We Energies expected to raise residential electric rates for 2027, 2028
We Energies is seeking residential electricity rate increases of 9.25% in 2027 and 5.5% in 2028, pending a decision by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin. The utility says investments in renewable energy, storage and natural gas generation are driving the increases, while consumer advocates argue the hikes are excessive. Regulators have also approved a separate rate structure requiring large data centers to bear more of the infrastructure costs associated with their growing power demand.
We Energies has asked the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin to approve residential rate increases of 9.25% in 2027 and 5.5% in 2028. The proposal would raise a typical customer’s monthly bill from about $142 to $157 in 2027 and $166 in 2028. Wisconsin Public Service is also seeking a separate 14% to 15% increase.
We Energies attributes most of the requested increase to new solar, wind, battery storage and natural gas projects, along with higher operating and fuel costs. The Citizens Utility Board says repeated increases are placing too much pressure on households, while the PSC and utility maintain that rising demand—driven largely by hyperscale data centers—requires substantial new infrastructure. The commission previously approved a separate electric rate for large data centers, including Microsoft’s Mount Pleasant campus and Vantage’s Port Washington project, intended to prevent residential customers from subsidizing those investments.