WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 780

Relating to: a percentage of income payment program for electricity and gas service, electricity and gas service disconnections, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation. (FE)

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Chris Larson

SB 780 establishes a low-income utility payment program allowing Wisconsin households to pay electricity and gas bills as a percentage of income rather than standard rates.

Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 780

Legislative bill overview

SB 780 would establish a percentage of income payment program (PIPP) for electricity and gas service in Wisconsin, allowing eligible low-income households to pay utilities based on a percentage of their income rather than standard rates. The bill also includes provisions relating to service disconnections and grants rulemaking authority to implement the program.

Why is this important

Utility disconnections disproportionately affect low-income households and can create serious hardships including health risks, lost productivity, and cascading financial crises. A PIPP program could stabilize utility access for vulnerable populations while potentially reducing disconnection rates and associated social costs.

Potential points of contention

  • Program costs and funding: The bill requires an appropriation but the fiscal impact and whether utilities or taxpayers bear costs remains contested ground
  • Utility company burden: Utilities may argue PIPP reduces their revenue streams and shifts financial risk to them or ratepayers, potentially raising rates for other customers
  • Program eligibility and administration: Defining income thresholds, enrollment processes, and determining what constitutes "affordable" percentages of income involves complex policy tradeoffs
  • Effectiveness uncertainty: Limited data on Wisconsin-specific outcomes; similar programs in other states show mixed results on sustainability and actual affordability improvements

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.