Put Wisconsin First. Wisconsin historically has had low electric rates and excellent reliability. This enviable reputation must be maintained. While needed new transmission and generation infrastructure will result in increased rates, this increase must be managed and rates must remain reasonable. Wisconsin's energy policy should provide state regulators with the tools they require to evaluate new transmission and generation projects on the basis of long term cost, reliability and environmental impacts, and protect Wisconsin customers from risks associated with unchecked diversification and takeovers. State regulators also should advocate for the interests of Wisconsin customers and utilities in the debate about changing federal energy policies and developments in the wholesale electric markets.

Keep the Lights On with reliable, safe and affordable power for homes, businesses and industry. Energy efficiency and conservation measures should be vigorously pursued to ensure that the environment is protected and only needed new facilities are constructed. Yet demand for electricity is rising, even with these measures, and no major baseload power plants or major transmission lines have been constructed in the state for over 20 years. New generation plants and transmission lines are needed to meet the rising needs of the state. This new generation should include a mix of fuels to provide electricity for years to come.

Make Sure We Do It Right. Wisconsin's careful, sequential approach to change in the industry has protected us from the extreme price spikes and shortages experienced by California and other states that rushed into restructuring. Although the push for radical deregulation has subsided, the electric industry is still undergoing rapid changes. Energy policy must be adjusted appropriately to keep up with these changes. Citizens and affected communities must have the opportunity to participate in this process. Electricity is an essential service. Utilities must meet their obligation to serve customers and be allowed to recover their reasonable and prudent costs of service.

Remember to Go Slowly. California has permanently put to rest the notion of a 'first-mover' advantage in deregulation. The electric industry is complex and the impact of changes can be very costly and difficult to predict. Unintended consequences can occur from ill-considered deregulation schemes. Wisconsin's system is not broken. We should go slowly and adopt only those changes that have a reasonable certainty of creating benefits.