From the article:

The bill would give owners of transmission lines the right of first refusal to build new lines connecting to their existing infrastructure, which could prevent out-of-state competition.

It comes after the Midcontinent Independent System Operator last year approved $10.3 billion in new transmission projects across the Midwest to help th the transition to renewable energy.

Supporters of the bill say it boosts grid reliability and protects the role of the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin in deciding who owns and operates transmission infrastructure rather than giving control to out-of-state regulators. But critics say it would lead to higher prices for customers by eliminating competition.