We Energies Foundation, Discovery World partner on new energy exhibit

We Energies and Discovery World recently announced details about a new partnership that includes a $2 million We Energies Foundation contribution dedicated to the creation of a new energy experience called “Power On.” This immersive exhibition will allow visitors to explore the generation and transformation of many different forms of energy and discover how the transformation of energy drives the world.

Scheduled to open in October 2018, Power On consists of multiple interactive exhibits that enable guests to generate energy and explore some of the important energy concepts that permeate everyday lives. In addition, Discovery World is developing a new STEM-based (science, technology, engineering and math), energy-focused educational curriculum with We Energies and other community partners to complement the permanent exhibit.

“We are pleased and excited to partner with Discovery World to invite families and students to interact with the vital force that powers their daily lives,” said Beth Straka, vice president – We Energies Foundation and senior vice president – corporate communications and investor relations. “We’re hoping Power On inspires the next generation of engineers and innovators who will be integral to the success of our industry.”

“The energy experience will allow guests to engage in all kinds of physical activities that are connected to the most important topics and concepts around energy,” said Discovery World President and CEO Joel Brennan. “This powerful, often unseen force will become better understood and appreciated through these highly interactive experiences.

“Alongside our partners from We Energies, we’re excited to bring an exhibit to our community that demonstrates how humans have harnessed different types of energy through technological innovations, scientific discovery and persistent curiosity about the world around us.”

Families, school groups, and visitors of all ages will encounter amazing energy transformations in this one-of-a-kind kaleidoscopic journey. Children and their families will be able to:

• Reach out and touch lightning
• Explore how wind turbines work
• Discover how to meet a city’s energy needs 
• Play with invisible light energy
• Experiment with gravitational potential energy

The energy experience will be accessible for visitors of all ages, toddlers to grandparents. It also will provide a unique experience for school groups and engage them directly with science experiments and activities that may inspire interest in STEM as well as the potential career opportunities associated with the energy industry.

Discovery World is Milwaukee’s premier, nonprofit family science and technology center. The 120,000-square-foot center offers fun and educational experiences and features interactive exhibits, Reiman Aquarium, educational labs and programs, and other activities.

Catch up on your bill and 'Stay Connected'

We urge customers behind on their energy bills to catch up before the end of the winter moratorium on utility shut-offs. Customers in significant arrears are at risk of disconnection starting April 16. We are using phone calls and bill inserts to alert customers who are behind on their payments.

Payment options

Assistance
Customers having problems paying their bills are encouraged to contact us as soon as possible at 800-842-4565. A minimum payment option and flexible payment plans may be available.

Some customers also may qualify for energy assistance through the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP). There is no charge to determine eligibility or to apply for assistance. Customers can learn more about energy assistance at homeenergyplus.wi.gov or by calling 866-HEAT-WIS (866-432-8947).

Scams
Unfortunately, scammers have been known to prey on customers during this time of the year. A common ploy demands immediate payment via prepaid debit card. We do not solicit payments in this manner. Customers who receive suspicious phone calls or emails should contact us directly to verify the status of their account.

Peregrines populate power plant nest boxes

All five of our peregrine falcon nest boxes on our power plants have residents.

Pleasant Prairie Power Plant

PBR, (b/r) 07/B, is back for his seventh year. He was produced in 2009 at Milwaukee’s

Miller Brewery site. The adult female at the site is not banded.

Oak Creek Power Plant

Michael, (b/r) P/58, is back for a second year. He was produced in 2015 at the Racine

County Courthouse site. The female is Eurus, (b/blu) 48/M, produced in 2016 at the

Georgia Pacific Paper Mill in Green Bay. This is her first year at Oak Creek.

Valley Power Plant

Hercules, (b/r) 60/R, is back in Milwaukee for his fifth year. He was produced in 2011 at Milwaukee’s St. Joseph’s Hospital site. The adult female is not banded.

Port Washington Generating Station

Beasley, (b/r) P/07, is here for a second year. He was produced in 2014 at the

Milwaukee County Power Plant. The adult female is Brinn, (b/r) 84/X, produced in 2012 at Gold Hoist cliff, Split Rock Lighthouse State Park in Lake County, Minnesota. She is back for a fifth year.

Presque Isle Power Plant

An unbanded adult male was spotted in the nest box on March 11. 

You can watch the peregrines on our live nest box webcams, which were upgraded this year to provide higher definition images as well as sound. Access the webcams on our YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/user/WeEnergiesVideos/featured

A peregrine falcon at Port Washington Generating Station's nest box.

Crews receive key to city in Vega Alta, Puerto Rico

Our crews in Puerto Rico are nearing the end of their stay. They’ll land at the Milwaukee airport this Friday after eight weeks away from home. They’ve been restoring power on the island since mid-January, and the people of Puerto Rico continue to show their gratitude in grand fashion.

This past weekend, the mayor of Vega Alta, a mountainous area west of San Juan, presented our crews with a key to the city. The presentation followed a large pig roast organized by dozens of thankful residents. They prepared enough food for all 50-plus We Energies and Wisconsin Public Service employees as well as neighborhood residents. They organized the event days in advance so our crews could plan their work schedules accordingly. 

Restoration remains their top priority and although all are looking forward to coming home, one supervisor tells us employees are struggling with the thought of leaving before all customers have had their service restored. However, New York’s ConEd crews have committed to finishing the remaining work when our employees leave. Our crews have been working with the ConEd crews in the area throughout their stay.