GREEN BAY, Wis. (WBAY) – Consumers may have to reach deeper into their pockets next year, after two of Wisconsin’s largest utilities filed for roughly $800 million in rate increases in the next two years.
“The vast majority of our request is to cover our investments in new power plants that the Wisconsin Public Service Commission has already approved,” said Matt Cullen, spokesman for the Wisconsin Public Service (WPS).
Cullen says the focus of the filing is on three main priorities: reducing customer service interruptions, building infrastructure to support jobs and economic growth in Wisconsin, and meeting new EPA environmental rules.
For those who use WPS, customers could see a roughly 20% increase by 2026, which equates to about $16 more per month for utilities. We Energies customers could see an 18.5% increase by 2026, which equates to about $24 more per month for utilities.
“This is where we say, as consumer advocates, the company has performed very well over time, and shareholders have performed very well,” said Tom Content, executive director of the Citizens Utility Board. “It’s time for the cost. The numbers to do well, and for there to be more balance there.
Content, who works with the non-profit group Citizens Utility Board, says he’s concerned about customers struggling to make ends meet. In particular, it’s very difficult for someone who makes you know, just $500 a month or $1,000 a month, versus people who make you know, $5,000 a month. It may have a significant different effect.
The Public Service Commission will host hearings on the proposals and is expected to make a final decision later this year. The new prices are expected to take effect in January 2025
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