By U.S. Rep. Tony Weid
Families across Wisconsin continue to feel the strain of higher utility bills and inflation driven by Biden’s reckless energy policies – from canceling the Keystone XL pipeline to imposing a moratorium on oil and gas leasing. He then doubled down with new EPA regulations that forced the retirement of reliable coal and natural gas plants while handing out billions in green energy giveaways that distorted the market by incentivizing utilities to expand intermittent wind and solar projects that can’t meet demand.
As a former gas station owner, I know firsthand how these policies drive up costs at the pump and squeeze working families who depend on affordable energy to get to work, run their businesses, and keep life moving. So, it came as no shock when gas prices shot up nearly 40% higher, natural gas 33% higher, and electricity 17% higher compared to just a few years ago – leaving families with energy costs more than 20% higher overall.
To make matters worse, since Tony Evers became governor, his administration has approved more than $2 billion in electric and natural gas rate increases, piling even more costs onto families – causing Wisconsin households to face some of the highest energy bills in the Midwest, with average monthly utility costs over $500.
Not to mention, Wisconsin’s energy grid was recently designated as “high risk,” raising concerns that families could face reliability problems and even power shortages. This broken system has real consequences. Despite rising demand, We Energies has taken 2,500 megawatts offline from coal and natural gas plants since 2018 – enough to power nearly 2 million Wisconsin homes.
For families trying to keep the Christmas lights glowing this season, these rising costs are more than just numbers on a bill – they’re a strain on holiday traditions and household budgets.
This week, the House flipped the switch by passing a series of bills that strengthen America’s energy security and bring down costs. The State Planning for Reliability and Affordability Act ensures utilities prepare for rising electricity demand, keep reliable energy on the grid, and protect families from sudden spikes in costs caused by poor planning or retiring power plants too quickly. At the same time, the Pipeline Reviews Act improves coordination and transparency in pipeline approvals, supporting American energy development and lowering costs for families. Finally, the Electric Supply Chain Act requires regular assessments of vulnerabilities in our grid to bolster reliability and protect national security.
Together, these reforms prioritize reliability, affordability, and American energy independence – delivering real relief for Wisconsin families and ensuring we’re prepared to meet future energy needs.
EDITOR’S SIDE BAR: Electricity rates and political leanings in states
Using data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the analysis found that 86 percent of states with electricity prices above the national average in the continental U.S. voted for a Democratic nominee for president in the 2020 and 2024 elections, while 80 percent of those who voted for a Republican nominee in those years had the lowest electricity prices. Wisconsin’s electricity prices are at the national average. Read the Just the News article here.