By Blake Jackson
Alliant Energy has reached a rate case settlement with Clean Wisconsin and other stakeholders that includes several new customer-oriented conservation initiatives and clean energy projects.
The Public Service Commission approved the terms of the agreement, which also features smaller electric and gas rate increases than the company initially proposed.
“The settlement means Alliant Energy will be a leader in Wisconsin when it comes to affordability and conservation. The cheapest energy is the energy you don’t use. So giving customers the tools they need to conserve energy is incredibly important,” says Clean Wisconsin General Counsel Katie Nekola, who participated in the settlement negotiations.
Over the next two years, Alliant Energy will roll out a variety of clean energy, efficiency, and affordability programs. These include a Pilot Customer Affordability Program that offers a $26 monthly bill credit for qualified low- and moderate-income customers, as well as an expansion of demand response and time-of-use programs to help customers better manage their energy consumption.
The company will also invest in solar projects, Columbia Energy Storage, and vegetation management to strengthen grid reliability and safety.
Additional initiatives include new electric vehicle programs, such as a rebate for residential Level 2 EV chargers and a fleet electrification advisory service.
Alliant also committed to developing another community solar site in Wisconsin by 2030 and creating 3 megawatts of customer-hosted solar projects within the same timeframe.
As part of the settlement, Alliant Energy agreed to more modest rate increases than initially proposed. Instead of an 8.3% electric rate hike in 2026 and 5.7% in 2027, the company will implement smaller increases of 5.4% and 5%, respectively. Natural gas rates will rise 5.6% in 2026 and 3.9% in 2027.
“This is a recognition from Alliant Energy that helping its customers access cheaper solar energy, helping them maximize conservation and take advantage of efficient technologies like electric vehicles is the key to affordability. More energy utilities in Wisconsin should follow their lead,” Nekola said.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-skyf
Categories: Wisconsin, Energy, Government & Policy