(The Center Square) – Wisconsin utility rates have continued to increase – with $300 million in rate increases over two years approved in November – and one Wisconsin lawmakers wants to ensure that Public Service Commission board commissioners are not benefiting personally from the increases.
Rep. Amanda Nedweski, R-Pleasant Prairie, is proposing to create a three-year cooling off period where former PSC commissioners cannot accept employment with one of the public utility or transmission companies it regulates in an executive level capacity.
Wisconsin utility rates and rate increases must be approved by the PSC commissioners before they can go into effect.
The bill was introduced after former PSC commissioner Rebecca Valcq stepped down in February 2024, was hired by Alliant Energy six months later and became the company president in December 2025.
“As families are told to tighten their belts, PSC commissioners are approving massive rate hikes and then walking through a revolving door to work for the very companies they regulated,” Nedweski said in a statement. “This is a straightforward, good-government reform that protects ratepayers and restores public trust. Wisconsin families deserve affordability, accountability, and a Public Service Commission that works for them—not powerful special interests.”
Rate increases have been approved for Alliant, Xcel Energy and Madison Gas and Electric since November.
“Under the Evers-Rodriguez administration, the Public Service Commission has repeatedly sided with utility companies over ratepayers—approving more than $2.2 billion in rate hikes since taking control of the PSC,” Nedweski said. “This legislation helps rein in the Commission and ensures that PSC members are focused on protecting ratepayers, not auditioning for their next job.”
