By David Murchland - Marshfield Now!
MARSHFIELD, WI — September 14, 2026 — The Marshfield Utilities Commission approved several measures during its latest meeting, including changes to the utility’s lead service replacement timeline, participation in a new electricity generation buyback filing, and continued development of a proposed natural gas generation project.
One of the larger discussions centered on Marshfield Utilities’ ongoing effort to eliminate lead water service lines.
Utility staff reported approximately 273 public-side lead services, 542 lead goosenecks and about 18 private-side lead services remain. Staff also noted that additional private lead lines are sometimes discovered when crews begin work on the public portion of a service. Roughly one previously unidentified private lead service is being found for every 12 public-side services inspected.
The commission approved a revised timeline that gives newly identified private lead services until the end of the following calendar year for replacement. The deadline for public-side lead service replacements was extended through the end of 2028, while the deadline for replacing lead goosenecks was moved to the end of 2035.
Utility officials said the changes will provide more flexibility to coordinate replacements with street reconstruction and water main projects while better managing capital spending. Even with the revised schedule, Marshfield Utilities expects to complete its public lead service replacements approximately nine years ahead of current federal and state requirements.
Funding for private-side replacements could become more challenging in the future. Current projects are receiving 100% principal forgiveness through available grant funding and utility support. Staff said future state assistance could potentially decline to around 25% principal forgiveness, leaving property owners responsible for a larger portion of replacement costs.
Utility staff estimated remaining funds could cover approximately eight to 10 of the roughly 18 known private-side replacements. Additional private lead services could also be identified as crews continue inspecting public-side connections.
Solar Generation Buyback Changes
The commission also agreed to participate with other utilities in a joint filing with the Wisconsin Public Service Commission regarding how customers are compensated for excess electricity generated by systems such as rooftop solar.
Marshfield Utilities currently has about 55 customers with customer-owned generation. Its existing buyback rate is approximately 6.18 cents per kilowatt-hour, although some customers with older systems remain grandfathered under a previous arrangement that provides the full retail rate.
The proposed methodology would move toward a market-based calculation that considers energy and capacity markets along with distribution losses.
Utility staff reviewed the previous three years and found Marshfield Utilities paid slightly more than $30,000 in generation credits. Under the proposed methodology, those credits would have totaled approximately $26,000, or roughly $4,000 less. Staff emphasized, however, that the primary goal is better aligning customer generation credits with changing wholesale energy market costs rather than simply reducing payments.
By participating in a joint filing, Marshfield Utilities can share regulatory and consulting expenses with other municipal utilities rather than bearing the entire cost independently. After extensive discussion, commissioners approved joining the filing.
Generation Project Moves Forward
Commissioners also approved a resolution confirming Marshfield Utilities’ intent to continue participating in development of a proposed natural gas generation project in Marshfield.
Under the proposal discussed by the commission, Marshfield Utilities would have a 30% ownership interest in the project. The generation facility is being developed to provide long-term capacity, energy and reliability benefits.
The resolution allows utility staff, consultants and legal counsel to continue working through issues including ownership structure, construction and operating agreements, site arrangements and allocation of project costs.
Officials emphasized that the resolution does not commit Marshfield Utilities to construction financing or debt. Final agreements and financial commitments would return to both the Utilities Commission and Marshfield Common Council for approval. The resolution is expected to go before the Common Council for consideration at its September 22 meeting.
Local Business Closure Could Affect Water Revenue
Utility officials also discussed the anticipated closure of a local company later this year and its potential effect on utility finances.
According to staff, the company represents approximately 0.5% of Marshfield Utilities’ electric sales, excluding purchased power, but approximately 7.5% of water sales.
The loss is expected to have a more significant effect on the water utility because the reduction in revenue would not be accompanied by an equivalent reduction in expenses. Officials said the closure is already being considered as upcoming budgets are developed.
The financial impact could also become a factor when Marshfield Utilities evaluates whether to pursue a simplified water rate case next spring.
The commission also approved an updated economic development fund governance policy separating criteria for community donations from economic development support. Commissioners said the revised policy was clearer than previous versions and provided a framework that can be adjusted in the future as needed.