We Energies is accepting applications for its Renewable
Energy Research and Development Grand Program throughout 2009. Grants are
provided to customers of We Energies and their partners for renewable energy
projects that will help further the industry and contribute to the local service
area. ther the industry and
contribute to the local service area.
Click here for more information.
We Energies is also offering a Renewable
Energy Scholarship program to We Energies
electric customers or individuals employed
by a We Energies customer to attend a
renewable energy conference.
Click here for more information. Those interested in scholarships
for K-12, Post-Secondary and Community
Educators can find information
here.
New research from Australia
suggests that the stress response of cattle
to low energy electric shocks is minimal and
is similar to that induced by restraint.
Click here for more informationn
The Ontario Energy Board staff
has prepared a Discussion Paper entitled Farm Stray
Voltage: Issues and Regulatory Options aimed at
eliciting written comments from all interested parties.
As explained in the Cover Letter, all interested parties
are invited to send written comments to the Board
Secretary by July 11, 2008. Also posted are three
reports prepared by expert consultants at the request of
Board staff.
February 19, 2008, Press Release,
Representative Al Ott's Office
Ott Applauds Senate Approval of
Electrician Licensing Bill
Measure Aims to Improve Electrical
Safety
Madison – In floor action
today, the Wisconsin State Senate gave
unanimous approval to a measure
requiring state licensure of
electricians and electrical contractors.
Authored by Representative Al Ott
(R-Forest Junction) and Senator Russ
Decker (D-Weston), Senate Bill 167 (SB
167) aims to improve electrical safety
by instituting a statewide licensing
requirement for electricians and
electrical contractors. The proposed
licensing structure is similar to that
currently in place for plumbers.
“Unlike barbers, plumbers,
accountants, real estate agents, and
numerous other professionals,
electricians working in Wisconsin do not
need to be licensed by the state,” said
Ott. “Many people are surprised to learn
that electricians are not required to be
licensed, especially because of the
safety implications of improper
electrical wiring.”
In order to be licensed as an
electrician under SB 167, a person must
either complete an apprenticeship
program or have a minimum amount of
experience in installing, repairing, and
maintaining electrical wiring, and pass
an examination administered by the
Department of Commerce. Thirty-four
other states, including Minnesota and
Michigan, currently have licensing
requirements for electricians. “This
bill is, first and foremost, about
safety,” Ott said. “In turn, SB 167 is
about providing consumers with the
assurance that those who are billing
themselves as electricians and
electrical contractors actually have the
training, skills, and knowledge
necessary to perform this type of work
safely and correctly,” added Ott.
In addition to the licensing
requirements, SB 167 directs the
Department of Commerce to create a
statewide electrical wiring code that
establishes standards for installing,
repairing, and maintaining electrical
wiring. The bill also calls for the
development of standards for the
inspection of all electrical wiring, and
requires that electrical inspectors be
certified by the Department.
“This licensing requirement, along
with increased electrical inspection,
should improve the quality and safety of
electrical wiring,” Ott concluded.
SB 167 has widespread support from
electricians, electrical contractors,
labor unions, utilities, electric
cooperatives, and others who are
interested in improving the safety and
quality of electrical wiring in
Wisconsin. The bill now awaits action by
the State Assembly, which is scheduled
to go back into session on Tuesday,
February 26th.