Mandela Barnes Proposes Utility Rate Freeze and to Build Out Clean Energy in Gubernatorial Platform

Madison, WI – Earlier this week, Mandela Barnes rolled out a proposal to freeze utility rates and increase Wisconsin-made clean energy as part of his plan to tackle rising costs for Wisconsin families. Utility costs are on the rise in red and blue states across the country as Donald Trump and congressional Republicans squeeze supply by taking clean energy options off the grid. 

New polling has found that 84% of voters nationwide are concerned about the cost of electricity, on par with concerns about housing, and only a few points below concerns about groceries and health care. 

Trump and Rep. Tom Tiffany’s reckless policies have driven energy prices through the roof and worsened the affordability crisis, causing household electric bills to surge by as much as 13% nationwide. Their policies are expected to increase Wisconsin families’ annual total energy bills by $95 by 2030 and $300 by 2035. 

Barnes’ plan freezes rates and includes a clean energy plan that will surcharge Wisconsin-made energy by cutting red tape on clean energy projects, invest in battery storage and focus on creating union jobs. It also goes after utility monopolies by stopping them from charging Wisconsinites for shuttered dirty fossil fuel plants. 

Barnes’ announcement signals Wisconsin will be the next state to spotlight this fight and that Democrats see volatile energy prices as one of the resonant issues for voters in 2026.

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Climate Power is a strategic communications organization focused on winning the politics of climate. We use data-backed messages to pave a path for bold action and shine a light on the price of ignoring the climate crisis would cost our health, economy, and future generations. Climate Power is not endorsing candidates running for office in Wisconsin.