Kwik Trip Faces Potential Increased CNG Competition

LA CROSSE, Wis. -- Alternative fuel competition is expected to get tougher for Kwik Trip Inc. in Wisconsin. The state's Public Service Commission (PSC) said it had no objection to an agreement to allow Wisconsin Public Service Corp. (WPS) to affiliate with a company that operates refueling stations, reported the LaCrosse Tribune.

During a recent hearing, PSC Chairman Phil Montgomery noted he was not in favor of allowing WPS to own retail compressed natural gas (CNG) filling stations itself as a regulated utility because it would cause unfair competition for others, such as convenience store chains like Kwik Trip. But he added that he was not concerned with a utility partnering with other companies to offer alternative fuels. According to the news outlet, WPS could team with Integrys Energy Group, which owns Trillium CNG.

Just before the WPS hearing, the PSC denied Madison Gas & Electric's request to directly enter the CNG refueling market.

Despite increased competition, Kwik Trip announced it will offer CNG at its Sheboygan, Wis., c-store, located at 4220 Highway J, in December. Once CNG is offered in Sheboygan, Kwik Trip will offer CNG at nine of its gas stations.

In addition, to further promote the benefits of natural gas, Kwik Trip will host an educational seminar tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The free seminar will take place at the Blue Harbor Resort in Sheboygan, reported the Sheboygan Press.