Advocates Host Press Conference Ahead of We Energies’ Rate Case Hearing

Milwaukee, WI – Today the Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC) will hold two public hearings regarding We Energies’ request for a massive increase in its electricity and gas rates. PSC approval is required for We Energie’ proposed rate increases to take effect. We Energies is claiming that the intended 8-11% increase in electricity and gas for its residential customers is because it is building more clean energy, but it has simultaneously announced their plans to keep expensive coal plants running and to invest in costly new fossil gas infrastructure.

Though all We Energies customers will have to pay for these increases, Black, Hispanic, and Latinx neighborhoods will be disproportionately harmed by these costs. 

The PSC is holding the public hearings on Thursday, November 3, at 2:00 pm and 6:00 pm at the Washington Park Senior Center, Main Hall, 4420 West Vliet Street, Milwaukee, WI, 53208. Public comments can be submitted online through November 7.

Prior to the public hearing, Sierra Club and advocates held a press conference outside of Washington Park Senior Center to share their concerns about We Energies’ rate increases. The coalition released the following statements:

“Especially during the cold winter months, no one should have to struggle to pay for heat and electricity– basic needs for all Wisconsinites. In addition to its slow efforts to transition to clean energy, We Energies is trying to increase its rates for its customers. As one of the largest utility companies in Wisconsin, We Energies should be prioritizing affordability and helping to reduce energy use. This is an issue of ensuring all folks can get their basic needs met,” said Elizabeth Ward, Wisconsin Chapter Director of Sierra Club.

“We Energies wants to drastically increase monthly electric and gas bills while many of their customers are struggling to make ends meet. Everyone deserves affordable energy. This rate case is an opportunity to start correcting years of unjustified profits for monopoly utilities. The Public Service Commission should put affordability for residents over exorbitant returns for We Energies shareholders,” said Clean Wisconsin Staff Attorney Brett Korte.

“We Energies is trying to squeeze more profit from families that have struggled the most before, during and after the pandemic. While the shareholders of We Energies are bathing in record profits, families like my own will have to choose between putting food on the table, paying rent, or going without heat or electricity. Our black and brown neighborhoods already have the biggest energy burden in the state with an estimated average of households paying more than 15 percent of income going to the energy bill. Rate increases will harm our communities of color which are left out of any green energy or decarbonization assistance programs, and will be hurt the most. Instead of keeping coal plants open, which continues to pollute the air we breathe, we should invest into making sure our communities have clean and renewable energy,” said César Gumeta, Community Leader, Milwaukee Walker’s Point Resident (they/them).

“We Energies continues to attack working class Wisconsinites, especially Black and Brown communities, and must be stopped. Their request for a 14 percent rate increase is not only immoral but unjust. To ask people already dealing with the economic impact of hyperinflation for money they have is nothing more than opportunistic price gouging by a corporation already raking millions in profits. When will enough be enough? If the PSC does nothing to prevent the onslaught, it will be a long, permanent winter for many hard working families,” said Rafael Smith, Citizen Action of Wisconsin.

“Homeownership is the American Dream. Neighborhoods benefit when the number of people owning homes increases. Homeownership helps families build and pass down wealth. Owning a home in Milwaukee helps the MPS school district and as a single black woman, it helps to show children what is possible. Paying high energy bills makes all of the above harder to accomplish and sometimes it makes it impossible to accomplish, and as a result the community suffers,” said Erin Miles, North Side Rising - Citizen Action of Wisconsin supporter.

“We Energies raising its cost is simply another way to make huge gains by robbing my majority Black community Metcalfe Park– because of historical disinvestment we don’t have the resources, income, or energy efficient infrastructure to keep up with these high rates especially during a pandemic,” said Melody McCurtis, Deputy Director of Priorities/Organizer, Metcalfe Park Community Bridges.

“We will continue to fight for our lights!” said Keviea Guiden, Citizen Action of Wisconsin.

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