Local 317 Operating Engineers support new emission controls for Oak Creek Power Plant.

Local 317 members operate and maintain the equipment used by We Energies to produce electricity and reduce emissions. We are dedicated to being a highly trained and productive workforce that helps We Energies meet the reliability needs of the ratepayers and reduce emissions.

The new Air Quality Control System(AQCS) proposed for Oak Creek Power Plant will allow We Energies to fulfill the commitment to reduce emissions by more than 65 percent across the entire system. Without these controls, the Oak Creek units will be permanently retired in 2012.

Oak Creek Power Plant produces 25% of We Energies electric generation. Shutting down the generating units at Oak Creek in 2012 will result in higher costs for electricity and stop-gap measures to meet increased demand.

Installing AQCS and continuing to operate Oak Creek Power Plant will save ratepayers over $600 million compared to alternative methods of meeting electrical demand in the years beyond 2012. These additional controls at Oak Creek will allow We Energies to control 80-90% of SO2, 60-70% of NOx, and 10-30% of mercury.

The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin will hold Public hearings on February 4, 2008 at 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM at the Oak Creek Community Center, located at 8580 South Howell Avenue in Oak Creek, WI.