Large manufacturers in Wisconsin want action taken on high electricity prices that they say drive up their costs and threaten the state's economic development efforts.
Reports say that data from the Wisconsin Public Service Commission, which regulates the state's utilities, shows the state's electricity rates are highest in the Midwest and higher than the national average.
Trade groups encouraged the commission this year to investigate opening up its power market to competition, as Illinois and other states have.
The commission says increases have leveled off in recent years and the agency is working to bring rates down in some cases.
Agency spokeswoman Elise Nelson says that in 2015, utilities sought increases totaling $144 million, and the commission ended up approving a rate decrease of $5 million.
