Public Hearing for SWL&P Proposed Rate Hike

SUPERIOR, Wis. — On Monday Superior residents got a chance to testify during a public hearing involving a proposed rate increase by Superior Water Light & Power.

The power company is proposing an overall 5.9% increase on utilities around $7.3 million. The utilities include electric, natural gas and water rates. Officials with SWL&P say the increase would allow for continued investments and upgrades to gas and water distribution systems for long term safety and reliability.

“There’s a couple reasons that we file the request in the first place. One of them in our investments in our infrastructure to help maintain safe reliable service across the electric gas water utility. That’s really important for any utility across any state, not just Wisconsin. They want to make sure their system is maintained and continues to provide safe reliable service,” said Joscelyn Skandel, Manager Regulatory Compliance, Policy & Rates, SWL&P.

However, one life-long resident in Superior says higher utility bills combined with the higher rate of inflation these days would greatly impact her bank account.

“And that’s what I feel Superior Light and Power is, corporate greed. You can afford to pay these things without expecting us to go deeper into poverty. There’s so many people that can’t keep their head above water. So many people can’t afford their rent,” said Debbie Semborski, Lifelong Superior Resident.

Superior Mayor Jim Paine is also strongly against the proposed increase. The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin ultimately has the final say in any rate increase. If approved, the increase could go into effect as early as January.