News Summary
We Energies customers in Milwaukee will experience electric bill increases starting January 1, 2025, approved by the Wisconsin Public Service Commission. The average monthly increase will range from $8 to $9 in 2025 and $9 to $10 in 2026. The PSC’s decision followed public hearings and aims to cover costs for renewable energy projects and address service reliability amidst severe weather. While efforts are made to assist low-income customers, critics argue these hikes will worsen affordability for many residents.
Milwaukee, WI – We Energies customers will see their electric bills increase starting January 1, 2025, due to rate hikes approved by the Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC). The average monthly increase for 2025 will range between $8 and $9, while customers can expect an average monthly increase of $9 to $10 in 2026.
The PSC’s approval follows a public hearing held in October, where discussions around We Energies’ rate hike request took place. Initially, We Energies sought an increase of $12 per month for both years. However, the PSC identified areas where the proposed increases could be lowered due to certain project delays.
The rate hikes aim to cover recovery costs for several projects that had received PSC approval, including the Paris Solar Project, which is part of a broader initiative to bolster renewable energy in southeastern Wisconsin. The increases are also positioned as necessary measures to ensure reliable electricity service amid increasingly severe weather events and to comply with federal regulations.
To mitigate the impact of these rate hikes during the winter months, a winter shut-off moratorium is currently in effect and will remain until April 15, which prevents disconnection of heating or gas services. Additionally, We Energies operates a Low-Income Funding for Tariffs (LIFT) program designed to assist vulnerable customers, with around 30,000 individuals currently enrolled.
In addressing its future energy production, We Energies plans to close two remaining units of its Oak Creek coal plant by the end of 2025. The company has also committed over $100 million in federal tax credits, which are aimed at assisting customers over the next two decades.
Despite these initiatives, consumer advocates have voiced strong criticism regarding the PSC’s decision to approve the rate hikes. The Citizens Utility Board indicated that the increases will worsen affordability issues for many residents. Their analysis confirmed that an average residential We Energies customer, who uses approximately 660 kilowatt-hours of electricity monthly, will experience a cumulative adjustment of $17.34 over the next two years.
Many customers have expressed concerns over the increasing costs, particularly as their bills have already risen considerably compared to previous years. With economic challenges affecting a broad swath of the community, critics argue that the approved rate hikes reflect a business-as-usual approach that overlooks these pressing realities.
The PSC’s decision underscores the balancing act regulators face in ensuring utility companies can maintain reliable service while also addressing the financial struggles of consumers. As the rate hikes approach, it remains to be seen how customers will adapt to the changing financial landscape of their energy bills.
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- Fox 6 Now
- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
- TMJ4
- WUWU Public Radio
- Spectrum News 1
- Wikipedia: Electricity Tariff
- Google Search: We Energies rate hikes
- Google Scholar: We Energies energy billing
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Electricity
- Google News: We Energies Wisconsin
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
