MILWAUKEE — Following the announcement of another WE Energies rate increase, Milwaukee Alderman Alex Brower is pushing for the city to take control of its electric utility. The Milwaukee Common Council unanimously approved a proposal Friday to conduct a feasibility study examining whether the city should acquire WE Energies’ local utility assets. Brower joined WTMJ’s Libby Collins on Wisconsin’s Weekend Morning News to discuss the proposal and what it could mean for Milwaukee residents.
“People in Milwaukee are sick of paying exorbitant prices for their electricity,” Brower said. He explained that Wisconsin law allows municipalities to acquire utility assets and establish publicly owned utilities, pointing to communities like Oconomowoc, Cedarburg and Jefferson as examples. Brower argues that a city-owned utility could lower electric bills by operating at cost rather than generating profits for investors. “A great investment for investors does not mean a great service for residents,” he said.
Brower said the proposal still needs approval from Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson before the feasibility study can move forward. If the study supports municipal ownership, the next step would be a public referendum, followed by legal proceedings to determine the value of WE Energies’ assets. Brower acknowledged that the transition could take years, particularly if WE Energies challenges the acquisition in court. “I think we should go in this with eyes wide open. It’ll take years for this transition,” he said.
Despite the potential obstacles, Brower remains committed to the proposal, saying Milwaukee residents deserve affordable and reliable electricity. “I’m prepared to fight until we win,” Brower said. “The people deserve it.” The alderman also emphasized that the ultimate decision would rest with Milwaukee voters if the proposal advances to a referendum.
