Sierra Club Report: We Energies Scores 4/100 for Fossil Fuel Plans
The Sierra Club's annual Dirty Truth Report gives We Energies a score of 4 out of 100, its worst ever. The utility is delaying coal retirement and planning 1.2 gigawatts of new gas capacity, partly to attract data centers. Over 1,800 public comments opposed a proposed 14% rate increase, with most citing affordability concerns.
The utility’s score reflects a third postponement of its Oak Creek coal unit closure and a planned 1.2-gigawatt expansion of gas-fired generation, a nearly 50% increase. This build-out is tied to courting large technology firms for AI data centers, potentially shifting costs to existing ratepayers.
Public resistance is substantial: over 1,800 comments on the proposed 14% rate hike, with 91% opposed. Affordability was the top concern, and many demanded reduced executive compensation. Nationally, 76 utilities averaged only 7 points, the lowest aggregate score in the report’s history, indicating a systemic lag in clean energy transition.
This pattern could entrench fossil fuel reliance in Wisconsin, potentially raising electricity bills for households and small businesses while data centers receive favorable treatment. The affordability concerns voiced by residents may intensify, possibly leading to energy insecurity. Delayed coal retirement and new gas capacity could prolong local air pollution and hinder regional climate goals, though the utility’s plans may still face regulatory or public pushback.