Proposed electricity rate hikes in Wisconsin are drawing concern, especially as rising costs hit low-income households the hardest. We Energies has requested a 9.2% rate increase for residential customers in 2025, followed by an additional 8.5% hike in 2026. If approved by the Wisconsin Public Service Commission, typical monthly electric bills could jump from $128 to $152.

These increases are part of a broader trend of rising costs, largely driven by inflation, which has severely impacted everyday expenses over the last three years under the Biden-Harris administration. As inflation continues to eat into household budgets, the additional burden of higher electricity costs is a tough pill to swallow for Wisconsin residents, particularly for low-income families. Energy costs can already consume up to 20% of a low-income household’s budget, according to the Sierra Club’s Wisconsin chapter as reported by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

We Energies justifies the rate hikes by pointing to increased costs for renewable energy projects and grid improvements. A large portion of the proposed increase will fund solar projects and infrastructure upgrades to ensure the grid remains reliable, especially during storms. However, these changes come at a time when many families are already struggling to keep up with rising prices for basic necessities, all while inflation shows no sign of significantly slowing down.

Public hearings this week in Milwaukee and Racine will allow residents to voice their concerns.