Transcript:
Across much of the U.S., electricity costs are rising. But you may not know how those prices are determined – or that you have a voice in the process.
Tom Content is with the Citizens Utility Board of Wisconsin, a nonprofit that advocates for ratepayers.
He says to raise rates, utility companies must submit a proposal to a state’s public utility commission.
Content: “They are in charge of what you’re paying for electricity, natural gas, and sometimes water. They’re in charge of mapping and setting a course … for your state as to what the energy future looks like.”
The commission evaluates the proposed rate hike and what’s driving it – like, fuel prices or investments in the grid.
They may also examine how rising costs are distributed among residential, commercial, and industrial customers, and if the utility’s proposed profit margins are reasonable.
Most states have a consumer advocate division or a nonprofit like Content’s to represent ratepayers during this process.
But there are opportunities for ratepayers to weigh in, too.
Content: “What we want to see is more people participate in these processes.”
Content encourages people to attend public hearings and tell the commission what rate hikes will mean for their lives.
Reporting credit: Sarah Kennedy / ChavoBart Digital Media
