Wisconsin Senate Bill SB646

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 11/9/23
• Refer: 11/9/23
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Notice to public utility customers of potential and final rate changes.

Impact

The bill impacts state statutes regarding how public utilities communicate with their customers, effectively making customer notification a legal requirement. By requiring utilities to include rate change notifications as inserts with bills, this legislation aims to empower consumers with the information necessary to understand how rate changes may affect their finances. It also stipulates that information regarding public comment periods must be included, thus fostering better public engagement in the regulatory process.

Summary

Senate Bill 646 mandates that public utilities providing gas or electricity must inform their customers about potential and finalized rate changes. This legislation requires utilities to include detailed notices on their bills whenever they apply for or amend rate changes that exceed 1 percent. The intention is to enhance transparency, ensuring customers are well-informed about the impacts of rate adjustments before they occur. These notices will detail the financial implications for customers and provide comparisons with average rates across the Midwest.

Contention

Points of contention around SB646 likely revolve around the balance between regulatory mandates placed on public utilities versus the operational feasibility of these requirements. Critics may argue that while transparency is important, excessive regulation could lead to higher administrative burdens for utilities, which may, in turn, influence operational costs and customer rates. The bill does allow the Public Service Commission (PSC) to require utilities to issue new notices if those provided do not meet clarity or comprehension standards, indicating a potential area for disagreement during discussions on the bill.