Wirch Questions WE Energies’ Proposed Rate Hike

Kenosha – State Senator Bob Wirch (D-Somers) is strongly denouncing a proposed double-digit rate increase for WE Energies’ residential customers.  The proposal is currently before the state’s Public Service Commission, which is now accepting public comment before issuing a decision on WE Energies’ request.

“With consumers already facing inflationary prices on food, gas and other necessities, it’s a shame that WE Energies is seeking to raise residential rates even more, forcing families to stretch every dollar even further. 
The company has been bringing in ever-increasing profits, so it’s just not necessary to put the squeeze on Wisconsin families like this at this time,” Wirch said.

Earlier this year, WE Energies had requested a 5-6% electric rate increase on residential customers, then increased that number to 8.4% before finally settling on a 13% proposed rate increase. Meanwhile, the company had originally planned to increase the electric rate for big business customers by 11-14% before slashing that in half, to 6.4%.  This represents a shift of the financial burden from big businesses to families and small businesses. The state’s Public Service Commission has final say over the rate hike and is accepting public comment through https://apps.psc.wi.gov/ERF/ERF/comment/filecomment.aspx?util=5&case=UR&num=110. The PSC is expected to rule by the end of the year.

The proposed rate increase would mean the average family pays about $175 more per year for electric service.  WE Energies’ net profits have increased in each of the last four years, including $1.37 billion in profits for FY2021-2022.