We Energies asking for 13% rate hike request, customers not happy

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- We Energies is asking for a 13% rate hike from the state public service commission. Today, the commission got an earful from the people who are upset about that.

"I'm here because I want to make sure that families like my own and across the city don't have to choose between putting food on the table, medicine or any other kind of bills or having lights and energy in their house," said Cesar Gumeta of Walker's Point.

This was a public hearing at the Washington Park Center. We Energies says most of the money they need is for projects already approved or proposals to protect the grid from severe weather.

Speakers at the hearing were not impressed.

"We know that historically, WE Energies has always marginalized the low-income black and brown communities. And things are about to change basically," said Antonio Butts from We Energies.

"For our low-income customers, and this is important, we believe that this increase can generally be wiped out. We've worked hard to get significant energy assistance dollars. We've donated as a company to the Keep Wisconsin Warm Fund. And for all of our Wisconsin customers, the bottom line that they should know is that in 2023, their average electricity bill will still be below the national average," said Brendan Conway, We Energies spokesperson.

Another public hearing on the rate hike request took place tonight at the Senior Center.

A decision on the rate hike is expected within weeks.