March 03, 2026

Local advocates talk public power in Washington D.C.

Advocacy

More than 60 people representing cities and villages throughout Wisconsin, Michigan and Iowa recently flew to the nation’s capital to talk to legislators about locally owned utilities for American Public Power Association’s 2026 Legislative Rally.

The annual event took place Feb. 23-25 in Washington D.C.

“Everyone who attends is taking the time to discuss critical policy matters aimed at maintaining robust grid reliability and keeping power costs down for their customers,” said Joseph Owen, senior director of government affairs at WPPI Energy. “They advocate for the communities they serve by meeting with legislators who make decisions that affect everyone at the local level. We’re fortunate to have a congressional delegation receptive to discussing the issues affecting locally owned utilities.”

Attendees met with Wisconsin Senators Tammy Baldwin (D) and Ron Johnson (R), Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst (R) and Michigan Sen. Gary Peters (D), as well as Reps. Scott Fitzgerald, Tony Wied, Mark Pocan, Glenn Grothman, Tom Tiffany, Jack Bergman and Mariannette Miller-Meeks. Some also spent time with staff from the offices of Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley (R), Michigan Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D) and Wisconsin Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R).

Local officials spoke with senators and representatives from Wisconsin, Iowa and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan about ensuring that any new federal policy helps public power utilities keep costs down and protects grid reliability in the face of demand growth. They also discussed the importance of federal funding for disaster responses and continuing the Low Income Heating Assistance Program.