We Energies has requested a massive increase in its electricity and gas rates. This increase has been met with outrage. Read on to learn more the request, the concerns, and what you can do.
What is happening?
Before We Energies can increase how much it charges customers, it must get permission from the Public Service Commission (PSC), a branch of the government. They must explain how much money they need and why. The PSC asks the public and experts for input and decides how much to allow the utility to increase rates.
During 'rate cases' like these, We Energies often makes agreements with organizations that are concerned about the proposal.
What is We Energies asking for?
Increases to gas and electrical rates:
- Raise electricity revenue by 8.4%
- Raise gas revenue by 10.7%
We Energies is claiming this increase is because they are building more clean energy, but they have also announced plans to keep expensive coal plants running. Last year, they announced plans to build a new gas storage facility, even though it was proven that an energy efficiency program would have saved ratepayers money.
Who will be harmed?
All We Energies ratepayers will have to pay for these increases. However, the energy burden (the amount of your income you spend on utilities) of households in predominantly Black and Hispanic/Latinx neighborhoods is roughly double that of households in predominantly white neighborhoods. The people in these neighborhoods will suffer the most.
What should We Energies do?
- We Energies needs to reduce the proposed increase. They need to stop doubling-down on fossil fuels and embrace sustainable, affordable clean energy
- We Energies needs to create a program that targets the households with high energy burden that provides energy efficiency and weatherization programs. This will reduce energy burden, reduce carbon emissions, and save ratepayer money.
- The Wisconsin Environmental Justice & Infrastructure Initiative is calling on We Energies to create a Community Agreement with:
- Funding to help energy burdened, low-income, and BIPOC ratepayers lower and pay their energy bills
- Solutions created with the most vulnerable ratepayers
- A broad stakeholder group to oversee these goals and funding
What can you do?
We can not allow this to go unresponded to. Here are all the ways you can take action:
From home:
- Send a comment to the Public Service Commission
- Wednesday, September 28: Attend the virtual hearing, hosted by the PSC
- October 5: Join us at this virtual event to learn more about We Energies’ request and learn more
- October 12: Join us for an energy burden-themed Volunteer Night!
Join us in Milwaukee:
- Saturday, September 24: Join us this weekend in Milwaukee to table in the neighborhoods with the highest energy burden
- Saturday, October 1: Knock on doors to spread the word
- Saturday, October 15: Me Energies: Rally for Affordable Energy! (Facebook event here)
- November 3: Public Hearing - Washington Park Senior Center
