Customers win under two PSC rate decisions

Wisconsin Public Service Corporation customers will benefit from a rate-freeze settlement approved by the commission unanimously. The utility had originally requested a 9 percent increase in electric rates, but after a commission staff audit, the utility and customer groups were able to reach an agreement to avoid an increase for 2013. In addition, WPSC's 2013 retail natural gas distribution rates will decrease in 2013.

Wisconsin Power and Light Company customers will see rates go down after the commission took action on a proposal to decrease retail electric rates by approximately 2.9 percent, reflecting an estimated $28.6 million decrease in the variable cost of fuel from current retail revenue requirements.

The new rates will take effect on January 1, 2013.