Milwaukee residents urge PSC to deny We Energies rate increase
Milwaukee residents and activists are protesting a proposed nearly 15% electric and natural gas rate increase by We Energies, fearing its impact on affordability and potential use for data center infrastructure. The Public Service Commission is holding public hearings on the utility's proposal, with many urging its denial.
Milwaukee residents, activists, and lawmakers protested outside We Energies headquarters ahead of the Public Service Commission's first hearing on the utility's proposed rate increase. Organized by Walnut Way Conservation Corp. and Wisconsin Ecojustice Base Builders, demonstrators voiced strong opposition to the plan, chanting "people over profits." We Energies is seeking to increase residential electric bills by nearly 15% over the next two years, in addition to natural gas rate hikes, which could raise yearly energy costs for Wisconsin residents by over $300 by 2028.
Yusuf Adama of Wisconsin Ecojustice Base Builders called the proposal "unjust" and "unfair," while Milwaukee resident Cheyenne Wilson stated that many cannot afford the increase. During the public hearing, numerous attendees expressed concern that the rate hike could be used to fund data center infrastructure. We Energies spokesperson Brendan Conway clarified that the increase is primarily for infrastructure, including $650 million in new power plants that are slated to go into service in 2027 and 2028. Protesters are urging the Public Service Commission to deny the proposal.