Waupun Utilities
March 5, 2026
WAUPUN — Waupun Utilities General Manager Steve Brooks and City of Waupun Mayor Rohn Bishop recently joined more than 60 people representing municipalities throughout Wisconsin, Michigan and Iowa to attend the American Public Power Association 2026 Legislative Rally held from Feb. 23 to 25 in Washington, D.C.
“Getting to meet directly with legislators is always so valuable,” Brooks said. “I was glad to represent Waupun in talks with federal lawmakers about how the decisions they make affects what matters most to residents and our locally owned utility.”
Attendees met with Wisconsin Senators Tammy Baldwin (D) and Ron Johnson (R), Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst (R) and Michigan Sen. Gary Peters (D), as well as Reps. Scott Fitzgerald, Tony Wied, Mark Pocan, Glenn Grothman, Tom Tiffany, Jack Bergman and Mariannette Miller-Meeks. Some also spent time with staff from the offices of Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley (R), Michigan Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D) and Wisconsin Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R).
Local officials spoke with their congressional delegates about ensuring that any new federal policy helps public power utilities keep costs down and protects grid reliability in the face of demand growth. They also discussed the importance of federal funding for disaster responses and continuing the Low Income Heating Assistance Program.
Brooks and Mayor Bishop took part in the rally alongside representatives from 24 other public power communities where their utility is a member-owner of joint action agency WPPI Energy.
Joseph Owen, senior director of government affairs at WPPI Energy, said the work of local officials during this event is vital in keeping legislators focused on what residents in those communities need.
“Everyone who attends is taking the time to discuss critical policy matters aimed at maintaining robust grid reliability and keeping power costs down for their customers,” Owen said. “They are powerful advocates for the communities they serve, and we’re fortunate to have a congressional delegation receptive to discussing the issues affecting locally owned utilities.”
