MADISON, WI (AP)-- State regulators have approved a $9 increase in electric bills for hundreds of thousands of electric customers.
Wisconsin Public Service Corporation had asked the state Public Service Commission for permission to raise monthly fixed rates from $10.44 to $25 and reduce hourly usage fees by two to three cents.
The utility says the increase is designed to ensure consumers who use less energy pay their fair share to maintain infrastructure. Consumer advocates counter the increase is designed to recoup revenue lost through conservation and punish low-usage consumers.
The PSC approved the utility's request on a 2-1 vote Thursday but limited the increase to $9 rather than the $15 jump the company wanted.
WPSC serves about 443,700 customers in northeastern and north-central Wisconsin.