Be prepared now for the sticker shock coming next year from the Wisconsin Public Service.

Earlier this week, Wisconsin Public Service announced that it had filed a proposal with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin for new customer rates for electricity and natural gas. WPS expects the average residential electric bill will increase by $11-$12 a month in 2025 and $3-$4 for natural gas if the rate increases are approved. WPS says the increases will help the company’s efforts to reduce customer outages, build the infrastructure needed to support jobs and economic growth in Wisconsin, and meet new Environmental Protection Agency rules. According to WPS, typical electric bills in Wisconsin fall in line with the rest of the Midwest and well below the national average ($112.59 in Wisconsin vs. $138.90 nationally, according to SaveOnEnergy.com). WPS customers will learn more about the specific impact of these increases in May, and the PSCW will conduct hearings on the proposals before making a final decision. If approved, the new rates would take effect in January 2025.