Fighting for Fairness: Citizen Action of Wisconsin’s Campaign for a 2% Utility Rate Cap

Imagine a Wisconsin where everyone can afford to heat their homes in the winter, cool them in the summer, and never have to worry about losing power because they can’t pay their utility bills. This is the Wisconsin we’re fighting for—a place where energy is affordable, accessible, and green, ensuring that all households are protected from the financial burden of high utility costs.

The Problem

Wisconsin’s energy landscape is controlled by monopoly utility companies, which prioritize profits for shareholders over the needs of our communities. These corporations are raking in billions while leaving Wisconsin families to bear the financial burden. In 2022 alone, the state’s five monopoly utilities reported a combined $1.3 billion in profits.

The burden of these corporate profits falls squarely on Wisconsin families. On average, Wisconsin households spend 6% of their income on energy bills, but low-income families face an even greater strain, often exceeding 10% of their income just to cover utility costs. The average monthly electric bill in Wisconsin is around $169, though many families pay much more. For low-income households, these bills are devastating, forcing families to make impossible decisions, like whether to pay for electricity or afford basic necessities such as food and healthcare.

The impact of these rising rates is alarming. In 2022, nearly 96,000 Wisconsin households had their electric or gas utility service disconnected, leaving almost 100,000 homes without access to basic energy needs like heating, cooling, and electricity. Families across the state are suffering, forced to choose between keeping the power on or putting food on the table—all while monopoly utilities continue to rake in massive profits, driven by corporate greed.

The Power Behind the Rates

What many people don’t realize is that the Public Service Commission (PSC), a small board of just three people, holds the power to approve or deny utility rate hikes in Wisconsin. Appointed by the Governor, the PSC is responsible for regulating utility companies and has the authority to protect consumers from unfair rate increases. However, instead of listening to the people, the PSC has consistently approved rate increases, siding with utility companies and allowing them to profit at the expense of consumers. This makes it crucial for citizens to hold the PSC accountable and demand that they prioritize the needs of the people over corporate profits.

The Solution: A 2% Rate Cap

Citizen Action of Wisconsin is leading a statewide campaign to implement a 2% rate cap on utility bills. This cap would ensure that no household pays more than 2% of their income on energy costs, offering much-needed relief to families who are struggling under the weight of constant rate increases. By capping rates based on income, we can create a fairer system that protects Wisconsin’s most vulnerable residents from financial hardship.

Sign this petition to tell the Public Service Commission to institute a 2% of income rate cap for all utilities in Wisconsin.

Income Rate Cap:

• Implement a statewide policy that caps utility rates at 2% of household income.
• Ensures that utility costs are affordable and proportional to income levels.
• Prevents disproportionately high utility bills for economically vulnerable populations.

Benefits:

• Affordability: Keeps utility rates manageable for all income levels.
• Fairness: Aligns utility costs with the ability to pay, reducing the energy burden on lower-income families.
• Stability: Provides predictable utility costs, helping households budget more effectively.
• Equity: Ensures that energy costs do not disproportionately impact low-income and marginalized communities.

Why This Matters

By fighting for a 2% rate cap, we are pushing back against the unchecked power of utility monopolies. We are demanding an energy system that works for all Wisconsinites, not just corporate shareholders.

Join the Movement

Citizen Action of Wisconsin believes that energy is a basic right, not a luxury. Together, we can break the stranglehold of utility companies and build a more just, sustainable future. Join us in the fight for a 2% rate cap and take back control of our energy system. With your help, we can ensure that all Wisconsinites have access to affordable, clean energy—today and for generations to come.

Sign this petition to tell the Public Service Commission to institute a 2% of income rate cap for all utilities in Wisconsin.