Utility companies are spending billions building out transmission and distribution lines around the country, leading some to call for an independent monitor to protect customers. Photo by Robert Zullo.

The Sierra Club released a statement Friday criticizing recent residential rate increases for We Energies approved by the Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC). Increases of 13-14% were approved by the commission on Nov. 7, after We Energies proposed a 19% increase. The Sierra Club claims in a press release that the rate increase rewards the utility provider for “bad decisions, such as past investments in fossil fuels.” The environmental advocacy organization is calling on the PSC to scrutinize We Energies’ plans for a $2 million methane gas plant, which the Sierra Club fears will raise the costs even more. 

“We are disappointed in this decision, but we’re not going to stop fighting to put people first. We appreciate the Commission scrutinizing We Energies’ claims about the needs for this increase. We Energies’ poor investment in fossil fuels have put us in this place. Going forward, we hope to see the Commission continue to investigate We Energies’ claims about the needs of its customers. This will be more critical than ever as the Commission rules on decisions about new gas facilities that could result in stranded assets, hurting our communities even more,” said Cassie Steiner, Senior Campaign Coordinator of Sierra Club – Wisconsin. “For so many people, higher utility bills mean greater financial strain for everyday needs– from affording rent or their mortgage, to being able to put food on the table for their family. People shouldn’t have to choose between affording groceries and keeping the lights on.”

In its press release, the Sierra Club states that We Energies makes more than double the revenue of the next largest utility in Wisconsin, and has one of the highest electricity rates in the Midwest. According to the Citizens Utility Board, the costs paid by We Energies customers have more than doubled over the past 20 years, at a faster rate than inflation. 

Emily Park, co-executive director of 350 Wisconsin, expressed deep disappointment at the PSC’s decision. “This decision will hurt people already struggling to pay for everyday needs for their families, like putting food on the table, affording basic health care, and keeping their homes at a livable temperature,” said Park. “At a time when so many communities are facing uncertainties about their futures, the people of Wisconsin deserve to know that their public agencies are looking out for them, not the corporations.”

In a statement to Wisconsin Examiner, We Energies spokesperson Brendan Conway said, “We appreciate the commission’s vote in support of our investments to reduce customer outages, build clean energy and critical infrastructure needed to support jobs and economic growth in Wisconsin, and meet [Environmental Protection Agency] rules.” Conway added that “our typical customer bills are below the national average and in line with customers across the Midwest. That will remain true in the coming years. Any customer concerned about their energy bill should contact us right away to discuss energy assistance and bill payment plans.”