents say consumers will eventually pay more for electricity -- perhaps as much as $464 million more over the next 30 years -- if the plant's license is renewed in 2013.

They also argue that turning over the reins to an out-of-state company will eliminate state regulation of the plant. Supporters counter that the PSC will have authority over the purchase power agreement between Dominion and the plant's current owners, Wisconsin Public Service Corp. and Wisconsin Power and Light Co.

Dominion has a sound track record in other states and seems committed to nuclear power, which we believe must be part of a balanced approach to the country's -- and the state's -- energy needs. If the sale means continued commitment to reliable and low- cost nuclear power, it makes sense. But opponents have raised serious and legitimate questions about the sale, especially about what happens after 2013, when the purchase power agreement would expire.

At the very least, opponents have made a good case for removing the sale from the fast track that the would-be sellers and buyers both want. The serious, complex issues involved in the sale deserve thorough study and analysis by the PSC and by the public. While we generally support streamlining the regulatory process for businesses, in this case it just seems to make a lot of sense to give everyone more time to consider the issues involved.

In the meantime, electricity consumers can help themselves by offering their written views to the PSC through Tuesday. Comments can be submitted electronically through the agency's Electronic Regulatory Filing System, at psc.wi.gov, or by snail mail to Tom Ferris, Docket Coordinator, Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, P.O. Box 7854, Madison, WI 53707-7854. Consumers are asked to write "Docket 05-EI-136" on all comments.

In addition, public hearings in Madison on June 17 and in Manitowoc on June 24 will give folks a chance to submit oral and written testimony on the proposed sale. The Madison hearing will be at 9 a.m. at the PSC's office at 610 N. Whitney Way. The Manitowoc hearing will consist of three sessions at 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn, 4601 Calumet Ave.