Megan Wittman, megan.wittman@sierraclub.org
Milwaukee, WI – Yesterday the Public Service Commission (PSC) approved We Energies’ request for a rate increase of 10.9% for electric and 9% for gas for its customers. This rate increase is significantly larger than We Energies’ initial request in this rate case, which was a 6% increase for electricity. The utility increased its request throughout the course of the rate case.
We Energies claimed the request for the increase was because it has been building more clean energy, yet the utility has simultaneously upheld their plans to keep expensive coal plants running and invest in new fossil gas infrastructure.
While all We Energies customers will have to pay these new increases, Black, Hispanic, and Latinx neighborhoods will be disproportionately hurt by these costs.
“It was good to see the PSC apply added scrutiny to We Energies and the settlement in this case. The utilities have gone unchecked for far too long. While we appreciate the reduced return on equity, we are very disappointed that they have landed on such a significant increase,” said Cassie Steiner-Bouxa, Senior Campaign Coordinator, Sierra Club - Wisconsin Chapter.
“The PSC ignored the request to require We Energies adopt an energy efficiency and low-income program that would have helped people pay their bills. People are struggling right now. From the cost of groceries to gas, everyday costs and basic necessities are adding up. This rate increase will only make it more difficult for residents to afford their basic needs, specifically marginalized communities.
“People across the state have rallied in opposition to this increase. More than 1,180 public comments were gathered, and only 12 of those were in support of We Energies’ proposed rate increase. Instead of ensuring Wisconsinites will have affordable energy, especially during these freezing winter months, this decision by the PSC empowers one of the largest utility companies in the state to take advantage and price gouge their customers.”
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The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.