2015-16 rate request filed with PSCW

We filed a rate request with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW) today to set 2015-2016 rates for electric, natural gas and steam customers.

We arrived at the rate request after numerous discussions with consumer groups, including the Citizens Utility Board (CUB), Wisconsin Industrial Energy Group (WIEG) and the Wisconsin Paper Council, and a thorough analysis by PSCW staff. CUB, WIEG and the Wisconsin Paper Council have agreed that the rate request, as analyzed by PSCW staff, is appropriate.

While rates will remain stable under this request, we continue to make significant investments in upgrades to renew and modernize the system, meet new environmental standards and reduce overall operating costs for customers. Those projects include the replacement of wires, power poles, substation components, natural gas lines, and upgrades to our generating facilities and steam systems.

Breakout of the filing, based upon each service:

• 1.55% increase in 2015 for electric rates -- excluding fuel costs -- which includes funding requested for the Lake Michigan Fund and a solar project. The increase with our current estimate of fuel costs is 1.92%. Final estimate for 2015 will be determined later this year. No adjustment to electric base rates will be made in 2016. 
• 3.27% increase in 2015 and 3.32% increase in 2016 for Wisconsin Gas operations.
• 2.39% decrease for Wisconsin Electric Gas Operations. No change in base rates for 2016.
• 2.10% increase for the downtown Milwaukee steam utility. No change in base rates for 2016.
• 4.56% increase for the Milwaukee County steam utility. No change in base rates for 2016.

Dollar amounts and percentages are based across all customer classes. Impacts by rate class will be available in June and shared with customers via a bill insert.

The PSCW will host hearings later in the year, with an order expected by the end of 2014. Whatever amounts are approved would take effect at the start of 2015.