Milwaukee Residents Report Higher Heating Bills Amid Colder Weather

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Between colder weather and rising natural gas costs, heating usage has ticked up in Milwaukee so far this winter season, according to the local utility company We Energies. Some customers have reported their heating bills jumping by hundreds of dollars in recent months, and a recent frigid blast in January has led to more complaints of surging utility bills.

Why it matters

Soaring heating costs can put a significant financial strain on Milwaukee residents, especially lower-income households, during the winter months. This issue highlights the challenges many face in keeping their homes warm and affordable as energy prices continue to rise.

The details

We Energies, the main utility provider in the Milwaukee area, has confirmed that colder temperatures and increased natural gas prices have led to higher heating usage and bills for many customers. Some residents told the Journal Sentinel last month that their December heating bills jumped by hundreds of dollars compared to previous years. After a particularly frigid spell in January that saw wind chills plummet to -40°F, more customers have reported similar spikes in their utility costs.

• In December 2025, some We Energies customers reported their heating bills increased by hundreds of dollars.
• In January 2026, a frigid blast led to more complaints of surging utility bills.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The Journal Sentinel is conducting a survey to gather more information from Milwaukee residents on their experiences with higher heating bills this winter.