Wisconsin energy bills up this winter, WPS cites cold weather and natural gas costs

WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) — Wisconsinites are seeing higher energy bills this winter, and Mother Nature and high demand are to blame.

Wisconsin Public Service said colder-than-normal temperatures and higher natural gas prices are the reasons behind the spike.

Cold winter drives up usage

Natural gas is used primarily for heating and cooling homes. Wisconsin Public Service spokesperson Matt Cullen said this winter has been the coldest in about a decade.

“This has been the coldest winter in a decade, really since 2014,” Cullen said. “And so because of that, our customers are using more natural gas to be able to keep their homes warm as they would have in years past. Just in December alone, the weather conditions were 20% colder than in December of 2024.”

Natural gas costs up 18%

In addition to increased usage, Wisconsin Public Service said the cost of natural gas has risen 18% compared to last year due to worldwide demand. The utility said it pays the same price for natural gas that customers pay.

Tips to lower your bill

Wisconsin Public Service offered the following tips for customers looking to reduce their energy costs:

• Set the thermostat a few degrees lower when sleeping or away from home.
• Lock windows and doors to keep cold air from entering the home.

“If you are planning to be asleep or away from home, if you’re going to bed at night or if you’re going out of the house for a few hours, you can set the thermostat just a few degrees lower, and that can help you manage your energy bills,” Cullen said.

Struggling to pay?

Wisconsin Public Service is urging customers who are having difficulty paying their bills to call the utility immediately to discuss payment plans or financial assistance options.

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