MADISON, WI (WTAQ) - Wisconsin’s largest electric utility has spared its customers of a possible six-percent rate increase for next year.

We Energies said it would use accounting maneuvers to delay the proposed hike until 2013.

The State Public Service Commission voted 2-to-1 Thursday in favor of a much smaller rate increase for next year of seven-tenths-of-one percent.

Commissioner Eric Callisto voted no, while chairman Phil Montgomery and PSC member Ellen Nowak both voted yes.

Next year’s rate hike would cover the higher cost of fuel for We Energies’ power plants.

The utility said it proposed the adjustment to give customers a break, amid concerns that another recession might be on the way.