Summary
Xcel Energy Inc.'s subsidiary, Northern States Power Company-Wisconsin (NSP-Wisconsin), has received a verbal decision from the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW) regarding its multi-year electric and natural gas rate increase request. While NSP-Wisconsin initially sought rate increases totaling approximately $151 million for electric and $24 million for natural gas, the PSCW's verbal decision indicates a less substantial approved increase. The utility anticipates the final order will result in an approximate $126 million annual revenue increase for its electric operations and $22 million for its natural gas operations, effective January 2026. This decision reflects a slightly lower return on equity (ROE) and equity ratio than what was requested by the company. The approved rate adjustments are attributed to various factors including capital investments, rate of return, operations and maintenance (O&M) expenses, and other adjustments. Notably, a reduction in the annual nuclear decommissioning accrual, authorized by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, is factored into these adjustments, which is earnings neutral for NSP-Wisconsin. Investors should monitor the final written order expected in December 2025 for precise details on the new rates and their implementation, as this regulatory outcome will directly impact future revenue streams and profitability.
Key Highlights
- 1NSP-Wisconsin, a subsidiary of Xcel Energy, filed for a multi-year electric and natural gas rate increase.
- 2The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW) provided a verbal decision on the rate request.
- 3The PSCW's decision is expected to result in an approximate $126 million annual revenue increase for electric utilities.
- 4The PSCW's decision is expected to result in an approximate $22 million annual revenue increase for natural gas utilities.
- 5The approved rate increase reflects a slightly lower return on equity (9.8%) and equity ratio (52.5%) than the company's request (10.0% ROE, 53.5% equity ratio).
- 6A reduction in nuclear decommissioning accrual, authorized in Minnesota, is an earnings-neutral adjustment impacting the Wisconsin rate request.
- 7The final written PSCW order is anticipated in December 2025, with new rates effective January 2026.