PSC 184.03 Note 3. Elevated tanks, reservoirs, and other storage facilities.

PSC 184.03 Note 4. Pumping stations, pressure-reducing stations, and associated facilities.

PSC 184.03 Note 5. Utility buildings.

PSC 184.03 Note 6. Utility main if a portion of the main is located outside of the utility’s service area or if the main is eight inches or greater in nominal diameter and three or more miles long.

PSC 184.03 Note 7. Sewer facilities, including any pumping facilities or sewage treatment and disposal plant.

PSC 184.03(3)(b) (b) Beginning on May 1, 2014, and on May 1 of each successive even-numbered year thereafter, the commission shall adjust the cost thresholds in s. 196.49 (5g) (ar), Stats., to reflect changes to the cost of water utility construction based on the applicable industry cost index numbers published in the “Handy-Whitman Index of Public Utility Construction Costs.”

PSC 184.03(3)(c) (c) The commission shall notify all water utilities of the resulting adjusted cost limits by May 15 of each even-numbered year and shall publicize the adjusted cost limits on the commission’s website. If the Handy-Whitman Index is no longer available, an equivalent successor index may be used which is generally recognized by the water industry and acceptable to the commission.

PSC 184.03 Note Note: The commission maintains or has access to the Handy-Whitman Index of Public Utility Construction Costs and this reference or a copy may be reviewed by contacting the commission’s offices.

PSC 184.03(4) (4) Certificate not required. Notwithstanding sub. (3), a utility does not need a certificate to do any of the following:

PSC 184.03(4)(a) (a) Install, replace, or repair a utility main, unless one of the following applies:

PSC 184.03(4)(a)1. 1. A portion of the main is located outside of the utility’s service area.

PSC 184.03(4)(a)2. 2. The main is eight inches or greater in nominal diameter and three or more miles long.

PSC 184.03(4)(b) (b) Install, replace, or repair service laterals, hydrants, or valves within the utility’s service area.

PSC 184.03(4)(c) (c) Meter installation, repair, or replacement.

PSC 184.03(4)(d) (d) Install, replace, or repair supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, telemetry equipment, or other electronic monitoring and control systems.

PSC 184.03(4)(e) (e) Replace or repair existing pumps, motors, or associated equipment.

PSC 184.03(4)(f) (f) Conduct routine maintenance or repair to utility facilities, including buildings used for utility purposes.

PSC 184.03(4)(g) (g) Replace or repair filtration media used in existing water treatment purification and disinfection facilities.

PSC 184.03(4)(h) (h) Install plant in accordance with filed extension rules and rates.

PSC 184.03(4)(i) (i) Install plant in compliance with a commission order.

PSC 184.03(4)(j) (j) Relocate or modify existing plant to accommodate highway or airport construction.

PSC 184.03(4)(k) (k) Acquire vehicles or other movable equipment.

PSC 184.03 History History: CR 11-039: cr. Register July 2012 No. 679, eff. 8-1-12; CR 14-053: renum. (3) to (3) (a) and am., cr. (3) (b), (c) Register April 2015 No. 712, eff. 5-1-15; correction in (3) (a), (b) made under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 7., Stats., Register January 2017 No. 733; 2021 Wis. Act 86: am. (4) (c) Register November 2021 No. 791, eff. 12-1-21.

PSC 184.04 PSC 184.04 Applications for commission authorization.

PSC 184.04(1) (1) Timing and cost increases.

PSC 184.04(1)(a) (a) For any project requiring commission authorization under s. PSC 184.03, a person or utility shall submit the information required in this section at least 90 days, but no earlier than 2 years, before beginning the project.

PSC 184.04(1)(b) (b) For any project receiving commission authorization under s. PSC 184.05 that is not begun within 2 years from the date of the authorization, a utility shall notify the commission of revised project costs, the schedule for completion, and any other changes to the proposed project. The commission may reconsider its authorization for a revised project under s. PSC 184.05.

PSC 184.04(1)(c) (c) If the scope, design, or location of a project receiving commission authorization under s. PSC 184.05 changes significantly, or if it is discovered or identified that the project cost may exceed the estimated project cost by more than 10 percent, the utility shall promptly notify the commission as soon as the utility becomes aware of the possible change or cost increase. The commission may reconsider its authorization for a revised project under s. PSC 184.05.

PSC 184.04(2) (2) Consultation. For projects subject to s. 196.025 (2m), Stats., before submitting an application for a certificate, a utility shall consult with commission staff, in cooperation with staff from the department, on the scope of the proposed project, the alternatives that must be considered in the application, and additional information that the commission may require as part of the application.