City of Milwaukee Challenges We Energies Rate Increase

The City of Milwaukee is planning to formally challenge We Energies’ proposed electric rate increase before the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin. The utility wants to raise rates in two steps: 10.28% in January 2027 and another 5.52% in January 2028. City leaders say that would push the average residential electric bill to about $157 in 2027 and $166 in 2028, so the city is objecting on behalf of residents and local government customers.

This matters to Milwaukee residents because electricity bills affect household budgets, especially when prices rise more than once in a short period. The city says the increase would add to the pressure on families already dealing with higher everyday costs. It also argues that higher utility bills can make Milwaukee less affordable overall and create more strain for renters, homeowners, and businesses that pay electric service costs.

What happens next is that the city will take its arguments to the state utility regulators, who will review We Energies’ full request along with evidence from the company, city officials, consumer advocates, and other interested parties. This process usually includes written filings and possible hearings before the Public Service Commission makes a final decision. If the PSC approves the request, the new rates would go into effect on the utility’s schedule, likely starting in 2027.