WPS cites clean energy, reliability projects in filing that could raise bills in 2027

WPS

(WTAQ-WLUK) — Wisconsin Public Service customers could expect their electric bills to increase by about $11 per month in 2027 and about $5 per month in 2028.

WPS filed a rate request with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW) Wednesday.

The request includes more than $132 million in savings from federal tax credits and earnings sharing with customers.

The filing also supports ongoing investments to maintain safe and reliable energy service throughout the state, including:

• Clean energy expansion: Recovering costs for new solar, wind and battery storage projects already approved by regulators that are expected to begin serving customers in 2027 and 2028. Since 2020, WPS renewable energy facilities have saved its customers hundreds of millions of dollars in avoided electric generation fuel costs.
• Reliability investments: Funding for continued work to trim trees or remove dead trees near power lines and electric equipment. WPS plans to trim more than 2,000 miles of power lines and remove 5,000-8,000 hazard trees in each of the next two years. These investments build on the success of the company’s enhanced forestry efforts that began in 2025.
• Improved performance: WPS plans to install 80-100 miles of underground cable in both 2027 and 2028, as well as add new equipment to power lines to improve reliability. These investments benefit every customer by reducing outages, making restoration work quicker and minimizing emergency repairs.
• Economic impact: Company investments continue to support Wisconsin’s economy, creating construction and operations jobs in northeast and north central Wisconsin.

With the rate increase, WPS says customers electric bills will remain below the national average and is in line with other Wisconsin and Midwest utilities.

WPS residential natural gas customers would also see an about $7 increase in their monthly bills in 2027, with no base rate increase anticipated in 2028 as part of the filed plan.

Customers who need help managing their energy bills are encouraged to contact WPS. The company offers budget billing for predictable monthly payments and energy assistance programs that help lower-income households manage costs.

The PSCW is expected to make a final decision on this rate increase request later this year. New rates are expected to take effect in January 2027.