Wisconsin Democrats, Republicans pushback on proposed We Energies rate hike

(The Center Square) – Neither side of Wisconsin’s political spectrum is happy with the latest pitch from the state’s largest utility to hike power bills.

We Energies this week submitted a plan to the state’s Public Service Commission to raise electricity rates by 14% over two years.

“Our filing reflects the realities that our customers count on us every day for the energy they need. We recognize it’s our responsibility to continue providing safe and reliable energy while keeping customer bills low,” We Energies spokesman Brendan Conway said.

We Energies wants regulators to approve a 9.25% rate increase next year, and a 5.5% rate increase the year after that. The utility says the rate hikes would add around $13 more per-month next year, and an extra $8 or $9 per-month the year after that.

We Energies said the average electric bill for homeowners is currently a little less than $143 a month.

The request brought immediate condemnation from both Republ...