Rate hike hearings under way, public comments sought

  • August 25, 2023
870 450 Tom Content

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 be offset by declining fuel costs. 

Consistent with our focus on affordability and lower profits for monopoly utilities, CUB will weigh in with our own testimony showing to bring down the cost to Wisconsinites. We’ll keep you posted once our proposals are finalized. Keep up to date on the CUB Active Cases page, which contains links to the PSC hearing notice for each case, as well as links to the PSC public comments page.

 Remember that you have a role to play as well.  

The PSC recently opened its public comment periods and scheduled public hearings for the big rate cases. Below are helpful links to comment in your utility’s case, including a link to the official PSC “Notice of Hearing” for each case.

Customers may submit comments online at the PSC website or attend a Zoom or in-person hearing.

Submit your comment online:

  • MGE:  Submit your comment here. Comments accepted through Sept. 26. 
  • XCEL ENERGY: Submit your comment here. Comments accepted through Sept. 29.
  • ALLIANT: Submit our comment here. Comments accepted through Oct. 4.  
  • WISCONSIN PUBLIC SERVICE: Submit your comment here. Comments accepted through Oct. 9. 
  • WE ENERGIES: Submit your comment here. Comments accepted through Oct 16.

Attend and speak at a public hearing:

Sept. 6, Madison Gas & Electric

      • Attend the public hearing on Wednesday, Sept. 6, at 1 p.m. or 6 p.m. at the Public Service Commission, Room S105, 4822 Madison Yards Way, Madison.
      • Attend via Zoom here, or by telephone at 312-626-6799, using Meeting ID 809 513 2930.

Sept. 11, Xcel Energy/Northern States Power

Sept. 13, Alliant/Wisconsin Power & Light

      • Attend the public hearing on Wednesday, Sept. 13, at 1 p.m. or 6 p.m. at the Public Service Commission, Room S105, 4822 Madison Yards Way, Madison.
      • Attend via Zoom here, or by telephone at 312-626-6799, using Meeting ID 809 513 2930.

Sept. 25, Wisconsin Public Service

      • Attend the public hearing on Monday, Sept. 25 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. at the Neville Public Museum, 210 Museum Place, Green Bay.
      • Attend via Zoom here, or by telephone at 312-626-6799, using Meeting ID 809 513 2930.

Oct. 9, We Energies

      • Attend the public hearing at 2 p.m. or 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 9 at Clinton Rose Senior Center, 3045 N. Martin Luther King Drive, Milwaukee.
      • Attend via Zoom here, or by telephone at 312-626-6799 using Meeting ID 809 513 2930. 

Some pointers to keep in mind:

      • Telling your own story in your own words is what matters most. 
      • Keep your comments focused and to the point. 
      • Talk about how these increases will affect you, your household finances, and your pocketbook in the context of the other cost pressures you and your family are facing.
      • Every person has one comment opportunity, so you can either speak at the in-person hearing, speak at the virtual public hearing, or submit a comment online. 

 

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