On Wednesday, June 24, at 9 a.m. the Public Transportation, Utilities and Waterways Review Board will hold a hearing to discuss the concept of public power. This board is chaired by Alderman Robert J. Bauman. Alderman Alex Brower, a strong proponent of public ownership of public utilities, notes that this hearing is an important step in advancing the conversation around the practicality of public utilities.
“Necessities like electricity and natural gas should be provided for the collective benefit of all, not for the profit of shareholders. Chapter 197 of the Wisconsin State Statutes allows cities like Milwaukee to replace their investor-owned utility with a municipally owned one,” said Ald. Brower. “While the process is long and may be difficult, our city would be better served by a utility that we own, similar to the Water Works.”
We Energies has increased its rates by 25% over the last four years and is now requesting an additional 10% rate increase in 2027 and another 5.5% in 2028. “These increases would further hurt working-class people at a time when they are already feeling squeezed by high inflation and wages that haven’t kept up. We Energies has failed the residents of Milwaukee, and it’s time that we looked to other options,” Ald. Brower added.
Prior to the review board hearing on June 24, a public demonstration will be held at 8:30 a.m. outside of City Hall, 200 E. Wells St. The hearing will then take place in room 301-B at City Hall. Media coverage is invited, and residents are encouraged to attend.
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