We Energies, Wisconsin Public Service seeking rate hikes in 2027, 2028

We Energies and Wisconsin Public Service (WPS), both subsidiaries of WEC Energy Group, have submitted applications to the Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC) for electric rate increases spanning 2027 and 2028. The proposed increases include a 4.7 percent hike for We Energies in 2027 and 4.5 percent in 2028, translating to a monthly residential bill increase of $13 and $8-9 respectively. WPS seeks a 6.3 percent increase in 2027 and 3.5 percent in 2028, leading to an $11 and $5-5.50 monthly increase for typical residential customers. The utilities argue these increases are crucial for funding new solar, wind, battery storage, and natural gas projects, as well as essential infrastructure investments like tree trimming and equipment replacement. A key aspect of their proposal includes special rates for data center customers, which company officials estimate will cover between 82-85 percent of the costs for new generation and storage projects, amounting to $2.2 billion and $2.8 billion over the two years, plus an additional $1.9 billion in other costs. Bert Garvin, executive vice president of external affairs for We Energies’ parent company, emphasized that this is the first time they have quantified data centers' direct contribution to these costs. However, consumer advocates, led by Tom Content, executive director of the Citizens Utility Board of Wisconsin, have voiced strong opposition. Content highlights that many residents are already struggling with high energy bills and other household expenses, making further increases problematic. He argues that the proposed data center rates do not go far enough to prevent costs from being passed on to residential and other customers, urging the PSC to address these issues. The PSC is expected to make a decision on the data center rates in April, a ruling that will influence the broader rate review process.