BEFORE SUPERIOR VOTES
A government takeover of the water utility could cost $186 million.
Superior votes April 6, 2027 on whether to authorize the city government to pursue a contested takeover of the water utility. This hasn’t been done in WI since 1978.
A respected national firm that regularly values utility assets has estimated the total cost to complete this takeover at $186 million. That includes the litigation, buying the system, and preparing a startup utility to operate.[1]
MILLIONS IN LEGAL FEES JUST TO “GET THE PRICE”
If the April referendum passes, the City of Superior will have to go through a process before the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin. That process will cost us millions of dollars in legal fees. Whether or not the takeover actually happens.
Why is this happening?
Wisconsin law permits cities to seize the assets of a privately owned utility in what is called a “government taking”. This law was intended to allow a municipality to step in when a privately-owned utility was in danger of failing to live up to its obligations to provide safe, reliable service. In practice, it is incredibly rare. The last time it was invoked in Wisconsin was 1978.
The same law outlines the several steps required for this taking:
1) get the authorization of the citizens to move forward
2) pay the utility “just compensation” – or fair market value – for the assets. If the sale is contested, and it is in this case, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin will hold a hearing and set the final price.
Superior does not have a failing utility, but the mayor and some councilors are advocating for the takeover anyway. The City Council approved sending the issue to voters. The election will be held on April 6, 2027.
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Should the City of Superior acquire the water utility operated by Superior Water, Light & Power to become community-owned, if its value, as determined by the Wisconsin Public Service Commission, falls within the City’s financial means?
Why we’re opposed
The Full Cost
$186 million is 5x the City’s annual budget. The interest alone would be close to $10 million per year. Superior residents will have to pay for this purchase one way or another.
The Process
Getting a final price could take years and cost millions of dollars. The City could ultimately decide not to buy, but the taxpayer money spent “getting the price” from the PSC would be gone.
Operational Risks
Employees are not included in the purchase. Shared systems would need to be separated. And the water intake equipment is located in Minnesota.
Endorse a NO Vote
If this sounds too expensive and too risky, you are not alone.
Join other residents, businesses, and labor groups and help make the case to your neighbors.
[1] Concentric Energy Advisors, June 24, 2026 study, pp. 12, 25–27. Rounded from $186.4 million in end-of-2030 dollars. An estimate, not the final PSC price or a ceiling. Prepared for SWL&P and paid for by its shareholders. Read the study.