WI energy bills rise as Trump marks one year in office

On the one-year anniversary of President Donald Trump’s second term, advocates for clean energy and the environment are calling out the administration for failed promises to cut energy costs.

Wisconsin families are among those feeling the pinch as energy prices continue to rise across the state. One of the latest polls showed Americans have real concerns about their utility bills, among other rising expenses.

David Kieve, president of the Environmental Defense Fund, said in Wisconsin, at least three utilities have asked for and received rate increases in the last year, with some already in effect.

“Utilities have requested rate increases of as much as 27%,” Kieve pointed out. “This could lead to bills going up by as much as $300 per year for Wisconsin families.”

Kieve noted President Trump promised to cut electric bills in half but instead, costs have increased by double digits nationwide, leaving more households struggling to pay utility bills. The Trump administration attributed rising energy costs to policies of past Democratic administrations, and argued deregulation and boosting fossil fuels will keep prices down and ensure energy independence.

Kieve criticized members of Congress, including Rep. Derek Van Orden, R-Wis., for what he called complicity in supporting cost increases. He stressed the effects of voting for legislation which ultimately harms their constituents.

“Doing things like voting for the president’s budget bill, which cut tax credits for development of clean energy, winds up having a real negative impact on what people pay to heat their homes in the wintertime, and to power their lives and their electronics,” Kieve stressed.

Kieve pointed out clean energy from solar, wind and other sources represents the fastest-growing form of energy available, and increasingly, the cheapest. He added the Energy Information Association, part of Trump’s own Department of Energy, showed how his actions favoring oil development will ultimately lead to a continuation of higher gas prices nationwide.

Kieve emphasized energy affordability will be on the ballot in the 2026 midterm elections.

Related: WATCH: Wisconsin families face soaring energy bills