WPS request would modify 2013 electric, gas rates

In a request filed with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Public Service has proposed to modify its filing for higher retail electric and natural gas rates for 2013. If approved by the PSC, the utility said the request would result in no electric rate increase and a small natural gas rate decrease for 2013.

WPS, a subsidiary of Integrys Energy Group, said updated economic forecasts are more optimistic than those used in its initial filing. “In addition, because of lower fuel costs, we have a refund to pass along to customers,” said David Kyto, rate case director for WPS. “We propose to use that refund to offset increased costs.”

The Green Bay-based WPS serves approximately 439,000 electric customers and 318,000 natural gas customers in northeastern Wisconsin and an adjacent portion of Upper Michigan.