Brendan Conway

We Energies Plans New Gas-Fired Power Plant

Kenosha County project could emit 590,000 tons in greenhouse gas per year.

New Regulations Aim To Protect Rare Bats From Wind Turbines

Wind turbines are estimated to kill approximately 400,000 annually in the Midwest.

Rate Increases Approved for We Energies, Wisconsin Public Service

Consumer advocate calls rate case 'huge missed opportunity to address the affordability crisis.'

We Energies Crews Helping Restore Power in Florida

Wisconsin Red Cross volunteers are also on the ground in Florida providing aid.

Group Opposes We Energies Rate Increases, Marches To Public Hearing

Protesters called for more renewable energy. Utility says rates are part of renewable transition.

Wisconsin Utilities Propose $1.9 Billion in Renewable Energy Projects

We Energies, WPS and MGE back five projects. But what will it cost ratepayers?

Environmental Groups Push Microsoft to Power Data Centers With Clean Energy

Its energy needs in Mount Pleasant will be met by We Energies $2 billion natural gas plan.

We Energies Wants More of Your Money

Monopoly utility wants a 24% hike in residential rates over 4 years. Plus future increases.

We Energies Wants Huge Rate Increase

Enough to pay for nearly $200 million spent on burying power lines, other storm prevention measures.

Report Says Wisconsin Utilities On Track For Emissions Goals, Advocates Raise Concern

Advocates warn the report's data is provided by utilities and represents only a snapshot in time

3 Large Solar Farms Set to Come Online

PSC to vote on 3 utility projects in Wisconsin generating a combined 650 megawatts of electricity.

We Energies Wants Rate Hikes in 2025, 2026

WPS does, too. That would make 8 straight years of rate hikes for We Energies.

What Will Happen To Wisconsin’s Shuttered Coal Plants?

Nearly half of Wisconsin's large coal power plants have closed in past two decades.

State’s Utilities Agree to Union Labor for Clean Energy Projects

Four utilities, including Milwaukee's WEC Energy Group, signing agreement with unions.

How Utility Rates Hurt State’s Economy

Wisconsin’s once-low electric rates now the highest in Midwest. That’s a big problem for all of us.

We Energies Will Spend $335 Million on Microsoft Development

No Public Service Commission approval needed because project is on Foxconn land

Should We Energies Get Another Rate Hike?

Last year residents saw nearly 11% increase. PSC hears from opponents.

Sierra Club Finds We Energies Behind On Clean Energy

Report gives We Energies a 'D'; other utilities in state ranked higher.

Flush Times for We Energies

Big profits, big executive salaries. big donations, all paid for by rate payers.

State Can’t Regulate We Energies $100 Million Project for Microsoft

Critics blame Foxconn law's loopholes, call for legislative fix. 'It's outrageous.'

We Energies Could Delay Shutting Down Coal Plants

Had planned shutdown of Oak Creeks unit in 2024 and 2025. Now not sure.

State’s Utilities Lag on Meeting Emission Reductions

We Energies, three other utilities likely to fall short of 2030 goals, PSC report says.

EPA Proposal Seeks Fix To Unregulated Coal Ash Sites

There are at least 32 sites in Wisconsin that could be impacted.

Public Service Commission Could Create New Aid For Low-Income We Energies Customers

New programs would help mitigate rising energy bills.

We Energies Wants Yet Another Rate Hike

Both consumer and business advocates castigate excess profits of utilities.

Advocates Push for City-Owned Public Utility

Replacing We Energies would lead to lower rates and fewer power outages, they declare.

EPA Proposal On Carbon Pollution Could Affect State’s Utilities

We Energies facility in Oak Creek would need to cut emissions by 90%.

Groups Urge We Energies to End Shutoffs For Nonpayment

Utility's 11% hike in rates is 'outrageous,' could leave many unable to pay, advocates say.

State’s Utilities Warn That Shutoff Moratorium Ends April 15

Advocates charge that energy shutoffs will hit low income, mostly minority households.

GOP Bill Allows Community Solar Projects By Private Developers

Current law bars this. Main opponent to proposal is big utilities like We Energies.

Utilities Get PSC Approval to Buy Largest Solar Plant In Wisconsin

We Energies, two other utilities will pay $649 million for Dane County plant.

Foxconn, We Energies Building Solar Farm at Factory Campus

2,000-panel installation will produce enough electricity to power 300 homes.

Federal Inflation Reduction Act Could Add 24,000 Jobs in Wisconsin

While helping state grow its renewable energy, new report finds.

State’s Utilities Investing in Battery Storage

Facilitating storage of solar, wind energy. We Energies valley plant testing battery system.

Extreme Weather Threatens Power Supply, Could Leave Customers In The Cold

We Energies' request for customers to turn down thermostats on frigid day could become recurring problem.

Supervisors Holding We Energies Project Hostage For More Money

Supervisors try tactic they used for the Waukesha water deal.

Wisconsin Public Service Plans $451 Million Solar and Battery Project

850,000 solar panels part of WEC Energy Group's $5.4 billion spending on green energy.

Will PSC Allow Third Party Financing Of Solar Projects?

State oversight body allowed one project. Solar advocates push for general approval.

After North Carolina Attack, Wisconsin Utilities Say They’re Prepared

Two electrical substations in NC were knocked offline by gunfire, cutting service to 45,000 customers.

Regulators Approve 8.8% Electric Rate Increase For We Energies

Residential customers should expect to see a $12 per month increase.

Residents Express Outrage At Hearing Over Plan To Hike Electric Rates 13%

We Energies proposal would increase average bill by $14 per month, more than twice original proposal.

Wisconsin Joins Multi-State Pact In Bid for Hydrogen Funding

Wisconsin joins MN, ND and MT in creating "hub" that hopes to land part of $8 billion in federal clean energy funding.

Battery Supply Chain Issues Hampering Wisconsin Renewable Energy Efforts

We Energies, other utilities, ramping up use of battery storage with solar power, but struggling to get parts.

Consumer, Environmental Groups Strike Deal With We Energies and WPS

Deal allows utilities to recover costs while writing-off late fees, reducing fixed charges. Some issues remain.

Pushback Emerges Against We Energies’ Proposed Rate Hike

Utility seeking to raise gas prices 10.4% and electricity prices 8.4% on top Ukraine-related price increases.

State Utilities Falling Short on Carbon Reduction

Behind on 2030 goals. We Energies coal plants will remain in longer than projected.

How We Energies Spends Your Money

Profits from ratepayers funds foundation that gave $1 million to UWM and helps utility look like a good guy.

2 Utilities Raising Rates for Clean Energy Transition

We Energies and WPS say proposed rate increases will pay for investment in renewables.

EPA Considering Stricter Air Pollution Standards

Advocates, elected officials call for strongest possible controls.

8,000 People At Risk of Utility Shutoffs

State’s ban ended April 15. What you need to know, how to get help.

Regulators Approve Plans for State’s Largest Renewable Energy Plant

Project will meet energy needs for 25% of Dane County's 240,000 households. Some neighbors oppose the plant.

$90 Million Coal Plant Upgrade Approved

State PSC okays WE Energies pollution controls; plan criticized for investing more in fossil fuels.

Water Main Break Sends Steam Soaring, Chills Downtown

Steam tunnel system flooded by millions of gallons of water from broken 1884 water main.

WEC Energy Quitting Coal By 2035

The utility that owns WE Energies will transition to natural gas and renewables.

Natural Gas Prices May Drive Heating Bills Up

Utilities customers will likely notice it's more expensive to heat their homes.

Mekong Cafe Hurt By Power Outage

Outpouring of community support helps small family business serving southeast Asian food.

36,000 Getting Help With Utility Bills

State Energy Assistance Program distributes over $21 million to help pay utility bills.

Utilities Spending $649 Million on State’s Largest Solar Project

WEC Energy Group and MGE buying 465-megawatt Koshkonong Solar project.

Parks Planning Three Acre Solar Farm

We Energies would install a solar array on unused land at Oakwood Park Golf Course.

We Energies Reduces Electric Cars’ Impact

Batteries charged on coal power aren’t so good for the environment.

Renewable Energy Group Sues State Regulators

Midwest Renewable Energy Association says state creates barriers to alternative energy.

Utilities Plan $400 Million Solar Project

WEC Energy Group and Madison utility to partner on solar and battery storage project in Kenosha County

Wisconsin Transitioning To Solar Energy

Solar projects actively under development will generate 7% of the state's power.

WEC Will Retire Half of Oak Creek Power Plant

1,800 megawatt plant will be replaced with clean energy, natural gas.

WEC Pledges to be Carbon-Neutral by 2050

Company says it will spend $900 million on renewable energy over the next four years.

Utility Disconnection Moratorium Ending

Starting July 1st, utilities can charge late fees and disconnect services.

Plan Will Build City’s Largest Solar Array

City, We Energies partner on eight-acre solar farm, enough electricity to power 400 homes.

We Energies Trails on Solar, Wind

Other utilities in state have far higher percentage of energy coming from renewable energy.

Powering Up The Third Ward

We Energies substation at heart of new apartment building nears completion.

PSC Approves Rate Hike for We Energies

But lower than requested. CUB says agreement with two utilities will save rate payers $100 million.

Foxconn’s Gift from Electric Customers

Why are state customers paying $117 million -- or more -- for unneeded power upgrades?

Utilities Seek Carbon Reduction Goals

We Energies, other utilities could help Evers meet goal of carbon neutral state by 2050.

The Cleanup Of Solvay Coke Site

We Energies is leading $15.9 million cleanup. No tour of site allowed.

WE Energies Won’t Demand Solar Surcharge

Company backs off after announcing its settlement with RENEW Wisconsin.

Climate Change Increasing Mercury in Fish

Researchers find rising water levels in state lakes caused by climate change increases mercury in fish.

We Energies Pushes Solar Charge. Again

Surcharge could cost solar users $180 year. Court rejected proposal in 2014.

We Energies Quits Pro-Coal Lobbying Group

Joins 10 other utilities leaving powerful Washington, D.C. lobbyist, Utility Air Regulatory Group.

The Cold War With We Energies

Bauman, other aldermen believe city is charging too little for utility's use of city land.

Sup. Shea Condemns We Energies’ Pollution

Many Oak Creek residents oppose request for DNR permit, company says others along lake pollute more.

Three City Libraries Will Get Solar

But city wants to install five times more solar power and faces We Energies opposition.

The Many Ads of We Energies

They’d rather spend on ads to make the company look good than lower your rates.

County Bus System Plans Complete Redesign

All routes will be reconsidered to achieve maximum frequency, public input sought.

5 Citizens To Give Sincere Thanks

Our Thanksgiving class of 2018, five Milwaukeeans who've made this a better city.

Transit System’s Bus App Is a Hit

In just over one year, new app generated twice as much revenue as it cost to develop.

Bus Rapid Transit Plan Moves Forward

County board passes budget with BRT funding; county will seek federal grant for it.

Black Workers Losing Transit to Jobs?

End of county bus routes 61 and 6 means no connection to jobs in other counties.

MCTS Adding Art to Bus Shelters

County transit system's glass shelters receiving graphic art installations.

Impact of Bus Rapid Transit in Milwaukee

$48 million high-speed bus line projected to carry 10,000 riders daily by 2035.

MCTS One Of The Best In The U.S.

Report ranks county transit system 13th in providing access to jobs. County considers growth options.

Workers Urged to Use JobLines Buses

Freeway lawsuit got $13.5 million settlement; two bus lines to suburban jobs created.

$2 Million BRT Study Underway

25 detectors along 9-mile Bus Rapid Transit route measure traffic to find best route.

MCTS Employee Named to Top 40 Under 40 List

Mass Transit Magazine Honors Professionals from Across the Country

What Will Happen To Route 61?

One of three bus routes connecting inner city workers to suburban jobs, its funding may run out.

Bus System Will Go Paperless

Paper transfers and tickets are gone, but the union is still upset.

No new meetings planned for MCTS and union

Who’s To Blame for Bus Strike?

The union? Chris Abele? John Weishan? Scott Walker? A frank assessment.

15 Myths About The Bus Strike (and More)

Bus service continuing, but union president references more potential work stoppages. What else did he say?

New Technology Changing Bus System

Real-time bus location information and smart fare cards are changing how riders use the bus system.

As bus drivers vote, transit union chief predicting strike

Milwaukee County bus drivers, mechanics authorize leaders to call strike

MCTS Names Brendan Conway Chief Marketing and Communication Officer

The Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) is proud to announce the hiring of Brendan Conway as its new Chief Marketing and Communications Officer.

The Tragedy of O’Donnell Park

The proposed sale to NML suggests the city has yet to learn from its folly in building this eyesore.

County Board Committee Approves Abele’s $7K Donation to Pay for Courthouse Overtime

“It’s safe to say this is the best $7,000 I’ve ever spent.”

New Partnership Will Spark Park East Development

City, County, State, Federal Government and Private Sector Working Together

Who’s To Blame For Yet Another Pension Giveaway?

Abele wants some 200 retirees to stop getting illegal pension benefits, but board members are outraged.

Dramatic Turnaround at Milwaukee County House of Correction

One year after County Executive Chris Abele took over the operations of the Milwaukee County House of Correction (HOC), the facility has seen a dramatic and positive turnaround.

‘Food Truck Thursdays’ Return to the Courthouse

Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele welcomes back some of the best food on wheels when Food Truck Thursday returns to the Courthouse on Thursday, April 17th.

10th Street Reopening TODAY

Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele will officially reopen 10th Street in front of the Courthouse at 3pm today.

County Executive Abele Statement on Shoreline Bill

Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele supports a bipartisan state bill that will be considered this week by the state Assembly to formally recognize the Milwaukee shoreline boundary that was established in 1913.

County Executive Abele Greets Veterans in California

Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele will greet Operation Iraqi Freedom Veterans Tom Voss and Anthony Anderson in California on Saturday as they end their 2,700 mile walk from Milwaukee to Los Angeles.

Milwaukee County Proposes New Beer Garden for 2014

County Could See $100,000 a Year in Revenue

Milwaukee County Cuts Electricity Use in 2013

Milwaukee County’s “Kill-a-Watt” Challenge to save money and cut electricity wrapped up a successful 2013.

County Executive Abele Meets With White House Staff on ACA & Minimum Wage

In addition to raising the minimum wage, Abele is focused on closing the wage gap by helping people get back to work and into more skilled, higher paying jobs, through stronger economic development and jobs training.

Statement on County Board’s Wage Mandate

Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele released a statement today responding to the County Board’s consideration of a plan to mandate higher wages.

Statement on the Passing of Betty Quadracci

Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele released the following statement about the passing of Betty Quadracci.

Christmas Tree Lights Up the Courthouse

Wednesday – December 4, 2013

Abele’s Vetoes Lower Property Taxes, Increase Rainy Day Fund and Strikes a Compromise with Supervisors

Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele is issuing vetoes to the 2014 Budget that will lower property taxes $1.6 million while adding $2 million to the Debt Service Reserve, the County’s rainy day fund.

Voting Underway for Courthouse Christmas Tree

Voting runs until noon on November 18th.

County Executive Abele Discusses 2014 Budget at WisPolitics Luncheon

The event starts at 11:30am at the Zilber School of Public Health, 1240 N 10th Street, Milwaukee.

Milwaukee County Child Support Named Agency of the Year

Abele nominated Kooyenga and the Milwaukee County CSS for the WCSEA awards.

“Flash Mob” Comes to the Courthouse

Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele is happy to announce the Milwaukee County Courthouse will once again host a “flash mob” to raise awareness and celebrate the achievements of people who are blind or visually impaired.

Abele’s 2014 Budget Features New Public Safety Initiative

The budget also provides the Sheriff the flexibility to avoid any Deputy layoffs while continuing to realign the department to focus on its core mission in a fully incorporated County.

Milwaukee County Offers Help in ACA Enrollment

Using existing resources and staff, County Departments will help clients they are already serving understand and enroll in the ACA.

In Milwaukee, Mayor Rybak Unveils New Ad Campaign to Attract Same-Sex Weddings to Minneapolis

“I Want to Marry You in Minneapolis” campaign running in Milwaukee, Madison and Chicago publications

Abele Dumps County Transit Company

Public bidding process awards bus contract to for-profit company.

Courthouse Opening First Floor Services to the Public

Offices Opening at 10am

Courthouse Opening Runs Smoothly

The Milwaukee County Courthouse reopened today for most court services and, with the exception of a few hiccups, things ran smoothly.

Fight for Marriage Equality in Wisconsin Will Go On

Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele released the following statement today after the United States Supreme Court voted to recognize gay marriage.

County Executive Abele Presents John Malan with Purple Heart Pass

Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele will honor WTMJ-TV Meteorologist John Malan’s military service during the Marcus Center’s annual Flag Day celebration on Friday, June 14th.

Free Summer Events for Military Veterans in Milwaukee County

MILWAUKEE – Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele is happy to announce that public and private agencies in Milwaukee County are once again offering active military, drilling reservists, veterans and their families free admission to a variety of entertainment venues this summer. From Summerfest to the Milwaukee County Zoo, veterans are being thanked for the service. For a full list of events and venues visit: http://tinyurl.com/MKECoVetsEvents

County Executive Abele Hires New Parks Director

Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele will hold a news conference today at Kosciuszko Park to introduce new Parks Director John Dargle.

County Executive Abele Thanks Legislators for Increasing Child Support Funding

Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele applauds members of the Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee for putting money back into the budget to support Child Support funding across the state.

Milwaukee County Offering Help to Aging Veterans

Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele, the Milwaukee County Veterans Service Office (MCVSO) and the Milwaukee County Department on Aging (MCDA) are organizing a free one-day event to deliver awareness of benefits to eligible aging veterans and their surviving spouses.

County Executive Abele Thanks Assembly for Passing Reform Bill

Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele thanks the Wisconsin Assembly for approving the Milwaukee County reform bill.

County Executive Abele Announces Energy Saving Challenge

County Executive Chris Abele is announcing an Earth Day initiative to lower energy usage in county buildings, a move that will help the environment and save tax dollars.

Sheriff Clarke’s New Buddies

The conservative lawman and liberal county board have suddenly gotten very friendly. Why?

Hundreds of Job Openings for Military Veterans

Event Tomorrow 9am – 1pm

Veterans Job Fair Offers Hundreds of Job Openings for Vets

Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele is happy to announce a Job Fair for Military Veterans will be held on Thursday, March 7th at the Milwaukee County War Memorial Center from 9am - 1pm.

County Lobbyists Asleep on the Job?

They should be working to get more state funding. But they’re too busy protecting the county board.

Who’s Right in County Budget Battle?

County Board Chair Marina Dimitrijevic trashes Abele’s budget. But did she improve it?

Too Many Cops in Milwaukee County?

The high cost of a huge sheriff’s budget and 19 local police departments.

Abele Under Fire

Has the Johnny Thomas situation poisoned relations between the county exec and county board?

Beer Gardens Back at Pere Marquette

It was off after Sue Black's firing. Now it's back on.

Myths About Black’s Firing

Strip away the myths and you begin to see why Abele dumped her.

Abele vs County Board — Again

Someone leaked the info on Abele's plan for a 44 story lakefront tower, leaving him apologizing to the board.

The Farley Fiasco

Is the County board punishing Abele’s aide Patrick Farley for whistle blowing?