Layoffs coming to WPS, UPPCO owner
Read more: Local, Economy, Layoffs, UPPCO, WPS, Integrys, Power, Electricity, Cuts
GREEN BAY -- A Wisconsin utility with ties to the U.P. says layoffs and furloughs are in the future.
Wisconsin Public Service officials say a decline in power usage, primarily in the commercial sector, is why they're taking this action.
The Upper Peninsula Power Company was acquired by WPS in 1998.
The Green Bay Company plans an undetermined amount of layoffs at all of its five utility companies in the Midwest. That will include about 600 administrators to take an unpaid week off in 2010.
Commercial demand for power is down nearly nine percent compared to last year.
WPS says home building is down 35 percent in its coverage area and that has reduced demand for power as well.
The utility expects to know more about the layoffs in January.
