We Energies seeks 4%-plus electric rate increases with data centers paying billions

We Energies seeks 4%-plus electric rate increases with data centers paying billions

News Clipbiztimes.com·Milwaukee County, WI·4/1/2026

We Energies is proposing significant electric rate increases for 2027 and 2028 to cover capital investments and operational costs. The utility cites the need for grid reliability and mentions data centers as major contributors to these costs.

electricity
We Energies is seeking a 4.7% electric rate increase for 2027 and an additional 4.5% for 2028. Company executives state these increases are necessary to fund capital investments and cover operations and maintenance expenses to ensure the reliability of the electricity supply in the Milwaukee and Southeast Wisconsin region. The utility's request indicates that these rate hikes are intended to address ongoing infrastructure needs, with the article's title specifically highlighting that data centers will be paying billions under the proposed increases.