COMBINED LOCKS, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – A Fox Valley power company has plans that will impact a Combined Locks neighborhood.
Kaukauna Utilities wants to upgrade an electrical substation on Janssen Street, but neighbors aren’t happy with how the company is doing business.
Electricity is currently generated through seven substations throughout the city, but there’s a need to expand infrastructure to generate more power for the area.
“The Combined Locks Substation is about 47-years-old now and it’s reaching that time that it needs to be rebuilt. So we are looking to upgrade it to allow for future capacity,” explained Eric Miller from Kaukauna Utilities.
To rebuild it the company bought five pieces of land in a residentially zoned neighborhood, but those living on the street don’t want it.
“We just asked them if there were different options they (would) take, and it’s all about money,” explained Karen Menting.
Menting and her neighbors tell FOX 11 the company has ignored their request to build the substation farther away from their homes, and continue to be secretive throughout the process.
“I went to a meeting in January and then they talked about having the substation behind the garage or at four different sites and now it’s right here,” said George Ulmen.
“There’s no communication so we are more than upset and this is not right.”
But Miller tells FOX 11 the utility is trying to work with neighbors.
“We always try and be good neighbors and if they have valid concerns we will do what we can to address them. But we have to keep in mind the requirements for the utilities moving forward, but oftentimes we meet in the middle if we can.”
Kaukauna Utilities plans to hold a meeting at the Combined Locks Civic Center on Thursday from 5-6 p.m. so people in the community can express their concerns.
