We Energies, Milwaukee’s monopoly utility, repeatedly puts profits before people.
From driving up energy rates and making our electric and gas bills more expensive, to turning off power to hardworking families and making us sick by building more dirty fossil-fuel-burning plants, We Energies consistently prioritizes shareholders over Wisconsinites.
Milwaukee-area residents and businesses deserve transparency about what they pay for, the reliability of their service and whether We Energies is making fair, responsible choices.
Join your neighbors and friends to learn about what’s happening, share your perspectives and take action together to pressure local leaders to hold We Energies accountable.
Saturday, November 1st: 9:30 a.m. – Noon.
North Division High School, 1011 W Center St, Milwaukee, WI 53206
- 9:30 a.m. – Light breakfast
- 10 a.m. – Main program
- 11:30 a.m. – Noon – Storytelling workshop
Doors Open to the Public
9:30 a.m.
Welcome & Opening Remarks
10:00-10:15 a.m.
Session Speakers:
- Event Emcee: Pastor Teresa Thomas-Boyd, Faith Partnership Consultant, Walnut Way
- Bryan Rogers, Environmental Justice Director, Walnut Way
- Julia Alberth, Health Equity Coordinator, Healthy Climate Wisconsin
Part 1 – History of What Utilities Do on Affordability and Health
10:15-10:35 a.m.
This educational overview will unpack how Wisconsin’s utility systems have shaped energy affordability and health. Through presentations by Dr. John Meurer and Antonio Butts, this session will explore the history of utility and corporate influence and the impact on communities, laying the groundwork for why clean, affordable energy is essential for public health and equity.
Session Speakers:
- John Meurer, MD, MBA, Professor Emeritus of General Pediatrics and Community Health at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, Board Member active in climate and health policy strategic development and advocacy with Healthy Climate Wisconsin
- Antonio Butts, Executive Director, Walnut Way
Part 2 – Where We Are & Impacts on Community
10:35-10:55 a.m.
The human impact of utility decisions will be highlighted through personal stories from two community members affected by high energy costs and inequitable practices. This session will emphasize the power of sharing lived experiences with decision-makers and invite participants to reflect on their own stories, which can be shared in small groups during the optional workshop or submitted to event organizers to strengthen collective advocacy.
Session Speakers:
- Ramona Curry, Resident Ambassador- Community Engagement, Walnut Way
- Keviea Guiden, Energy Burden Organizer, North Side Rising with Citizen Action of Wisconsin
Word of Support
10:55-11:00 a.m.
Session Speaker
- Alderwoman Sharlen Moore
Part 3 – Taking Action Together
11:00-11:20 a.m.
This session will present the call for an audit of We Energies. We’ll gather feedback from a panel of advocates, community leaders, and local officials. Participants will discuss the accountability measures they want to see and explore ways to take action together to advance clean, equitable energy solutions.
Session Speakers and Panelists:
- Kat Klawes, Climate Action Policy Coordinator, Citizen Action of Wisconsin
- Molly Collins, Director of Advocacy, American Lung Association
- Antonio Butts, Walnut Way, Environmental Justice & Infrastructure Initiative (EJII)
Closing
11:20-11:30 a.m.
(Optional) Story Collection Workshop
11:30 a.m. – noon
Session Speaker:
- Kat Klawes, Climate Action Policy Coordinator, Citizen Action of Wisconsin
- Ramona Curry, Resident Ambassador- Community Engagement, Walnut Way