The little-known group that decides your electricity prices

Summary

Podcast Summary:

Podcast: Climate Connections
Episode: The little-known group that decides your electricity prices
Date: April 27, 2026
Host: Dr. Anthony Leiserowitz
Guest: Tom Content (Citizens Utility Board of Wisconsin)

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Episode Overview

This episode demystifies how electricity prices are set in the U.S. and highlights the crucial—but often overlooked—role of state public utility commissions in determining these costs. Dr. Anthony Leiserowitz explores the process with Tom Content, focusing on transparency, the importance of consumer advocacy, and how everyday people can have a say in decisions that shape their energy costs and climate future.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Who Decides Electricity Prices?

• Electricity prices are not set solely by utility companies but overseen by state public utility commissions.
• Utilities must submit proposals to these commissions when seeking to raise rates.
  • [00:01] Dr. Anthony Leiserowitz: “Across much of the US, electricity costs are rising, but you may not know how those prices are determined or that you have a voice in the process.”

2. The Role and Power of Public Utility Commissions

• Commissions are state-appointed regulatory bodies in charge of what people pay for electricity, natural gas, and sometimes water.
• They don’t just set current rates—they help shape the state’s long-term energy trajectory.
  • [00:29] Tom Content: “They are in charge of what you’re paying for electricity, natural gas, and sometimes water. They’re in charge of mapping and setting a course for your state as to what the energy future looks like.”

3. What Factors Drive Rate Decisions?

• Proposed rate increases are analyzed for justification:
  • Causes include higher fuel prices or needed investments in infrastructure.
  • Commissions look at how costs are distributed among residential, commercial, and industrial users.
  • Utility profit margins are scrutinized for fairness.

4. Who Represents the Public?

• Most states have a consumer advocate division or external nonprofits (like the Citizens Utility Board) to defend the interests of ratepayers during commission hearings.
• Example: Tom Content’s organization speaks up for everyday consumers.

5. Opportunities for Public Participation

• Ratepayers can and should make their voices heard.
• Public hearings are accessible venues for expressing support or concern about proposed rate hikes.
  • [01:09] Tom Content: “What we want to see is more people participate in these processes.”
  • Content underscores the tangible impact of public testimony on commissioners’ decisions.

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Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• [00:29] Tom Content: “They are in charge of what you’re paying for electricity, natural gas, and sometimes water. They’re in charge of mapping and setting a course for your state as to what the energy future looks like.”
• [01:09] Tom Content: “What we want to see is more people participate in these processes.”

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:01–00:29 — Setting the stage: Who sets your utility rates?
• 00:29–00:40 — The reach and power of public utility commissions
• 00:40–01:09 — What goes into a rate hike decision; advocacy for consumers
• 01:09–01:13 — The call for public involvement in utility decisions

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Takeaways

• Electricity prices are the result of a public, participatory process—not just corporate decisions.
• State commissions wield significant influence over energy futures and rates.
• Consumer advocates play a crucial role, but direct public input can meaningfully affect outcomes.
• Anyone can have a voice in shaping energy policy by participating in hearings or submitting testimony.

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For more information and tips on participating, visit climateconnections.org.

Transcript

[A]

I'm Dr. Anthony Liesiewicz, and this is Climate Connections. Across much of the US Electricity costs are rising, but you may not know how those prices are determined or that you have a voice in the process. Tom Content is with the Citizens Utility Board of Wisconsin, a nonprofit that advocates for ratepayers. He says to raise rates, utility companies must submit a proposal to a state's public utility commission.

[B]

They are in charge of what you're paying for electricity, natural gas, and sometimes water. They're in charge of mapping and setting a course for your state as to what the energy future looks like.

[A]

The commission evaluates the proposed rate hike and what's driving it, like fuel prices or investments in the grid. They may also examine how rising costs are distributed among residential, commercial, and industrial customers and if the utility's proposed profit margins are reasonable. Most states have a consumer advocate division or a nonprofit like Contents to represent ratepayers during this process. But there are opportunities for ratepayers to weigh in, too. What we want to see

[B]

is more people participate in these processes.

[A]

Content encourages people to attend public hearings and tell the commission what rate hikes will mean for their lives. Climate Connections is produced by the Yale center for Environmental Communication. To learn more about climate change, visit climateconnections.org.