MANY MINDEDWe Energies' Clean Energy Goals Under Pressure as Gas Expansion Plans Face Public Backlash
Sierra Club's 2026 Dirty Truth Report scored We Energies 4/100—the lowest rating in its history—showing a 20-point decline from 2020 levels. The utility has delayed retirement of Wisconsin's Oak Creek coal plant for the third time while planning 1.2 gigawatts of new gas power plant capacity by 2035. This expansion would increase We Energies' existing gas capacity by nearly 50 percent. The report highlights how these gas additions directly conflict with clean energy targets, as the utility proposed a 14% utility bill increase to the Public Service Commission. Over 1,800 public comments were submitted to oppose this proposal, with 91% of respondents rejecting the increase. Affordability concerns drove 75% of opposing comments, while 42% demanded reduced utility profits and executive compensation.
The friction stems from We Energies' simultaneous retreat from clean energy commitments and expansion of gas infrastructure—a pattern that undermines Wisconsin's clean energy transition. This creates immediate pressure on household energy affordability as gas capacity grows. The utility's proposed rate hike, though not yet implemented, signals a potential affordability crisis for low-income households who rely on fixed utility costs.
We Energies' gas expansion trajectory risks making clean energy less accessible for Wisconsin residents, particularly as public opposition intensifies. The next critical step is whether the Public Service Commission will reject the rate increase proposal or adjust We Energies' gas expansion plans to align with clean energy goals. The utility's current trajectory shows a clear divergence from clean energy targets, with public opposition indicating strong community resistance to this path. The report's caveats confirm the 2035 gas capacity target represents a near-50% increase from current levels, not a fixed 50% figure, and the rate increase remains pending implementation.
Source: CleanTechnica