06/24/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 23, 2026
IBEW Local 2150 opposes Milwaukee municipalization proposal, says reliability would be at risk.
MILWAUKEE — IBEW Local 2150, which represents We Energies workers, opposes the proposed municipal takeover of Milwaukee’s electric utility, warning that the plan would put service reliability and emergency response at risk.
“Reliability is not created by changing who owns the utility,” said James Meyer, Business Manager IBEW Local 2150. “It comes from trained workers, proven emergency response systems and the ability to move crews, equipment and materials quickly when customers need help. Milwaukee has that today, and this proposal puts it at risk.”
Key concerns include:
• Reliability depends on an established system.
o Trained crews restore electric and gas service during storms and other emergencies.
o Crews recently restored service to more than 80,000 customers after severe weather.
• The current system provides statewide support.
o Crews, equipment and materials can be moved quickly across Wisconsin when needed.
o Electric and gas emergencies are coordinated through one integrated response system.
o Experienced workers know the system, neighborhoods and safety risks.
• The city would have to build a utility operation from the ground up.
o A new utility would have to hire and train workers while maintaining daily service.
o It also would need to create dispatch, supply chain and emergency response systems.
• The proposal could create uncertainty for skilled workers.
o Workers would face uncertainty over pay, benefits and union protections.
o Some experienced workers may choose not to transition to a new system.
o Losing experienced utility workers could slow restoration and create safety concerns.
• Customers could feel the impact during outages and emergencies.
o Separating from the current system could reduce access to shared backup support.
o That could affect response times when customers need service restored quickly.
For these and many other reasons, IBEW Local 2150 feels like this proposal to municipalize the power system would be a mistake that would cost the City of Milwaukee billions and billions of dollars and leave Milwaukee and its residents at risk of longer duration outages and reduced service.
