The Wisconsin Public Service Corp., a northeastern Wisconsin utility, wants to again increase its fixed monthly rate charge after having already implemented a hike earlier this year.
In January, WPS’s fixed monthly fee nearly doubled to about $19. Now, the utility is asking the PSC for permission to charge $25.
The commission held public hearings in De Pere Wednesday. One person who testified was Noreen Hamm of Green Bay, a widow on a fixed income.
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“I’m trying to conserve, I’m trying to budget,” she said. “I’m trying to figure out how to live the rest of my life on my income. This is ridiculous.”
When asking for the previous increase, WPS argued the money was needed to maintain infrastructure. That argument didn’t fly with those who spoke out — including Jim Soletski, a former Democratic lawmaker from Green Bay.
“We tell people you can’t get a minimum wage increase, but we’re more than glad to raise your service charge,” said Soletski.
The PSC is taking online comments until Oct. 6.
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