'They don't need it': Dozens of people weigh in on We Energies' rate hike proposal

We Energies is proposing a 10% increase in 2027 and another 5.5% increase in 2028.

The utility estimates that amounts to an additional $280 per year for the average residential customer.

On Tuesday, people shared how they would be impacted by the increases.

We Energies must submit rate proposals every two years. They say the increases are needed to update the power grid to provide more reliability.

Dozens of people weighed in during two separate hearings, the vast majority of whom oppose the proposed increase in rates.

The opposition came early and often.

Tyra Estava said, “Let’s stop asking Wisconsin families how much more they can afford to pay."

Victoria Gillet told the PSC, “Protect us and stop protecting them."

Most of the concerns focused on affordability.

Beth Csaszar opposed the rate hike proposal, saying, “We are already paying more for everything under the sun, from gas to groceries to healthcare."

And several people pointed to We Energies’ $1.9 billion profit in 2025.

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Angela Theus said, “They don't need it. They have enough money. We don't."

We Energies says the proposed hikes will pay for about $650 million in new solar, wind, and battery storage projects that were already approved.

We Energies spokesperson Brendan Conway said, “We understand our customers have concerns about rising costs of all types, including rising energy costs. That’s why this rate filing includes our effort to keep rate bills as low as possible.”

We Energies says even with the increase, typical bills “remain below the national average and in line with other Wisconsin and Midwest utilities.”

Conway said, “We also have to make investments in the grid to make sure that customers have the reliable energy. And that’s what this filing reflects.”

A few people spoke in favor of the increases, particularly in the trades that work on the new construction projects.

Doug Volland, with the Northern Midwest Regional Council of Carpenters, said, “I am here in support of We Energies' rate filing because Wisconsin needs these new power generation sources."

Tom Content, the executive director of the Citizens Utility Board of Wisconsin, said, “There is investment needed, no question.”

But he insists there are more affordable compromises that help both the public and We Energies.

Content said, “We’d still be above 9% profit with our proposal. But customers would save $200M, just in the next two years.”

Brendan Conway with We Energies pointed to Gary, Indiana, where power was knocked out for three weeks after a storm hit an aging power grid. He said he bets customers there would be happy to pay $8 more a month for more reliability.

The three-person Public Service Commission is expected to rule on the case later this year.