WPS RATE CASE HIGHLIGHTS
In May 2023, Wisconsin Public Service filed an application to change electric rates in 2024.
In PSC case 6690-UR-127, WPS is seeking:
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- A 2024 electric rate decrease of $28.5 million, or 2.3%.
- A 2024 electric rate decrease of $28.5 million, or 2.3%.
KEY ISSUES IN THIS CASE
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- New Solar, natural gas plants: WPS says that higher costs of $9 million are linked to new solar projects as well as the new natural gas plant in Wausau.
- Fuel cost savings: The company is forecasting savings on fuel costs. However, updates this fall for market prices of natural gas could change the size of the decrease, or flip this to an increase.
AFFORDABILITY
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- WPS’ Low Income Forgiveness Tool, launched in 2021, will be reviewed and may be modified. The PSC is reviewing the utility’s policies, including a $600 reconnection down payment.
- WPS, CUB and others are collaborating to develop other ideas, such as a percent of income credit, to help customers who are struggling to make ends meet.
UPDATE ON PROFITS
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- WEC’s Wisconsin utilities reported $758 million in profit in 2022. The WPS profit rate won’t be changed this year because that was decided in 2022. The PSC reduced We Energies’ profit rate to 9.8%, still far too high.
- CUB advocated for a bolder reduction, to 9.1%.
- Customers across the country are overpaying by billions from profit rates that have remained far too high for far too long.
TIMELINE
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- Ongoing: PSC Audit, Analysis
- Aug/Sept.: CUB experts, PSC staff weigh in
- Sept. 25: Public Hearing at 2 p.m. & 6 p.m.
- Nov/Dec: PSC Decision
FIND OUT MORE
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- See the filings in the case at the PSC here.
HAVE YOUR SAY
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- 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 at https://us02web.zoom.us/my/pschearings, or by telephone at 1 312 626 6799, using Meeting ID: 809 513 2930
- Submit a written comment to the PSC here. The deadline for submitting comments is Oct. 9.
