The city of Sturgeon Bay and Wisconsin Public Power Inc. (WPPI Energy) extended their contract through 2073 on Tuesday to help ensure affordable energy for years to come. Sturgeon Bay Utilities is a city-owned entity and part of a group of more than 50 community-owned utilities that purchase power together. WPPI Energy purchases energy from a variety of sources, including an Illinois wind farm and a solar operation in Two Rivers, to keep power flowing to its customers. Last year, Sturgeon Bay Utilities hit a peak load during a summer heat wave that tested the system’s limits. Sturgeon Bay Mayor David Ward says the contract helps keep the city in line for power that is produced and sold to other member utilities.

Sturgeon Bay Utilities President Jim Stawicki said earlier this month that WPPI Energy is making significant investments to help meet future demand while keeping costs as low as possible, making long-term contracts necessary.

Sturgeon Bay Utilities has been busy burying power lines to make them less susceptible to tree damage during storms and is preparing to replace the First Avenue substation in the near future.