On Monday, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin held two public hearings to give Superior citizens a chance to voice their opinions on Superior Water, Light and Power’s (SWL&P) request to increase electric, natural gas, and water rates for the city.

“Interest rates are also much higher than they used to be, which is a component of, you know, if we borrow money to make infrastructure improvements in our utility, um, it costs more to borrow at this point in time. And then really those infrastructure improvements that we make. So, across the electric gas and water utility, we maintain the system to ensure that we continue to provide safe and reliable electric gas and water services across our service territory,” said Joscelyn Skandel, Manager of Regulatory Compliance, Policy and Rates for SWL&P.

Every two years, SWL&P files to adjust their rates for electric, natural gas, and water through the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, and in March of 2024, the SWL&P requested a 5.9% overall increase, which adds up to about 7.3 million dollars. Broken down, the increase would result in a 2.2% increase in electric, 17.1% increase in natural gas and an 18% increase in water rates.

“In a time of pretty rapid inflation, these rate increases are much larger than the inflation we’ve seen on almost anything else. Water alone would be an 18% increase, and I don’t know anybody whose wages have gone up by 18 % just naturally or who just suddenly has extra room for a 17% increase on their electric bill,” said Superior Mayor Jim Paine.

The City of Superior chose to formally intervene and oppose the increase, and one of their first requests in the case was to hold the required public hearings in Superior instead of Madison, to allow for the affected citizens to voice their opinion.

“These prices have gone up consistently even when many other services have not, they have overcharged for infrastructure, they have built unnecessary infrastructure, and they are charging more than any other almost any other utility including other utilities in the city of Superior. Largely so that the money can leave this community and go to investors that really only care about making a profit,” said Paine.

Several citizens chose to testify in person at the two public hearings, and brought stories of how the current economic climate has negatively affected their finances, and how the potential increase in utilities prices will only add to their stress. These testimonies were taken under oath and will be used by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin to help make their final decision.

The decision is estimated to be made later this fall.

Public comments can be submitted to the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin either by mail or online through Thursday.

For more information on Superior Water, Light, and Power, go to Superior Water, Light & Power is an ALLETE Company – Home (swlp.com)

For more information on the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, go to Public Service Commission of Wisconsin