We Energies files proposal for rate increase in 2025 and 2026

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- We Energies has filed a proposal for a rate increase for electricity and gas in 2025 and 2026. 

The company says the rate hike is needed to support infrastructure improvement, specifically related to renewable energy resources. 

For natural gas, the average customer would see a $6 to $8 increase per month. Electricity bills would increase by $10 to $11 per month. 

The Citizens Utility Board of Wisconsin (CUB) is a non-profit that advocates for utilities that are efficient but as low cost as possible. 

The executive director of CUB says while that We Energies needs more money; this proposal could negatively impact lower income customers. 

"For someone making $1,000 to $500 a month, it's a big deal. It's important that people who make the decisions in these cases are really careful thinking about what the impact of these cases will be," said Tom Content, CUB executive director. 

"Our customer bills are currently well below the national average and even if this request is fully approved, that would still be true. We're still going to be well below the national average," said Brendan Conway, We Energies spokesperson. 

We Energies will update the filing in May with more specific information. 

Customers will be notified through a bill insert on their website.