CUB Prints

(aka our blog)

Rate hike hearings under way, public comments sought
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Now is the time to weigh in on the rate increases monopoly utility customers may face over the next two years.  Four major utilities serving Wisconsin customers seek increases on bills that, if approved, would take effect Jan. 1. A fifth, Wisconsin Public Service, while still proposing to increase base rates, anticipates that increase would…

Heat Warning: Tips for Saving energy while staying cool
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With some of the hottest temperatures to hit Wisconsin in years gripping the state, CUB wants you to be safe, check on your neighbors and to use energy efficiently as you’re working to stay as cool as possible. Cities and counties around Wisconsin announced that cooling centers will be open Wednesday to accommodate people who…

PSC allows $117 million fuel surcharge
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State regulators this week voted to allow Wisconsin Power & Light (WPL), to impose a $117 million surcharge linked to higher 2022 fuel costs, despite the fact that the utility failed to follow the terms of a contract for one of the fuels whose prices spiked. Customers of WPL, a subsidiary of Alliant Energy Corp.,…

More than $$$ savings: CUB issues first impact report
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On behalf of the board of directors, staff, and our members I’m happy to share CUB’s first stakeholder engagement and impact report. It shows the different ways our actions benefit Wisconsin citizens and small businesses. Download the report here. Wisconsin’s utilities are powerful … flush with vast financial resources, well connected politically, and blessed with…

Rate cases generate buzz, pushback
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Plans to hike energy charges by more than half a billion dollars are getting attention in what could be a sign of increased public involvement in decisions affecting your rates. I’m glad to let you know that reporters from outlets across Wisconsin are seeking CUB’s perspective on the wave of utility proposals filed recently with…

PSC seeks public input on low-income affordability programs
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Listening sessions in Green Bay and Milwaukee next week will enable low-income utility customers and advocates to weigh in on innovative ideas to help those struggling to make ends meet. The Public Service Commission listening sessions will take place Monday, June 12 at the Brown County Central Library in Green Bay, and Wednesday, June 14…

CUB’s Board Meets Wednesday, May 24
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CUB’s next quarterly Board of Directors meeting will take place at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 24. Hear updates from the Executive, Finance and Outreach and Engagement committees, and organizational and program updates from the Executive Director. The public meeting will be conducted virtually, via Microsoft Teams. Agenda: Call to Order Review of Minutes from March…

person counting cash money
$500 Million More? Utilities Seek New Rate Hikes
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Are these utility companies hurting?
In a word, no! The parent companies for the five Wisconsin utilities reported billions in profit last year. And the profits for just the monopoly utilities that they operate in Wisconsin totaled $1.3 billion in 2022.

Utility shutoff moratorium ending; get help to avoid shutoff
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April 15 marks the end of the winter moratorium on disconnecting utility service for Wisconsin utility customers. Customers who are behind on their bills are urged to reach out to their utility to set up a payment plan, and to apply for energy assistance if they’re eligible. Here are resources for customers facing disconnection or…

Support CUB Through The Big Share 2023
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CUB is looking for supporters from across the state to support our work during The Big Share 2022 today and tomorrow. By participating, you can help CUB and other nonprofits working for fairness “Make Change Happen.” That’s the theme for The Big Share, a one-day outpouring of giving in which hundreds of thousands of dollars…

With Prices on the Rise, Some Tips for Saving Energy
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In Wisconsin this winter, we’ve already seen a brutally cold stretch in December followed by a prolonged spell of warmer than average temperatures this month. But given high natural gas prices, winter heating costs are still expected to be a big challenge for Wisconsinites this winter. And electricity and natural gas costs for many in…

Double-Digit Rate Hike Approved for We Energies Customers
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Electricity costs for residential customers of We Energies will increase by 11% in January after the state Public Service Commission approved a rate increase that kept the utility’s profit rate well above the national average. The PSC on Thursday voted to approve the rate increase for We Energies customers. The increase for residential customers is…