Ellen Nowak is a member of the Wisconsin Public Service Commission.
Official Biography
Ellen Nowak was appointed to the Wisconsin Public Service Commission in July 2011 by Governor Scott Walker.
Prior to her appointment, she was the chief of staff to Waukesha County Executive Dan Vrakas. From 2002-2006 she was the legal counsel and then chief of staff to the Speaker of the Wisconsin Assembly. She also worked as the deputy director of School Choice Wisconsin. From 1998-2002, Ellen practiced business litigation at Mallery & Zimmerman, SC in Milwaukee.
Ellen has a law degree from Marquette University and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee.
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Content referencing Ellen Nowak
Bill Targets ‘Revolving Door’ Between State Regulators and Utilities
PSC commissioners must wait 3 years after leaving office to take jobs with utilities.
Feb 10th, 2026 by Joe Schulz
Former PSC Chair to Run Alliant Energy’s WI Utility Business
Watchdogs say 'revolving door' between utilities and regulating them is a concern.
Dec 22nd, 2025 by Joe Schulz
Transmission Lines Company Driving Up Wisconsin’s Electric Costs?
Industrial watchdog says American Transmission Company hiked rates by 43%.
Aug 21st, 2025 by Danielle Kaeding
Driven By Renewables, Wisconsin Will See $4 Billion in Transmission Projects
Midwest electrical grid operator approves record 488 projects across 15 states.
Jan 2nd, 2025 by Joe Schulz
Republicans Fire Regulator Over Solar, Low-Income Assistance Decisions
Tyler Huebner didn't follow the law say GOP senators. Democrats say move is purely partisan game.
Jan 19th, 2024 by Danielle Kaeding
Utilities Flood Capital With Lobbyists
More than 45 lobbyists, including former legislators, pushing sweetheart deal ending public bidding for transmission lines.
Oct 23rd, 2023 by Bruce Murphy
GOP Senators Introduce Protectionist Transmission Line Bill
Proposal would make it difficult for competitors to ATC to enter market.
Oct 13th, 2023 by Joe Schulz
American Transmission Co. Hires Former Utility Regulator
Ellen Nowak is now vice president of the company she was once charged with regulating.
Aug 4th, 2023 by Joe Schulz
Evers Messes Up PSC Appointments
Three appointees in a row have had conflicts of interest, which is good news for utilities.
Mar 7th, 2023 by Dave Cieslewicz
Uncertainty Around Solar Financing Regulations Limits Wisconsin Installations
Solar developers awaiting new PSC ruling following initial ruling to allow third-party financing.
Jan 12th, 2023 by Danielle Kaeding
Regulators Approve 8.8% Electric Rate Increase For We Energies
Residential customers should expect to see a $12 per month increase.
Dec 2nd, 2022 by Danielle Kaeding
State Regulators Allow Leased Solar Panels In Significant Ruling
But ruling, say regulators, is a one-off and doesn't help City of Milwaukee and others' issues.
Dec 2nd, 2022 by Erik Gunn
Utility Regulators End Consumer Protections Enacted During Pandemic
Requirements for payment plans before disconnection, or delayed shutoffs when a customer tested positive for COVID-19 are ending.
Oct 14th, 2022 by Danielle Kaeding
Could Regulators Make it Easier to Install Home Solar Panels?
State regulators will look at rules that some say have been a barrier to small solar projects.
Jul 22nd, 2022 by Danielle Kaeding
Regulators Want State Energy Program Cutting Emissions
A state funded program currently works on energy efficiency, PSC wants it focused on emissions.
Apr 14th, 2022 by Danielle Kaeding
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.
Apr 8th, 2022 by Danielle Kaeding
Regulators Approve $433M Sale of Solar Plant
Three utility companies purchase 200 megawatt solar farm, enough to power 60,000 homes.
Mar 18th, 2022 by Danielle Kaeding
Bill Blocks Competition on Transmission Lines
Does bipartisan proposal insure access to reliable power or favor established state utilities?
Feb 7th, 2022 by Diane Bezucha
Secret Messages Cast Doubt on Approval of Controversial Transmission Line
Regulators reject charges of bias, while the utility seeks a new application and decision.
Jul 30th, 2021 by Danielle Kaeding
We Energies Will Offer Electric Charging Stations Program
Gets PSC approval, joining four other utilities in state creating programs for electric car owners.
Jun 14th, 2021 by Danielle Kaeding
Regulators OK Utilities’ Plan For Past Due Bills
Deferred payments and payment plans for 93,000 customers facing disconnection.
Apr 9th, 2021 by Danielle Kaeding
Utility Moratorium Ending April 15th
Utilities report thousands of homes and businesses could have utilities disconnected.
Mar 18th, 2021 by Danielle Kaeding
State Regulators Investigating How To Reach 100% Clean Energy
The Public Service Commission plans to develop a roadmap to carbon-free energy production.
Mar 12th, 2021 by Danielle Kaeding
Commission Clears Regulatory Hurdle for Electric Vehicle Infrastructure
Utilities will no longer have to run pilot programs for electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Dec 18th, 2020 by Danielle Kaeding
All Utilities Can’t Disconnect Service Until Spring
New moratorium bars shutting off water, power and heat.
Oct 23rd, 2020 by Danielle Kaeding
Utility Disconnection Moratorium Extended to November
But starting Nov. 1, your water could be shut off.
Sep 18th, 2020 by Danielle Kaeding
Utility Shut Off Moratorium Extended
Wisconsin residents have until Oct. 1 before disconnections start.
Aug 20th, 2020 by Danielle Kaeding
Moratorium Extended for Utility Disconnection
State regulators voted to extend the moratorium Through Sept. 1.
Jul 23rd, 2020 by Danielle Kaeding
Conservatives Argue Against Lame-Duck Lawsuit
Right-leaning members of Wisconsin Supreme Court skeptical in oral arguments on lawsuit challenging lame-duck session before Evers took office.
May 16th, 2019 by Shawn Johnson
Supreme Court Restores Lame Duck Appointees
State high court rules 4-3 that all 82 Walker appointees can return to work.
May 1st, 2019 by Shawn Johnson
Appeals Court Sides with Evers on Appointees
Judges rule Evers did not violate court order when he rescinded Walker's appointments.
Apr 10th, 2019 by Shawn Johnson
GOP Asks Court to Restore Walker Appointees
Legislators want Appeals Court to force Evers to recognize 15 appointees the governor says were unlawful.
Apr 2nd, 2019 by Laurel White
Evers, GOP Tie in Early Innings
Capitol ballgame tied, but Republican legislators have big hitters coming to the plate.
Apr 1st, 2019 by Steven Walters
Evers, GOP Fight Over Walker Appointees
Evers re-nominates 67 Walker appointees he rescinded, but Senate won't consider them.
Mar 30th, 2019 by Laurel White
Judge Blocks Lame Duck Laws
Republicans will appeal. Evers and Kaul quickly drop state from suit against Affordable Care Act.
Mar 21st, 2019 by Shawn Johnson
The Double Standard of Duey Stroebel
He attacks Evers appointee while ignoring “Ethical Baggage” of 13 Walker appointees.
Jan 17th, 2019 by George Mitchell
Legislature Works Overnight To Curb Evers Power
Limits on early voting, constraints on Evers campaign promise on health care.
Dec 5th, 2018 by Shawn Johnson and Laurel White
Why Gableman Is Stepping Down
And how will that affect the race for Supreme Court?
Jun 20th, 2017 by Bruce Murphy
State Energy Fund Diverted to Other Uses
$8 million goes for internet access, much of it to three private companies.
Dec 9th, 2016 by Kari Lydersen
PSC Questions Cost of Cutting Emissions
Public Service Commissioner Nowak warns federal carbon-emission rule could cost $20 billion. But is the estimate accurate?
Sep 16th, 2014 by Steven Walters
State PSC Gives Huge Giveaway to Businesses
Electric ratepayers in one-half of the state will subsidize downtown Milwaukee businesses.
May 6th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
A Streetcar Named Cooperation?
Republicans force city to pay to relocate utilities for streetcar and Barrett calls for cooperation from We Energies to keep costs down.
Apr 27th, 2014 by Dave Reid
Whoops, We Changed Our Mind
The Public Service Commission changes course and delays decision on who must pay utility costs for Milwaukee Streetcar.
Sep 27th, 2012 by Dave Reid
