Now is the time for monopoly utility customers to weigh in on rate increases they 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 offsetting that increase with fuel cost decreases.
CUB will focus on affordability and lower profits for monopoly utilities in testimony before the Public Service Commission (PSC) to bring down the cost to Wisconsinites. Keep up to date on the CUB Active Cases page, which includes a link to the PSC public comments page.
CUB is advocating for reductions in the profit rate, or return on equity, for Madison Gas & Electric, Xcel Energy and Alliant Energy, as well as adoption or retention of earnings sharing mechanisms that protect customers when utilities earn far above the profit rates authorized by the PSC. Ensuring customers aren’t overpaying for profits is a step the PSC can take that the regulator is ensuring there is balance between customers paying the bills and the shareholders who stand to benefit from high profits.
CUB reminds utility customers that they 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 for customers to comment on their 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.
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
- No in-person public hearing.
- Attend the virtual public hearing at 1 p.m. or 6 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 11. Join by Zoom here, or by telephone at 312-626-6799, using Meeting ID 809 513 2930.
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
Submit your comment online:
- MGE: Submit your comment here. Comments accepted through Sept. 26.
- ALLIANT: Submit our comment here. Comments accepted through Sept 29.
- XCEL ENERGY: Submit your 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.
- 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.
