GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Your electric bill could be on the rise under a new proposal Wisconsin Public Service submitted.
WPS is looking to increase its residential customer rate by 14.7%. That could jack up the average bill to more than $170 a year.
WE Energies — Wisconsin Public Service’s sister company — is also seeking an increase for its residential customers but by 13% instead. That could increase the average bill to $175 a year.
“It’s hard; it’s going to pinch a lot of people,” said Appleton resident Sharon Clothier.
But Clothier also tells FOX 11 it just makes sense.
“There are just things going on in the world. I think it might hurt for a little while, but it’s not a surprise. It’s just something we have to bear. It could be a lot worse.”
“The Public Service Commission will decide how rates are set for all of our customers,” said Matt Cullen with WPS.
Cullen says small commercial and industrial customers rates would jump 14.1% a month. Large commercial and industrial customers would see an increase of 7.3%.
“The recommendation that we’ve provided to the Public Service Commission is consistent with what the Commission staff has recommended in terms of different customer groups and how rates should be set for those different groups.”
A new report from Moody Analytics’ says Americans are losing $445 a month to inflation.
Clothier says with that, on top of the $170-plus for the electric bill, things will be a bit tough
“It’s going to take away from other things, so the house budget — what we might be spending on repairs — we’re probably going to be spending on utility bills.”
Cullen says if you’re struggling with utility bills, the best thing to do is reach out.
“We’re here to work with our customers at anytime if they’re having difficulty with their energy bills. We can provide them with payment options, provide them with information on financial assistance options.”
In-person public hearings on WPS’ rate proposal will be held at the Neville Public Museum of Brown County in Green Bay. The hearings are set for Nov. 1 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.
WPS’ rates are expected to be set by the end of next year.
The average residential customer’s electricity bill would remain below the national average and in line with the Midwest average.
