In recent weeks, you may have seen information about Sun Prairie Utilities’ proposed water rate adjustment and Public Service Commission (PSC) hearing. We know rate changes always draw attention, and they should. We work hard to be transparent by notifying our customers of the proposed rate increase, and intentionally exceeding the notification requirements set by the PSC. Sun Prairie Utilities is your community-owned utility, and you deserve to understand how and why we make these requests.
Even with the proposed adjustments, Sun Prairie Utilities’ residential water charges would remain below the Dane County average, reflecting our ongoing commitment to managing costs carefully and planning responsibly for the future.
We never lose sight of what matters most: keeping Sun Prairie’s water system reliable, safe, and sustainable for everyone who depends on it.
The proposed adjustment is driven by two major community investments: our new operations facility on Linnerud Drive and the construction of Well No. 10 near Sun Prairie East High School. Both are needed to maintain the strong, reliable water system that serves homes, schools, and businesses across the city. The new facility consolidates operations, improving efficiency and response times and addresses the future needs of the utility. Well No. 10 will enhance fire protection, add capacity to meet future demand, and even provide educational opportunities for students. In addition to the two major water utility investments, the rates include other capital projects such as water main replacements and operational costs to maintain the existing infrastructure.
To help minimize the immediate impact, the proposed change would take effect in two steps rather than all at once. The first step (Step 1) reflects costs to maintain our water distribution system and includes the new operations facility. For Step 1, 53% of the proposed rates, fund other water infrastructure improvements as well as operation and maintenance of existing infrastructure and 47% of the proposed rates, fund the new operations facility. The second step (Step 2) would take effect once Well No. 10 is completed and in service.
I also want to recognize the size of the proposed increase. These are real dollars that affect real people, and we take this very seriously. We also understand that investing now helps avoid larger, less predictable costs down the road. Our goal is to make steady, well-planned improvements that keep the system strong and protect reliability for decades to come.
Transparency and community engagement are central to how we operate. The PSC is currently reviewing Sun Prairie Utilities’ rate case and will be taking public comment until October 15, 2025. This is an opportunity where customers can share input and their perspectives with the PSC.
You can find details on our website about the proposal and how to participate:
Thank you for your continued trust and engagement as we work to keep your community-owned utility strong, responsive, and ready for the future.
Jill M. Weiss, P.E.
General Manager
Sun Prairie Utilities
Published October 13, 2025.
Update on November 4, 2025 - The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin approved the water rate increase on November 4, 2025, and it went into effect on November 12, 2025.