Each year, utility companies propose rate hikes that can significantly impact Wisconsin households. These increases often cover infrastructure improvements, rising fuel costs, or investments in clean energy, but not all proposed hikes are justified. Utility companies have a habit of passing the costs of unnecessary upgrades or projects onto customers, and it’s consumers who end up paying more. That’s where the Citizens Utility Board of Wisconsin comes in.
Why Are Utility Rates Increasing?
Utility companies may claim the need for higher rates to cover:
- Infrastructure Upgrades: Utilities often request more money to replace aging infrastructure. While some of these improvements are necessary, many upgrades are costly projects that don’t always translate to better service for customers.
- Fuel Costs: Utilities pass on rising costs for natural gas, coal, or other fuels to consumers. However, these fuel cost hikes are often temporary, making long-term rate increases unjustified.
- Renewable Energy: While transitioning to renewable energy is important for the environment, utility companies sometimes use this as an excuse to raise rates beyond what’s necessary. CUB supports clean energy but works to ensure costs remain reasonable.
How CUB Advocates for You
At CUB, we monitor and actively participate in rate cases brought before the Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC). Our experts analyze whether proposed rate increases are truly necessary or if utilities are overreaching. If we find that customers are being asked to pay more than what’s fair, we challenge these rate hikes in front of the PSC to ensure consumers aren’t footing the bill for unnecessary expenses.
Time and again, we’ve successfully pushed back against inflated rates, keeping utility bills lower for Wisconsin residents. We believe utilities should only charge what is truly needed to maintain reliable service, not pad their profits with unneeded projects.
What You Can Do
There are ways you can take action if you’re concerned about a potential rate increase:
- Speak Up: Utilities often assume ratepayers won’t get involved, but you have the power to make a difference. Attend public hearings or submit written comments to the PSC during rate cases. Your input can help shape the final decision.
- Reduce Your Energy Use: Even if rates rise, you can offset costs by lowering your energy consumption. Programs like Focus on Energy provide rebates and incentives for energy-saving upgrades like new insulation or efficient appliances. By making your home more energy-efficient, you can reduce your utility bills.
- Budget Billing and Assistance: Many utilities offer budget billing, which spreads your costs evenly across the year, helping to avoid high seasonal spikes. Low-income customers may also qualify for assistance programs to help cover energy costs.
CUB’s Ongoing Fight for Fair Rates
CUB is committed to ensuring that utility rates in Wisconsin are fair, transparent, and affordable. Too often, utility companies try to pass on unnecessary costs to customers. We work to hold these utilities accountable, challenging them when they ask for more than what’s reasonable. Together, we can ensure that Wisconsin utility companies keep their rates in check!
In 2025 you will be able to weigh in on Alliant Energy, Madison Gas & Electric, and Xcel Energy cases. We’ll post public hearing dates and times along with deadlines to submit comments when they are available. These hearings are your chance to speak directly to the PSC and push back on any unjustified rate increases. Every voice matters!
For more information on rate cases and how to participate, visit the Wisconsin PSC website or CUB’s active cases page.
