WISCONSIN PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION STUDIES POSSIBLE LOW-INCOME ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

Wisconsin’s utility regulator has received input from customers hoping to guide an investigation into alternative low-income assistance programs at two of the state’s largest utilities.

The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin hosted listening sessions in Green Bay and Milwaukee. The listening sessions followed rate increases regulators approved late last year for two WEC Energy Group utilities — We Energies and Wisconsin Public Service. 

As part of approving those rate increases, the PSC is working with the utilities and ratepayer advocates to look into new assistance programs for low-income individuals. One possibility the commission is examining is a Percentage of Income Payment Pilot, or PIPP. It would cap utility bills at a certain percentage of household income.

The listening sessions provided a space for customers to ask questions of regulators, ratepayer advocates and the utilities themselves, as well as share their experiences. Ratepayers also had the option to submit written comments.