PSC advances draft update to Wisconsin State Electrical Code to adopt NESC 2023

The Public Service Commission voted to publish draft revisions to Wisconsin Administrative Code PSC 114 to adopt the 2023 edition of the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) and to direct staff to file a notice of hearing and the proposed rule language for public comment.

Krusher Hawkins, who led the Commission's overview of the docket, said the state code governs safety requirements for outdoor electric supply and communication facilities and that the NESC is updated on a five‑year cycle, necessitating periodic state updates. "This is overall a very routine process," he said, describing the advisory‑committee review and next steps: a public hearing with oral and written comment followed by legislative counsel review and a return to the Commission for a final decision.

Commissioners said the draft will proceed even for components that lacked unanimous advisory‑committee support so stakeholders may offer input during the hearing. Chair Strand and other commissioners emphasized that the rulemaking process allows for later revisions and public participation before rules are finalized.

The Commission approved the notice of hearing and draft proposed rules in docket 1AC259 and directed staff to make the necessary filings to advance the rule to the hearing stage. The action was adopted by unanimous voice vote.

What happens next: the draft rules will be posted for comment and the PSC will hold a hearing to collect oral and written input. After the public comment period and review by legislative counsel, the Commission will consider any revisions and vote on final adoption.