FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: November 9, 2023
Contact: Megan Wittman, megan.wittman@sierraclub.org
Vote Solar, Sierra Club Applaud Alliant Energy Rate Case Decision
Commission rejects modifications to net metering, reduces rate hikes
Madison, WI – Today, the Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC) ruled on Alliant Energy (also called “Wisconsin Power and Light” or “WPL”)’s rate case, rejecting the utility’s proposal to make dramatic changes to its net metering program and reducing the utility's proposed rate hikes. Sierra Club Wisconsin and Vote Solar applaud this decision.
The Commissioners noted that some components of WPL’s proposed replacement billing structure for solar that is owned by Wisconsin families and businesses were creative, but the proposal was ultimately too complex with too many problems. They agreed with intervenor parties, including Sierra Club and Vote Solar, that customers have to be able to understand their rates to feel comfortable investing in solar.
Alliant is one of the state’s five largest energy providers that have requested increased rates for customers, to be approved or denied by the PSC. Alliant, We Energies, Xcel Energy, Northern States Power Company, and MGE have requested a combined $333 million increase in rates for 2024, and an additional $92 million in rate increases for 2025. Alliant originally additionally requested an electric rate hike of 8.4% in 2024 and 5.4% in 2025, plus a 6.3% increase in rates for natural gas in 2024. The Commissioners reduced the amount of the rake hike, noting how important customer affordability is and how seriously they are take concerns about energy burden, energy efficiency and low income programs.
“Today the Public Service Commission stood up for customers - especially those who are seeking to install solar power. Paired with the Commission’s decision to reduce rate increases, their decision to protect customer-friendly net metering was a win for clean energy and Wisconsinites,” said Cassie Steiner, Senior Campaign Coordinator, Sierra Club - Wisconsin Chapter.
“Rooftop solar is a necessary and critical component of a clean energy future. As the parties and public said all along in this case, net metering is an important and customer-friendly program for Wisconsin families, especially frontline communities, seeking to go solar. Fortunately the Commissioners recognized that WPL’s proposed replacement program was too uncertain, complex, and risky,” said Will Kenworthy, Senior Regulatory Director, Midwest, Vote Solar.
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About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.5 million 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.
About Vote Solar
Founded in 2001, Vote Solar’s mission is to realize a 100% clean energy future through a solutions-driven, people-first approach. A 501(c)3 nonprofit with more than 94,000 members nationwide, Vote Solar advances just and equitable clean energy policy at the state level. By identifying and accelerating solar solutions in legislatures and public utility commissions in over 20 states, Vote Solar works to combat the climate crisis, lower energy costs for ratepayers, reduce harmful pollution, and build a brighter, cleaner, more equitable future. Learn more at www.votesolar.org.