Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC)
Submitted: 10/27/2022 4:38:15 PM
COMMENTS FILED ELECTRONICALLY IN
9300-DR-106 Verified Petition of Vote Solar of Distributed Energy Resource Systems in Wisconsin	Public Comment Open Period: 09/26/2022 - 11/09/2022
Commentor Information:
Name:  Russel Gilberg Address:  1231 Industrial St City:  Hudson   State:WI   Zip:54016
NOTE: Public comments are currently being accepted in lieu of testimony at a public hearing pursuant to a Notice of Hearing in this docket. For written comments submitted in lieu of testifying, only one comment may be submitted per person per comment period. Only the first comment a person submits in lieu of testifying at a public hearing may be accepted as part of the official record for this docket.
Comment:
I am the President of Energy Concepts LLC, a licensed installer of solar energy systems based in Hudson, WI. Energy Concepts takes offense at the testimony of Alex Tetzlaff on behalf of the International Union of Operating Engineers. I strongly disagree with Mr. Tetzlaff`s testimony that rooftop solar installers lack training, are temporary workers, and pose a safety risk to the public. His own testimony shows that he has no experience in the solar industry and he provides no basis for his negative view of rooftop solar installers` abilities. In contrast to Mr. Tetzlaff`s dim view of the rooftop solar industry, I have a degree in electrical engineering from the University of Minnesota, am certified as a professional engineer in Minnesota, am credentialed as a master electrician in Wisconsin and Minnesota. I oversee Energy Concepts` solar installations and take pride in my work. Our team delivers quality projects to our customers and Mr. Tetzlaff`s testimony is insulting to our team`s work. The Wisconsin Public Service Commission should ignore Mr. Tetzlaff`s biased and offensive testimony. Furthermore the consideration of this docket is for 3rd party ownership of renewable energy systems and not the qualifications of the trade personnel installing such systems. Solar electric systems are currently being installed all thru-out Wisconsin by installers that Mr. Tetzlaff has deemed unskilled. Third party ownership would enable low and middle class families as well as non-profit organizations the opportunity to install and utilize renewable energy on their properties without significant up-front costs. Third party ownership will make solar electric systems much more accessible to all which in turn will attract companies both locally and out-of-state, eager to offer their services. Since all contractors operating in Wisconsin must meet proper licensing requirements and pull permit for these projects I see the approval of this docket as an economic boon for the people of Wisconsin. Thank you, Russel Gilberg, P.E.
I affirm that these comments are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. NOTE: This comment is submitted in lieu of testimony pursuant to a Notice of Hearing issued by the Commission in this docket. I affirm that these comments consist of my personal knowledge or opinion only, and that I have not included information prepared by another person, and that I have not previously submitted written public comments in this docket in response to this Notice of Hearing. Russel Gilberg