By Jim Schuh

STEVENS POINT – Electric and natural gas customers of the Wisconsin Public Service Corporation (WPSC) are likely to see increases in their monthly bills in 2020 and 2021.

The utility is awaiting a decision from the state Public Service Commission on its request to increase average residential electric rates by about 8.4 percent next year and 5.6 percent the following year.  That would increase electric bills by $7.13 a month in 2020 and $5.16 a month in 2021.

In addition, the utility is seeking an average residential monthly increase in natural gas rate of $1.10 a month next year and $1.30 a month the year after.

If granted, WPSC customers’ utility bills would increase monthly by $8.23 a month next year, and by an additional $6.46 in 2021.

WPSC says it needs the additional electric income to finance modernization of 2,000 miles of distribution lines, acquisition of a wind energy facility, investment in two solar facilities, and to pay for environmental controls at its Weston power plant. The company also says the additional natural gas increases will help maintain “safe and reliable service.”