State may spend Focus on Energy fees on broadband

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin energy regulators are considering a move to expand funding for broadband internet services via fees collected on monthly electric and natural gas bills.

The move is being contemplated, the state Public Service Commission says, with an eye toward expanding the reach of the state’s Focus on Energy program in rural parts of the state.

The PSC said that based on a preliminary review, utility customers in rural Wisconsin don't participate in the Focus on Energy program as much as those in urban areas. Rural areas also are served by fewer broadband providers, the agency said.

Read article