FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: November 3, 2023
Contact: Cassie Steiner
Senior Campaign Coordinator, Sierra Club - Wisconsin Chapter
cassie.steiner@sierraclub.org, (262) 930 3963
Clean Energy Advocates Applaud Public Service Commission Rate Case Decision on Net Metering
Madison, WI – Today, the Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC) ruled on Madison Gas and Electric (MGE)’s rate case, voting to deny the utility’s proposal to eliminate net metering for customers with rooftop solar. Sierra Club Wisconsin and Vote Solar applaud today’s decision.
The PSC also approved a rate increase, though one smaller than what the utility requested, and cut the utility’s requested profit margin (return on equity). The Commissioners agreed with the sentiments expressed through robust public input on this docket that they must rebalance the utility’s profits with affordability for all customers.
The state’s five largest energy providers have requested increased rates for customers, to be approved or denied by the PSC. Alliant Energy, We Energies, Xcel Energy, Northern States Power Company, and MGE have requested a combined $333 million increase in rates for 2024, and an additional $92 million in rate increases for 2025.
The rate increase requests cite cost increases caused by inflation and investments in clean energy. But all of these utilities are doubling down on further fossil fuel investments, while still recouping the costs of defunct coal plants. New clean energy projects are on average more affordable than existing coal, and clean energy is more affordable than ever under the Inflation Reduction Act passed in August 2022.
Don Ferber, Sierra Club - Wisconsin Chapter Co-Chair, released the following statement, “I applaud the Public Service Commission for seeing through MGE’s claims regarding the ‘harms’ of net metering, for understanding that utilities cannot punish customers who reduce their bills by generating their own electricity, and that net metering reduces our reliance on climate-changing fossil fuels. This is a big win for equity, affordability of solar, renewable energy and the planet.”
Will Kenworthy, Senior Regulatory Director, Midwest, Vote Solar release the following statement, “The Wisconsin Public Service Commission has upheld the state’s commitment to clean energy by rejecting Madison Gas and Electric’s premature proposal to close their current net metering program. The Commission recognizes the vital role of distributed generation in paving the way for a cleaner energy future.”
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About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.
About Vote Solar
Founded in 2001, Vote Solar’s mission is to realize a 100% clean energy future through a solutions-driven, people-first approach. A 501(c)3 nonprofit with more than 94,000 members nationwide, Vote Solar advances just and equitable clean energy policy at the state level. By identifying and accelerating solar solutions in legislatures and public utility commissions in over 20 states, Vote Solar works to combat the climate crisis, lower energy costs for ratepayers, reduce harmful pollution, and build a brighter, cleaner, more equitable future. Learn more at www.votesolar.org.