Judge Blocks Utility Rate Increase For Milwaukee Solar Users

Solar energy advocates say they’ve won most of a court case against the state Public Service Commission.

Last year, the PSC ruled in favor of Milwaukee-based utility We Energies and set up a monthly fee of about $20 for utility customers who generate some of their own power through rooftop solar. However, a Dane County judge has now blocked the fee from kicking in this January.

Amy Heart of the Alliance for Solar Choice said the ruling sends a clear message.

“You cannot just put discriminatory fees on solar customers because you’re afraid of losing revenue or you’re afraid of competition from rooftop solar,” Heart said. “It’s a crucial victory for customers.”

We Energies said it’s reviewing its options and contends there was enough information to justify the charge on customer generation. Another new tariff on customer-owned generation will go into effect Jan. 1.