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Wisconsin Electricity Information

Wisconsin’s electricity generation comes primarily from coal and natural gas, though the state has been shifting toward cleaner energy sources like wind, solar, and hydroelectric power. While coal still plays a significant role, its share has been declining as Wisconsin invests in renewable energy and natural gas for a more balanced energy mix. Electricity prices in the state are close to the national average, though they can fluctuate based on fuel costs and infrastructure investments.

Emissions in Wisconsin have been decreasing as coal-fired power plants are gradually retired or converted to cleaner alternatives. The state continues to expand its renewable energy sector while implementing energy efficiency programs to reduce overall demand.

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Electricity Production

Primary Source

Natural Gas

Total Generation: 62,548,705 MWh
Ranks 26th Highest in the U.S.
Average Price: 18.57¢ /kWh
Ranks 34th Cheapest in the U.S.
Average Electric Bill: $112.08
Ranks 8th Cheapest in the U.S.

Electricity Production By Source

Emissions From Electricity Generation

Carbon Dioxide Emissions Rank

18th Highest

32,649 TMT

Sulfer Dioxide Emissions Rank

30th Highest

7,845 tn

Nitrogen Oxide Emissions Rank

23rd Highest

22,213 tn

Renewable Electricity Generation

Renewable Production Rank

34th Highest

4,941,248 MWh
7.9% of Total Production

Source U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) Based on data from 2023

Energy Usage in Wisconsin

Energy Usage Per Capita Rank

31st Lowest

Average Per Person: 300 million BTU

Wisconsin’s electricity consumption is shaped by its Upper Midwest climate, with cold winters driving high heating demand and warm summers increasing air conditioning use. While many homes rely on natural gas or other fuels for heating, electricity use still rises in winter for those with electric heating systems. In summer, cooling demand contributes to peak electricity loads, particularly in urban areas. Industrial activity, including manufacturing and agriculture, also plays a significant role in the state’s overall energy consumption.

Municipal Utilities in Wisconsin

While most cities, towns, and villages throughout the state of Wisconsin offer municipal essential services like providing clean water, sewage treatment and dealing with waste and storm water, some also offer other services like electricity, natural gas, sanitation or recycling. In Wisconsin, 86 cities offer municipal electricity utility services to their residents.

Largest Electric Companies in Wisconsin

The rest of Wisconsin receives electric utility service from one of many primary providers. Here’s a list of some of the larger providers that might be available to your home:

Wisconsin Natural Gas Information

In Wisconsin, natural gas is the backbone of residential comfort, particularly given the state’s position in the Humid Continental climate region. This geographic setting brings long, subzero winters and high humidity, creating a substantial “heating load” that drives energy consumption. Because natural gas is often more cost-effective and efficient at generating the high-intensity heat required to combat Wisconsin’s deep freezes compared to electric alternatives, it remains the state’s primary energy source for survival and comfort during the “heating season” (October through May).

The reliance on this fuel is significant, approximately 63% to 70% of Wisconsin households utilize natural gas as their primary heating source, serving over 1.8 million homes statewide. On a residential level, natural gas is a dominant force, accounting for roughly 56% of all residential energy use, with the vast majority of that consumption dedicated to space heating. This seasonal demand is so pronounced that natural gas consumption in the residential sector can jump tenfold between the mild summer months and the peak of winter, reflecting just how essential the fuel is to the Badger State’s infrastructure.

Average Natural Gas Price

$1.6 /CCF

Ranks 6th Cheapest in the U.S.

Average Natural Gas Bill

$66 /month

Ranks 7th Cheapest in the U.S.

Natural Gas Usage Per Capita

20th Lowest

Average Per Person: 101.12 MCFs Annually

Largest Natural Gas Companies in Wisconsin

Many of the residents of Wisconsin receive their natural gas utility service from one of the larger companies that service the state.

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Wisconsin Internet Connectivity

Broadband Availability

79.67%

Ranks 7th in the U.S.

Percent of Ppopulation with access to 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload

1 Gig Availability

30.86%

Ranks 14th in the U.S.

Percent of population with access to download speeds of 1 Gbps

Fiber Availability

31.76%

Ranks 15th in the U.S.

Percent of population with access to Fiber Internet

Largest Internet Providers in Wisconsin

When it comes to high-speed internet, homes in Wisconsin have plenty of options to stay connected! From bustling cities to quiet rural areas, a variety of providers offer reliable service across the state. Here are some of the biggest names keeping Wisconsin homes online and in the loop:

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Wisconsin Winter Shut-Off Rules (Winter Moratorium)

Wisconsin law provides critical protection for residents to ensure they stay warm during the coldest months. Under the Winter Moratorium, regulated electric and natural gas utilities are prohibited from disconnecting service to customers between November 1 and April 15 if the service is used for primary heating.

Payment Responsibilities: While you are protected from disconnection, you are still responsible for the cost of the energy you use. It is highly recommended to set up a deferred payment agreement with your provider to avoid a large debt when the moratorium ends.
Safety First: If your heat is currently disconnected, you must contact your utility company immediately to arrange a reconnection plan before the cold weather sets in.
Learn More: Review the full PSC Consumer Bill of Rights for more details on your protections.

How to Set Up or Transfer Your Utilities

Whether you are moving across town or relocating to Wisconsin for the first time, setting up your utilities should be done at least 7 to 10 days before your move-in date.

Steps to Get Connected:

Identify Your Provider: Use the city-by-city table on this page to find out if your new home is served by a municipal utility or a major investor-owned company.
Gather Information: You will typically need to provide your full name, new service address, move-in date, and your Social Security Number for a standard credit check.
Check for Deposits: In Wisconsin, utilities can only charge a security deposit under specific circumstances, such as a history of late payments.
Online Portals: Most major Wisconsin providers allow you to start or transfer service online:

Consumer Rights & Dispute Resolution

As a utility consumer in Wisconsin, you have the right to safe, reliable service and fair billing. If you encounter an issue with your provider—such as a billing error, a meter dispute, or a service quality problem—there is a formal process for resolution.

Step 1: Contact your utility provider’s customer service department directly to attempt a resolution.
Step 2: If the utility does not resolve the issue, contact the Public Service Commission (PSC) of Wisconsin. The PSC is the state agency that regulates utilities and protects consumer interests.
File a Complaint: You can file an informal complaint online through the PSC Consumer Complaint Portal or call their hotline at 1-800-225-7729.

Save Money with Focus on Energy

Wisconsin residents have access to a unique statewide program called Focus on Energy, which partners with local utilities to help homeowners reduce energy waste and lower their monthly bills.

Free Energy Saving Packs: You can request a free "Focus Pack" containing energy-efficient items like LED bulbs, high-efficiency showerheads, and smart power strips. Order your free pack here.
Cash Rebates: If you are upgrading your furnace, water heater, or insulation, you may be eligible for hundreds of dollars in rebates.
Renewable Energy: Focus on Energy also provides incentives for homeowners looking to install solar panels or geothermal heating systems.
Details: View all currently available rewards at FocusOnEnergy.com.

Understanding Wisconsin’s Utility Types

Wisconsin’s utility landscape is made up of three different types of organizations. Knowing which one serves you can help you understand your rates and who to contact for help.

Investor-Owned Utilities (IOUs): Large companies like We Energies and Xcel Energy. These are regulated by the PSC and serve the majority of the state’s urban areas.
Municipal Utilities: Owned and operated by the local city or village (e.g., Sun Prairie Utilities). These are non-profit and often have some of the lowest rates in the state.
Electric Cooperatives: Member-owned organizations that primarily serve rural areas. If you receive power from a "Co-op," you are a member-owner and may receive "capital credits" (refunds) when the co-op has a financial surplus. Find your local co-op through the Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association.

Utility Costs in Wisconsin

The average monthly total utility bills in Wisconsin is $198.69, which is 28.31% lower than the national average.

Average Electric Bill

$112

Lower than national average

Average Natural Gas Bill

$66

Lower than national average

Average Water Bill

$21

Lower than national average

Assistance for Paying Utility Bills in Wisconsin

If you are struggling to keep up with your monthly energy costs, Wisconsin offers several state-funded and charitable programs to help. These services range from one-time annual payments to emergency crisis assistance and energy-saving home improvements.

The Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP)

WHEAP is the primary resource for low-income households in Wisconsin. It provides a one-time payment during the heating season (October 1 to May 15) to help pay for heating and electric costs. In most cases, the benefit is paid directly to your utility provider.

What’s Covered: Heating assistance, non-heating electric assistance, and emergency crisis assistance (if you are disconnected or out of fuel).
How to Apply: You can apply online via the Wisconsin Home Energy Plus Portal or call the Home Energy Plus hotline at 1-866-HEATWIS (432-8947).

Specialized Programs for Veterans

Wisconsin is home to a unique and dedicated resource for veterans known as the Heat and Housing for Heroes campaign. This program is designed to close the gap for veterans who may not qualify for traditional state aid or who need additional support to maintain long-term stability.

Eligibility: Veterans, service members, and their families. You must first apply for WHEAP (even if denied) to be eligible for supplemental help from this campaign.
How to Apply: Visit the Heat for Heroes website or call 1-800-891-9276.

Resources for Seniors

Seniors are a high-priority group for utility assistance in Wisconsin. In addition to WHEAP, older adults can access:

Keep Wisconsin Warm/Cool Fund (KWW/CF): This non-profit charity prioritizes the elderly and people with disabilities. It provides emergency grants to prevent disconnections. Apply at KWWF.org.
Homestead Tax Credit: Low-income seniors (age 62+) may be eligible for a refundable tax credit that helps offset the cost of property taxes or rent (which includes utility costs). Check eligibility with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.
ADRC Support: Each county has an Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) with “Elder Benefit Specialists” who provide free, unbiased help with applying for energy assistance. Find your local center through the Wisconsin DHS ADRC Directory.

Support for Students

While full-time students living in dorms typically do not qualify for state energy aid, those living off-campus with their own utility accounts may be eligible for WHEAP if they meet income requirements. Additionally, most Wisconsin universities offer Emergency Student Grants specifically for utility crises:

UW-Madison: Students can request help through the Office of Student Assistance and Support.
UW-Milwaukee: Offers the UWM Emergency Grant for unexpected financial hardships.
UW-Whitewater: The Warhawk Emergency Fund can cover metered utilities like gas and electric.
Other Schools: If you are a student at a private college or a different UW campus, contact your Dean of Students or Financial Aid Office to ask about emergency utility funds.

Learn more about Setting Up Utilities as a Student

Other Emergency Options

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP): If you qualify for WHEAP, you may also be eligible for free home upgrades (like insulation or furnace repair) to lower your bills permanently. Details are available at Home Energy Plus Weatherization.
Crisis Assistance: If you are facing a “no-heat” situation or an immediate disconnection notice, call your local county’s energy assistance office immediately or the statewide hotline at 1-866-432-8947.