MADISON, Wis. (WKBT) — A new Wisconsin specialty license plate, labeled “Keeping the Lights On,” is designed to honor Badger State utility employees.
Utility workers are among the essential employees making sure people all across the state have the power they need at home, work and school, according to a news release from the Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles.
The plate, which is available for a one-time fee of $15, can be displayed on most cars, trucks and campers.
“The pandemic has demonstrated just how essential our electric cooperative workers are,” said Steve Freese, president and CEO of the Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association,
“Keeping the lights on is always a top priority, and we are excited to have this specialty plate as an option to show our appreciation to all of the people who work so hard on behalf of Wisconsin residents and businesses,” Freese said.
Linda McAley, who recently retired as administrative services director for the Clark Electric Cooperative, was the driving force behind the year-long effort to create the specialty plate.
McAley, who had been at Clark Electric for 45 years, led a group since January 2020 in raising the developmental fee of $15,500 for the plate, gather more than the 500 required signatures and follow through until the DMV approved the plate on Dec. 7.
“Ensuring electric cooperative members have access to safe, reliable, affordable energy is a monumental task that is only possible because of the hard work of all co-op employees – from line workers to suppliers, from meter technicians to IT, from warehouse clerks and office staff, to the board of directors,” McAley said.
“I can’t wait to see these plates out on the road, in recognition of all utility workers,” she said.
The specialty plate is intended only for honor and in recognition, so there is no annual fee. The one-time issuing fee of $15 covers production of the plate.
Personalized specialty plates are also available for an additional $15 per year.
