PSC approves $34,315 intervener award for Restoring Lands, requires 30‑day work plan

Chairperson Strand said the commission will approve partial intervener compensation for Restoring Lands in docket 137CE221, recommending an award of $34,315 and requiring the applicant to file a detailed work plan within 30 days.

The award follows Restoring Lands' request for $49,110.37 to cover attorneys, expert witnesses, staff survey work and supplies related to ATC's Ozaukee County distribution interconnection project. Chairperson Strand told the commission that attorney and expert fees of $22,315 were clearly tied to the intervention and consistent with prior awards, but certain indirect costs and a mileage calculation exceeded rates allowed under Wisconsin administrative code PSC 3.04(3). Strand said the commission should reduce mileage to the state rate and eliminate the requested indirect cost, then fund limited staff survey time contingent on a formal work plan.

"So what I will put forward then is approving intervener compensation in the amount of $34,315," Chairperson Strand said, explaining the figure included $22,003.15 for attorneys and experts and $12,000 for staff, supplies and limited travel and monitoring equipment.

Commissioner Hawkins said she shared the methodology and supported the work‑plan requirement, stressing that the plan should exclude fundraising and should detail activities that directly contribute to the commission docket. Commissioner Nieto joined the motion. The commission approved the motion by voice vote.

The commission's order directs Restoring Lands to submit a work plan within 30 days of the order that delineates which staff will perform which tasks, the hourly rates and timelines for surveys and deliverables. The order reflects the commission's obligation to follow PSC administrative code and prior intervener compensation precedents.