WPL Delays Rate Increase Request

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Last month, Wisconsin Power and Light announced it will likely request a rate increase due partially to the loss of demand from two of its top energy customers — the General Motors plant in Janesville and the Domtar paper mill in Port Edwards.

In a press release issued February 23rd, the power company announced it will "share the pain" during this period of economic decline and decided against filing for emergency rate increase.

WPL will hold off rate increase request for ten months. Excerpt:
“While we believe the facts support the filing of an emergency rate relief request, we recognize the challenges the current economic downturn has placed on many of our customers,” said Barbara Swan, President-Wisconsin Power and Light. “We are hopeful this decision provides some stability to our customers - large and small - during this challenging time.”

No word yet whether residents in Janesville will see any relief from the city's request to raise its water utility rates. The city claims the rate increase is necessary due to the drop in demand from the loss of the GM manufacturing plant.

JG Excerpt:
To account for the reduced revenue, the city has approved a wastewater rate increase and is anticipating a water rate increase for next year. Rate increases also are planned for 2010.

It looks like Janesville officials have decided to add to the pain of its water utility consumers. City residents can send all complaints against the proposed water rate increases to the PSC here and to city officials here.