August 19, 2022 – Washington Co., WI – As neighbors in Washington County, WI face a November 8 referendum question to permanently raise their taxes about 10% for an anti-crime proposal and taxpayers in West Bend possibly face another November 8 referendum to permanently add another annual tax increase for road improvements, We Energies is now piling on with a proposed 8.4% increase as well.
This week neighbors received a notice with their We Energies statement titled ‘Learn about our 2023 rate proposal.’
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We Energies said it needs more money because of capital investments, upcoming projects, and changes with other utilities.
The increase in electric is estimated at $6 a month, every month. According to We Energies, some customers may be lower and some higher depending on usage. Businesses will be hit as well with a 9.68% increase or an 11.68% increase annually.
Natural gas will go up between $5.94 a month to $6.39 a month depending on therm usage. A copy of the data on their flyer is below.
While the proposed rate increase still has yet to be approved by the Public Service Commission, We Energies appears confident at least some increase will be approved as it notes the increase is anticipated to take effect in January 2023.
A hearing date before the PSCW has yet to be determined.
Attention should also be paid to the fact, the We Energies increase, and the multiple referendum increases come before the city and county announce their 2023 budgets where tax hikes are almost certain because of the rise in inflation and energy costs. The budgets will be determined at the end of November, after the referendums.
Also note property owners in West Bend will be going through a revaluation in 2023. The new assessments are what property tax payments are based on.
The last time We Energies had a rate increase was 2021.
On a side note: Referendums are also being proposed for Germantown and the Village of Richfield, which may have 5 referendum questions on the November 8, 2022 ballot.
