I am in support of the efforts to replace We Energies with a publicly owned utility that is accountable to the City of Milwaukee. I look forward to the day that Milwaukee pays and reinvests fair utility rates into the community, rather than serving profits for corporate shareholders. Public utility customers would experience less downtime and more dependable service while keeping costs affordable for working people and families. Fortunately, because dozens of publicly owned utilities across Wisconsin have proven that this model works and there is a pathway in our state law to create this municipal system, Milwaukee can also choose to prioritize its people. Thank you, Chair/Alderman Bauman and board members for considering.

A publicly-owned electric utility is exactly the kind of thing Milwaukee County residents need as an incentive to not move out of the city as costs continue to rise. People deserve relief from privately owned monopolies who take advantage of inflation and raise costs they know people cannot refuse to pay. Support and invest in your constituents by improving access to sustainable and affordable utilities through the City.