Oak Creek We Energies natural gas plant; public hearings held Tuesday

OAK CREEK, Wis. - New plans for a natural gas power plant in Oak Creek are causing a debate. Two public hearings were held on Tuesday, March 25, regarding the proposal from We Energies to build a new natural gas power plant.

The hearings were held at the Oak Creek Community Center. The proposal is charging people up on both sides.

Natural gas plant

What we know:

We Energies is proposing a new megawatt natural gas plant for its Oak Creek facility that would cost a little more than $1 billion. The plan is to have it up and running around 2028.

The company wants to shift out its current coal plants by the end of 2032.

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We Energies plans to invest in both natural gas and renewable energy projects, with $9.1 billion in new renewable energy by 2029.

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Oak Creek We Energies natural gas plant plan sees pushback

We Energies is proposing a new megawatt natural gas plant for its Oak Creek facility that would cost a little more than $1 billion.

We Energies said the majority of power would still come from wind and solar and the new plants would only run 10–20% of the time.

"We all know the sun doesn’t always shine, and the wind doesn’t always blow," We Energies media relations manager Brendan Conway said. "So for those times when renewable energy can’t meet the need."

In favor vs. against

What they're saying:

"Put the public and our community and health first and deny approval of this gas plant," said Candace Owley with the League of Women Voters, who opposes the idea.

"This is our only planet, folks. It is a closed system," said Jodi Koehler, who opposes the proposal. "Our motto is forward, but a fossil fuel plant is a dangerous leap backwards. Natural gas is not clean energy."

The other side:

"By retiring the coal and bringing in the natural gas, we will create a healthier environment," said Dan Whittaker, who was in favor of the idea.

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"Supporting our communities, our industries, our workers, and the local economy with clean, consistent power production," said Doug Valland, who was also in favor.

The next steps

What's next:

Ultimately, it is up to the Public Service Commission.

Because of the volume of people who showed up but didn't get to speak, the Public Service Commission will extend the deadline for comment until April 7. So if you want to weigh in, you can still do that online.