We Energies 14% rate hike proposal: Advocacy groups call it unaffordable, utility company says it’ll provide reliable energy
CBS 58 MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) – As a We Energies rate hike proposal nears a public hearing with the Public Service Commission on Sept. 1, advocacy groups in Milwaukee are demanding that Wisconsinites are not hit with an energy bill some families may find unaffordable.
On Monday, Aug. 24, Wisconsin Conservation Voters held an event outside the We Energies office in Milwaukee aiming to tell the utility company that enough is enough in terms of rate hikes.
“From housing to healthcare to groceries to childcare, the skyrocketing cost of living is out of control,” said Ian Schmitt-Ernst, the southeast organizer for Wisconsin Conservation Voters.
According to a We Energies application submitted to the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, a customer’s monthly bill would increase by $13 in 2027. In 2028, it could increase by an additional $8 or $9. If approved, Schmitt-Earnst says this will be the sixth rate increase since 2020, raising bills on ratepayers by a crushing 43.4% over that time.
“That’s why for the last two months, Wisconsin Conservation Voters ran a campaign to help ratepayers tell We Energies to ‘take a hike!’ Starting in July, Wisconsin Conservation Voters helped We Energies ratepayers send more than 1,000 messages to CEO Scott Lauber demanding an end to the rate hikes. From digital ad engagement to door-to-door canvassing, to being out in communities in northeast and southeast Wisconsin, one thing is clear: people are sick of We Energies rate hikes.”
If the project is approved, customers could be paying up to 14% more in energy bills by the end of 2028. According to We Energies, the rate hikes would provide safe and reliable energy while addressing aging infrastructure.
“We understand that there are concerns about rising energy costs,” said Brendan Conway, a spokesperson for We Energies. “The rate filing includes things like trimming more trees, burying power lines and adding new technology to our lines. All those costs would be part of rates, that’s what we’re requesting to recover, but in the long term, there’s significant customer benefits.”
The proposal still needs approval from the Public Service Commission. You can access documents related to the application on its website.
