Special Joint Common Council & Water and Light Commission Meeting – October 19, 2026

The Menasha Common Council and Water and Light Commission held a special joint meeting on October 19, 2026, at 5:00 PM. The primary purpose was to receive the WPPI Energy 2025 annual report and a presentation from WPPI President and CEO Mike Peters regarding a proposed contract extension and ongoing power supply, transmission, and financial initiatives. No formal action was taken on the contract extension; the meeting was informational.

Consent Calendar

• WPPI 2025 Annual Report – Approved by voice vote (motion by Council President Grady, seconded by Alderman Marshall). No questions or discussion.

Discussion Items

• WPPI Energy Presentation & Contract Extension – Mike Peters delivered a comprehensive presentation covering:

  • WPPI’s history, structure, and mission: formed in 1980, now serving 51 member communities (225,000 customers, ~1,100 MW peak demand). Menasha has been a member since the early 1980s.
  • Benefits of municipal utility ownership, particularly during the 2025 tornado recovery: Menasha Utilities restored service faster than investor-owned utilities would have.
  • Rate competitiveness: WPPI members are the lowest-cost providers in the region; Menasha is the lowest-cost among all WPPI members. Compared to neighboring utilities, wholesale costs would be 4.5%–25% higher if served by an investor-owned utility.
  • Power supply portfolio: Currently well-positioned through 2033, with a planned 92 MW natural gas combustion turbine (Oak Creek) at ~$1,200/kW vs. comparable projects at $1,700–$2,000/kW. Additional resources will be needed around 2033.
  • Transmission: WPPI owns 6.76% of American Transmission Company (ATC). Capital calls have risen sharply (from $5-6M annually to over $30M in 2026-2027). WPPI borrowed $54M to meet calls for 2026-2027. Despite debt, transmission ownership reduces average power costs by 3-4%.
  • Contract Extension Request: Current contract runs to 2055; extension to 2073 is needed to support upcoming financing (Oak Creek turbines, direct transmission investments, and an energy prepay transaction with RBC expected to save 8-10% on power costs). 36 of 51 member communities have already extended. Deadline for Menasha action is end of February 2027.
  • Carbon Neutrality Goal: 50% carbon-free today (nuclear + renewables). Coal will be phased out by 2035. Future path includes additional renewables, battery storage (not yet cost-effective), and potential small modular nuclear reactors.

• Questions & Responses:

  • Commissioner Cortis asked about consequences of not extending: The offer would be rescinded; Menasha would need to renegotiate with WPPI board (not guaranteed). There is no escape clause once extended, but members control WPPI through board representation.
  • Alderman Perkins asked about sustainability of borrowing: WPPI has been reducing debt significantly over 15 years, and new borrowing is planned with capacity to absorb it without dramatic rate impacts. Decisions on optional ATC capital calls are made annually by the executive committee.
  • Chairman Elred asked about the carbon neutrality path: Peters outlined reliance on emerging technologies like SMRs and improved battery economics, while noting current options are expensive.

Key Outcomes

• The WPPI 2025 annual report was formally accepted.
• The presentation was received; no vote was taken on the contract extension.
• The Common Council and Water and Light Commission will need to consider and act on the contract extension before February 28, 2027.
• Menasha’s utility director, Melanie [last name not provided], serves on WPPI’s executive committee and will continue to represent Menasha in ongoing discussions.