We Energies names Kevin Fletcher senior VP of customer operations, effective Nov. 1

Rachel Carter

MILWAUKEE , September 1, 2011 (press release) – 34-year utility veteran to lead customer operations group

We Energies announced today that Kevin Fletcher has been named senior vice president – customer operations. Fletcher will have overall responsibility for the planning, engineering, construction, operation and maintenance of the company's electric and natural gas distribution systems in Wisconsin and Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

Fletcher, 53, has served in a number of significant roles during his 34-year career with Southern Company, including leadership positions in operations, customer service, marketing, and sales. He is currently vice president – community and economic development at Georgia Power, Southern Company's largest subsidiary. Fletcher holds a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology.

"Kevin is a seasoned veteran with broad experience and a solid track record of achievement," said Gale Klappa, chairman, president and CEO of We Energies. "I'm delighted that he's agreed to take on a new challenge. His expertise will help us continue to improve our network performance and position the company for the era of the smart grid."

Fletcher's appointment will be effective Nov. 1.

Charley Cole, 64, current senior vice president – customer operations, has announced his plans to retire in early 2012. Cole joined We Energies in August 1999.

"Charley's leadership has been recognized repeatedly as the company has been named the most reliable utility in the Midwest multiple times in the past decade," said Klappa. "And Charley has been instrumental in improving employee safety during his tenure. We wish him well in his retirement."

Cole will continue to serve as senior advisor to Klappa and will assist in the transition until his retirement.

We Energies serves more than 1.1 million electric customers in Wisconsin and Michigan's Upper Peninsula and more than 1 million natural gas customers in Wisconsin. We Energies is the trade name of Wisconsin Electric Power Company and Wisconsin Gas LLC, the principal utility subsidiaries of Wisconsin Energy Corporation (NYSE: WEC). Visit the We Energies website at www.we-energies.com. Learn more about Wisconsin Energy Corporation by visiting www.wisconsinenergy.com.

SOURCE We Energies

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