We Energies files rate increase request

From an article by Pete Millard in The Business Journal:

We Energies filed a request today with the Wisconsin Public Service Commission to approve a 2.8 percent increase in electric rates that would take effect in January 2010.

According to the filing by Roman Draba, a We Energies vice president, electricity rates would remain the same in 2011. Draba request pointed out that in evaluating its electric operations, a 6.1 percent increased was justified, but the utility is limiting its request to $75 million, or 2.8 percent.

The primary reasons for the rate hike, according the utility, are the coal power plants under construction in Oak Creek, higher pension and retiree health-care costs, and an increase in transmission charges from Pewaukee-based American Transmission Co.