Critics say a proposed rate hike by We Energies to pay for new solar and natural gas generation pits low-income residents against clean energy advocates while taking too much profit for shareholders.
A proposed rate increase by We Energies is facing pushback from community groups that say the Milwaukee utility is failing to meet its legal obligation to provide affordable power.
The 13% electricity rate increase would fund new utility-scale solar and natural gas generation. The rate case by We Energies’ parent company, WEPCO, is currently before the Wisconsin Public Service Commission.
State regulators are exploring whether the utility is earning
unjustified profits, while ratepayer advocates say the rate hike would
force some families to choose between paying rent, medical bills, or
other costs...
Ken Notes: A "public" utility is really a private business at its core and has to answer to investors. That makes these negotiations very difficult at best. Add politics to the mix and it becomes damn near impossible. The "fixed charge" element of your bill is needed to maintain the grid, but a 100K home pays the same as a 500K home so the burden is shifted to those who can afford it least. When energy was cheap utilities wanted to raise this amount, now energy is more expensive (and profitable) so they want to lower these fees because they know it is not as significant to the bottom line. Also some of this money is being used to get power to other states which is wrong on every level. We need a comprehensive look and adjustment across the board and it is a very complex issue. Leadership on this issue does not seem to exist and that is also a problem...
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- - Volume: 10 - WEEK: 46 Date: 11/7/2022 10:58:31 AM -