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Bill

SB 733

Relating to: calculation of fuel costs for an electric public utility’s fuel cost plan.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Dan Feyen and 1 co-sponsor

SB 733 changes how Wisconsin utilities calculate recoverable fuel costs in rate adjustment plans, affecting what consumers ultimately pay on electric bills.

Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 733

Legislative bill overview

SB 733 modifies how Wisconsin electric utilities calculate fuel costs within their fuel cost adjustment plans. The bill specifically alters the methodology used to determine what costs can be passed through to ratepayers in automatic fuel adjustment clauses, which are regulatory mechanisms that allow utilities to recover fluctuating fuel expenses without a full rate case.

Why is this important

Fuel cost calculation methods directly affect how much consumers pay on their electric bills. These adjustment mechanisms can represent significant portions of monthly bills, so changing their calculation methodology has material financial consequences for both utility companies and ratepayers. The outcome influences whether cost increases are fairly distributed and whether utilities face appropriate incentives to manage fuel expenses efficiently.

Potential points of contention

  • Ratepayer impact: The specific calculation changes could shift costs either toward or away from consumers depending on the methodology—critics may argue certain calculations unfairly burden residential customers while benefiting industrial users, or vice versa
  • Utility profitability: Utilities may advocate for calculation methods that provide more generous cost recovery, while consumer advocates oppose provisions that allow cost pass-throughs without sufficient scrutiny
  • Implementation complexity: New calculation formulas require regulatory oversight and could create accounting and administrative compliance burdens on utilities and the Public Service Commission

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

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