CUB in the News

Stay informed with the latest news and updates about the Citizens Utility Board of Wisconsin. Explore recent articles, reports, and stories highlighting our work in advocating for fair and affordable utility rates across the state. Stay tuned as we continue to work toward making a positive impact for Wisconsin utility customers!

$1.4B transmission line project proposed for Port Washington data center
 870 450 Leah Steinberg

By: Evan Casey | Wisconsin Public Radio WPR reports that a $1.4 billion transmission line project is being proposed to serve a massive data center in Port Washington—one that could consume as much electricity as a mid-size city. CUB Executive Director Tom Content notes that the cost would be passed on to utility customers across…

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Data centers have sprung up across Wisconsin creating odd political fault lines | Opinion
 870 450 Leah Steinberg

By: Kristin Brey | Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Data centers may not spark the same emotions as abortion or taxes, and the policy positions won’t track neatly along red vs. blue lines, but they reveal a deeper debate. Read the Opinion Article

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AI Data Centers are sending power bills soaring
 870 450 Leah Steinberg

By: Josh Saul, Leonardo Nicoletti, Demetrios Pogkas, Dina Bass, and Naureen Malik | Bloomberg As AI data centers rapidly expand across the country, they’re driving up electricity demand—and potentially prices—for everyone. This Bloomberg feature examines how utilities and regulators are struggling to keep up, with everyday customers at risk of subsidizing the infrastructure needed for…

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What are data centers? Wisconsin cities’ potential new neighbors, explained
 870 450 Leah Steinberg

Mount Pleasant, Port Washington, Kenosha, Beaver Dam — in recent months, Wisconsin’s data center tally is growing. All four communities may one day host large, artificial intelligence-focused data centers for companies like Microsoft and Meta. Individual projects could occupy upwards of 1,000 acres and use energy loads equivalent to the entire city of Milwaukee. In…

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Data center construction is booming, and it could affect utility rates
 870 450 Leah Steinberg

By: Bennet Goldstein / Wisconsin Watch This Wisconsin Watch article highlights how Wisconsin utilities and lawmakers are racing to attract data centers with tax breaks and discounted power rates. While tech companies promise investment and jobs, the real costs may land on regular utility customers. Experts warn that utilities could pass along the financial risk…

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We Energies bills to rise $8-$9 for residential customers. Another increase coming in 2026
 870 450 Leah Steinberg

We Energies customers will see increases in their electric bill the next two years — not as much as the utility had sought from the Wisconsin Public Service Commission but upsetting for cash-strapped households. A typical residential electric bill could rise between $8 and $9 per month in 2025, and between $9 and $10 a…

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Utility regulators reduce rate hikes for Superior residents
 870 450 Leah Steinberg

Wisconsin utility regulators signed off on increases in electric, water and natural gas rates for Superior residents on Thursday. The approved rate increases are smaller than what the utility was seeking.hashtag By: Danielle Kaeding | Wisconsin Public Radio Listen Here

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Sen. Cowles: WPS’s latest money grab proposal puts ratepayers at risk
 870 450 Leah Steinberg

Senator Rob Cowles (R-Green Bay) released a statement after submitting comments to the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) encouraging the Commissioners to either dramatically revise or outright reject rate increases proposed by Wisconsin Public Service Corporation (WPS). His strong stance supports CUB’s ongoing efforts to protect Wisconsin ratepayers from unreasonable utility cost increases.hashtag By:…

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Higher gas and electric bill: Company proposes rate hikes for 2025, 2026
 870 450 Leah Steinberg

The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) hosted two public hearings in Ashwaubenon on Thursday, to hear local opinions regarding a proposal by Wisconsin Public Service Corporation (WPS) to raise gas and electric rates, effective Jan. 1, 2025, and Jan. 1, 2026. “A 28% increase between 2022 and 2026 is a lot for anybody to…

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Concerned about WPS’ electric, natural gas rates? Weigh in at upcoming public hearing
 870 450 Leah Steinberg

At a recent public hearing in Green Bay, WPS customers voiced concerns over proposed rate hikes for 2025 and 2026. The request comes as rising electricity and utility bills garner national attention. WPS customers absorbed a $9-per-month increase in 2023 and another two more rate increases by 2026 would increase the burden on northeastern Wisconsin households already struggling…

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