Transcript

Hi, folks. This is your State Senator Jeff Smith, checking in for the Chippewa Valley. 

Some of you may have heard the term Right of First Refusal, also known as ROFR. Usually it relates to purchasing a new home or buying land. But, in this context, it has to do with bidding for contracts to update our regional electric grid. 

Right now, ROFR is a big topic in Madison. Electricity demands are outpacing our ability to generate electricity, so transmission is essential to send the power where it is needed. 

ROFR would ensure existing, reliable companies are doing the work on our regional grid. Like many other Democrats and Republicans in the Capitol, I believe our Wisconsin-based utilities should have the first right of refusal for these new projects. 

Others, mainly fringe Republicans, want to open up our electric grid to out-of-state, fly-by-night companies to do the work. 

Our electrical grid is too important to leave it up to unaccountable companies. 

ROFR legislation is working its way through the Legislature. It's rare when Republicans and Democrats work together these days, but ROFR is an opportunity to get it done right in a bipartisan way. 

Stay tuned for more updates for the Chippewa Valley. This is Senator Jeff Smith signing off.