MADISON — Refunds are in store for customers of Wisconsin's four largest for-profit utilities.
Ratepayers are due more than $25 million because of low energy prices in 2018. The Public Service Commission sets rates one to two years in advance based on fixed expenses and an estimate cost of fuel. And, when the projections are more than 2% of the actual costs, utilities must refund the difference, with interest.
Madison Gas & Electric customers should see the largest refunds of about $20 for most households. The utility collected about $9.5 million more than its actual costs. Utility spokesman Steve Schultz says the savings resulted from lower gas prices and the acquisition of a portion of the Forward Energy wind farm.
The other utilities are Alliant, WPS and Xcel.
