WEC ENERGY GROUP, INC. 10-K

wec-20231231 UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, DC 20549 FORM 10-K (Mark One) ☒ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 OR ☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from ________________ to ___________________ Commission File Number Registrant; State of Incorporation; Address; and Telephone Number IRS Employer Identification No. 001-09057 WEC ENERGY GROUP, INC. 39-1391525 (A Wisconsin Corporation) 231 West Michigan Street P.O. Box 1331 Milwaukee , WI 53201 ( 414 ) 221-2345 Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act : Title of Each Class Trading Symbol(s) Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered Common Stock, $.01 Par Value WEC New York Stock Exchange Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act : None Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☒ No ☐ Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐ No ☒ Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐ Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐ Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. Large accelerated filer ☒ Accelerated filer ☐ Non-accelerated filer ☐ Smaller reporting company ☐ Emerging growth company ☐ If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐ Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report . ☒ If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐ Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant's executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ☐ Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒ The aggregate market value of the common stock of WEC Energy Group, Inc. held by non-affiliates was $ 27.8 billion based upon the reported closing price of such securities as of June 30, 2023. Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date (January 31, 2024): Common Stock, $.01 par value, 315,561,510 shares outstanding Documents incorporated by reference : Portions of WEC Energy Group, Inc.'s Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A for its Annual Meeting of Shareholders, to be held on May 9, 2024, are incorporated by reference into Part III hereof. Table of Contents WEC ENERGY GROUP, INC. ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K For the Year Ended December 31, 2023 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION 1 PART I 4 ITEM 1. BUSINESS 4 A. INTRODUCTION 4 B. UTILITY ENERGY OPERATIONS 4 C. ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION SEGMENT 16 D. NON-UTILITY OPERATIONS 16 E. REGULATION 18 F. ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE 22 G. HUMAN CAPITAL 22 ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS 24 ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS 38 ITEM 1C. CYBERSECURITY 39 ITEM 2. PROPERTIES 41 ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS 44 ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES 44 INFORMATION ABOUT OUR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS 45 PART II 47 ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES 47 ITEM 6. RESERVED 47 ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 48 ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK 83 ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA 84 A. Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 84 B. Consolidated Income Statements 87 C. Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income 88 D. Consolidated Balance Sheets 89 E. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 90 F. Consolidated Statements of Equity 91 G. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 92 Note 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies 92 Note 2 Acquisitions 103 Note 3 Dispositions 105 Note 4 Operating Revenues 106 Note 5 Credit Losses 109 Note 6 Regulatory Assets and Liabilities 111 Note 7 Property, Plant, and Equipment 114 Note 8 Jointly Owned Utility Facilities 115 Note 9 Asset Retirement Obligations 116 Note 10 Goodwill and Intangibles 117 Note 11 Common Equity 118 Note 12 Preferred Stock 121 Note 13 Short-Term Debt and Lines of Credit 121 Note 14 Long-Term Debt 123 Note 15 Leases 125 Note 16 Income Taxes 129 2023 Form 10-K i WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Note 17 Fair Value Measurements 131 Note 18 Derivative Instruments 133 Note 19 Guarantees 134 Note 20 Employee Benefits 134 Note 21 Investment in Transmission Affiliates 139 Note 22 Segment Information 140 Note 23 Variable Interest Entities 143 Note 24 Commitments and Contingencies 144 Note 25 Supplemental Cash Flow Information 151 Note 26 Regulatory Environment 151 Note 27 Other Income, Net 157 Note 28 New Accounting Pronouncements 157 ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE 159 ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES 159 ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION 159 ITEM 9C. DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS 159 PART III 160 ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE OF THE REGISTRANT 160 ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION 160 ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS 160 ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE 161 ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES 161 PART IV 162 ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES 162 ITEM 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY 167 SCHEDULE I — CONDENSED PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 168 A. Income Statements 168 B. Statements of Comprehensive Income 169 C. Balance Sheets 170 D. Statements of Cash Flows 171 E. Notes to Parent Company Financial Statements 172 SCHEDULE II — VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS 175 SIGNATURES 176 2023 Form 10-K ii WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents GLOSSARY OF TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS The abbreviations and terms set forth below are used throughout this report and have the meanings assigned to them below: Subsidiaries and Affiliates ATC American Transmission Company LLC ATC Holdco ATC Holdco LLC ATC Holding ATC Holding LLC Bishop Hill III Bishop Hill Energy III LLC Blooming Grove Blooming Grove Wind Energy Center LLC Bluewater Bluewater Natural Gas Holding, LLC Bluewater Gas Storage Bluewater Gas Storage, LLC Coyote Ridge Coyote Ridge Wind, LLC Integrys Integrys Holding, Inc. Jayhawk Jayhawk Wind, LLC MERC Minnesota Energy Resources Corporation MGU Michigan Gas Utilities Corporation NSG North Shore Gas Company PDL WPS Power Development, LLC PELLC Peoples Energy, LLC PGL The Peoples Gas Light and Coke Company Samson I Samson I Solar Energy Center LLC Sapphire Sky Sapphire Sky Wind Energy LLC Tatanka Ridge Tatanka Ridge Wind, LLC Thunderhead Thunderhead Wind Energy LLC UMERC Upper Michigan Energy Resources Corporation Upstream Upstream Wind Energy LLC WBS WEC Business Services LLC WE Wisconsin Electric Power Company We Power W.E. Power, LLC WEC Energy Group WEC Energy Group, Inc. WECC Wisconsin Energy Capital Corporation WECI WEC Infrastructure LLC WECI Wind Holding I WEC Infrastructure Wind Holding I LLC WECI Wind Holding II WEC Infrastructure Wind Holding II LLC WEPCo Environmental Trust WEPCo Environmental Trust Finance I, LLC WG Wisconsin Gas LLC Wispark Wispark LLC Wisvest Wisvest LLC WPS Wisconsin Public Service Corporation WRPC Wisconsin River Power Company Federal and State Regulatory Agencies Army Corps United States Army Corps of Engineers CBP United States Customs and Border Protection Agency DOC United States Department of Commerce EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency FERC Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ICC Illinois Commerce Commission IRS United States Internal Revenue Service MPSC Michigan Public Service Commission MPUC Minnesota Public Utilities Commission PSCW Public Service Commission of Wisconsin SEC Securities and Exchange Commission WDNR Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources 2023 Form 10-K iii WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Accounting Terms AFUDC Allowance for Funds Used During Construction ARO Asset Retirement Obligation ASC Accounting Standards Codification ASU Accounting Standards Update CWIP Construction Work in Progress FASB Financial Accounting Standards Board GAAP Generally Accepted Accounting Principles LIFO Last-In, First-Out OPEB Other Postretirement Employee Benefits VIE Variable Interest Entity Environmental Terms Act 141 2005 Wisconsin Act 141 BATW Bottom Ash Transport Water BTA Best Technology Available CAA Clean Air Act CASAC Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee CCR Coal Combustion Residual CO 2 Carbon Dioxide CWA Clean Water Act ELG Steam Electric Effluent Limitation Guidelines FGD Flue Gas Desulfurization GHG Greenhouse Gas LDC Local Natural Gas Distribution Company MATS Mercury and Air Toxics Standards NAAQS National Ambient Air Quality Standards NOV Notice of Violation NOx Nitrogen Oxide NSPS New Source Performance Standards PCB Polychlorinated Biphenyl PM Particulate Matter SO 2 Sulfur Dioxide WOTUS Waters of the United States WPDES Wisconsin Pollutant Discharge Elimination System ZLD Zero Liquid Discharge Measurements Bcf Billion Cubic Feet Dth Dekatherm lb/MMBtu Pound Per Million British Thermal Unit MDth One Thousand Dekatherms MW Megawatt MWh Megawatt-hour µg/m3 Micrograms Per Cubic Meter Other Terms and Abbreviations 2007 Junior Notes WEC Energy Group, Inc.'s 2007 Junior Subordinated Notes Due 2067 AMI Advanced Metering Infrastructure AOC Audit and Oversight Committee of the Board of Directors ARR Auction Revenue Right Badger Hollow I Badger Hollow Solar Park I Badger Hollow II Badger Hollow Solar Park II CABO Clean and Affordable Buildings Ordinance CAO Chief Administrative Officer CEO Chief Executive Officer CFR Code of Federal Regulations 2023 Form 10-K iv WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Chicago, IL-IN-WI Chicago, Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin Compensation Committee Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors CSIRT Cybersecurity Incident Response Team D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit Darien Darien Solar Park DER Distributed Energy Resource DRER Dedicated Renewable Energy Resource Enterprise Security Director Director of Enterprise Security & Compliance ERGS Elm Road Generating Station ER 1 Elm Road Generating Station Unit 1 ER 2 Elm Road Generating Station Unit 2 ERSC Enterprise Risk Steering Committee ESG Progress Plan WEC Energy Group's Capital Investment Plan for Efficiency, Sustainability, and Growth for 2024-2028 ETB Environmental Trust Bond EV Electric Vehicle Exchange Act Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended Executive Order 13990 Executive Order 13990 of January 20, 2021 - Protecting Public Health and the Environment and Restoring Science To Tackle the Climate Crisis Forward Wind Forward Wind Energy Center FTR Financial Transmission Right GCRM Gas Cost Recovery Mechanism High Noon High Noon Solar Energy Center Holding Company Act Wisconsin Utility Holding Company Act IRA Inflation Reduction Act IT/OT Information Technology and Operational Technology ITC Investment Tax Credit Koshkonong Koshkonong Solar Park LIBOR London Interbank Offered Rate LMP Locational Marginal Price LNG Liquefied Natural Gas Maple Flats Maple Flats Solar Energy Center MG&E Madison Gas and Electric Company MISO Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc. MISO Energy Markets MISO Energy and Operating Reserves Market MRP Main Replacement Program NYMEX New York Mercantile Exchange OCPP Oak Creek Power Plant Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan WEC Energy Group Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan, Amended and Restated, Effective as of May 6, 2021 Paris Paris Solar-Battery Park PHMSA Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration PIPP Presque Isle Power Plant Point Beach Point Beach Nuclear Power Plant PPA Power Purchase Agreement PSB Public Service Building PTC Production Tax Credit PUHCA 2005 Public Utility Holding Company Act of 2005 PWGS Port Washington Generating Station PWGS 1 Port Washington Generating Station Unit 1 PWGS 2 Port Washington Generating Station Unit 2 QIP Qualifying Infrastructure Plant RCC Replacement Capital Covenant (dated May 11, 2007) REC Renewable Energy Certificate Red Barn Red Barn Wind Park Renegade Renegade Solar Energy Center RICE Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engine 2023 Form 10-K v WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents RNG Renewable Natural Gas ROE Return on Equity RTO Regional Transmission Organization S&P Standard & Poor's SIP State Implementation Plan SMP Safety Modernization Program SOFR Secured Overnight Financing Rate SPP Southwest Power Pool, Inc. SSR System Support Resource Supreme Court United States Supreme Court Tax Legislation Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 TCR Transmission Congestion Right Tilden Tilden Mining Company TPTFA Third-Party Transaction Fee Adjustment Two Creeks Two Creeks Solar Park UEA Uncollectible Expense Adjustment UFLPA Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act VAPP Valley Power Plant West Riverside West Riverside Energy Center Whitewater Whitewater Cogeneration Facility WPL Wisconsin Power and Light Company WRO Withhold Release Order WUA Wisconsin Utilities Association 2023 Form 10-K vi WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION In this report, we make statements concerning our expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, strategies, and future events or performance. These statements are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements may be identified by reference to a future period or periods or by the use of terms such as "anticipates," "believes," "could," "estimates," "expects," "forecasts," "goals," "guidance," "intends," "may," "objectives," "plans," "possible," "potential," "projects," "seeks," "should," "targets," "will," or variations of these terms. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements concerning management's expectations and projections regarding earnings, completion of capital projects, sales and customer growth, rate actions and related filings with regulatory authorities, environmental and other regulations, including associated compliance costs, legal proceedings, dividend payout ratios, effective tax rates, pension and OPEB plans, fuel costs, sources of electric energy supply, coal and natural gas deliveries, remediation costs, climate-related matters, our ESG Progress Plan, liquidity and capital resources, and other matters. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the statements. These risks and uncertainties include those described in Item 1A. Risk Factors and those identified below: • Factors affecting utility and non-utility energy infrastructure operations such as catastrophic weather-related damage, environmental incidents, unplanned facility outages and repairs and maintenance, and electric transmission or natural gas pipeline system constraints; • Factors affecting the demand for electricity and natural gas, including political or regulatory developments, varying, adverse, or unusually severe weather conditions, including those caused by climate change, changes in economic conditions, customer growth and declines, commodity prices, energy conservation efforts, and continued adoption of distributed generation by customers; • The timing, resolution, and impact of rate cases and negotiations, including recovery of deferred and current costs and the ability to earn a reasonable return on investment, and other regulatory decisions impacting our regulated operations; • The impact of federal, state, and local legislative and/or regulatory changes, including changes in rate-setting policies or procedures, the results of recent rate orders, deregulation and restructuring of the electric and/or natural gas utility industries, transmission or distribution system operation, the approval process for new construction, reliability standards, pipeline integrity and safety standards, allocation of energy assistance, energy efficiency mandates, electrification initiatives and other efforts to reduce the use of natural gas, and tax laws, including those that affect our ability to use PTCs and ITCs, as well as changes in the interpretation and/or enforcement of any laws or regulations by regulatory agencies; • Federal, state, and local legislative and regulatory changes relating to the environment, including climate change and other environmental regulations impacting generation facilities and renewable energy standards, the enforcement of these laws and regulations, changes in the interpretation of regulations or permit conditions by regulatory agencies, and the recovery of associated remediation and compliance costs; • The ability to obtain and retain customers, including wholesale customers, due to increased competition in our electric and natural gas markets from retail choice and alternative electric suppliers, and continued industry consolidation; • The timely completion of capital projects within budgets and the ability to recover the related costs through rates; • The impact of changing expectations and demands of our customers, regulators, investors, and other stakeholders, including focus on environmental, social, and governance concerns; • The risk of delays and shortages, and increased costs of equipment, materials, or other resources that are critical to our business operations and corporate strategy, as a result of supply chain disruptions (including disruptions from rail congestion), inflation, and other factors; 2023 Form 10-K 1 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents • The impact of public health crises, including epidemics and pandemics, on our business functions, financial condition, liquidity, and results of operations; • Factors affecting the implementation of our CO 2 emission and/or methane emission reduction goals and opportunities and actions related to those goals, including related regulatory decisions, the cost of materials, supplies, and labor, technology advances, the feasibility of competing generation projects, and our ability to execute our capital plan; • The financial and operational feasibility of taking more aggressive action to further reduce GHG emissions in order to limit future global temperature increases; • The risks associated with inflation and changing commodity prices, including natural gas and electricity; • The availability and cost of sources of natural gas and other fossil fuels, purchased power, materials needed to operate environmental controls at our electric generating facilities, or water supply due to high demand, shortages, transportation problems, nonperformance by electric energy or natural gas suppliers under existing power purchase or natural gas supply contracts, or other developments; • Any impacts on the global economy, including from sanctions, and impacts on supply chains and fuel prices, generally, from ongoing, expanding, or escalating regional conflicts, including those in Ukraine, Israel, and parts of the Middle East; • Changes in credit ratings, interest rates, and our ability to access the capital markets, caused by volatility in the global credit markets, our capitalization structure, and market perceptions of the utility industry, us, or any of our subsidiaries; • Costs and effects of litigation, administrative proceedings, investigations, settlements, claims, and inquiries; • The direct or indirect effect on our business resulting from terrorist or other physical attacks and cybersecurity intrusions, as well as the threat of such incidents, including the failure to maintain the security of personally identifiable information, the associated costs to protect our utility assets, technology systems, and personal information, and the costs to notify affected persons to mitigate their information security concerns and to comply with state notification laws; • Restrictions imposed by various financing arrangements and regulatory requirements on the ability of our subsidiaries to transfer funds to us in the form of cash dividends, loans or advances, that could prevent us from paying our common stock dividends, taxes, and other expenses, and meeting our debt obligations; • The risk of financial loss, including increases in bad debt expense, associated with the inability of our customers, counterparties, and affiliates to meet their obligations; • Changes in the creditworthiness of the counterparties with whom we have contractual arrangements, including participants in the energy trading markets and fuel suppliers and transporters; • The financial performance of ATC and its corresponding contribution to our earnings; • The investment performance of our employee benefit plan assets, as well as unanticipated changes in related actuarial assumptions, which could impact future funding requirements; • Factors affecting the employee workforce, including loss of key personnel, internal restructuring, work stoppages, and collective bargaining agreements and negotiations with union employees; • Advances in technology, and related legislation or regulation supporting the use of that technology, that result in competitive disadvantages and create the potential for impairment of existing assets; • Risks related to our non-utility renewable energy facilities, including unfavorable weather, changes in the financial performance and/or creditworthiness of counterparties to the off-take agreements, changes in demand based on lower prices for alternative energy sources, the ability to replace expiring PPAs under acceptable terms, risks of rights related to property on which our projects are located but we do not own, the availability of reliable interconnection and electricity grids, and exposure to the rules and procedures of the power markets in which these facilities are located; 2023 Form 10-K 2 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents • The risk associated with the values of goodwill and other long-lived assets, including intangible assets, and equity method investments, including the current impairment of capital costs in Illinois; and possible future impairments of other assets; • Potential business strategies to acquire and dispose of assets or businesses, or portions thereof, which cannot be assured to be completed timely or within budgets, and legislative or regulatory restrictions or caps on non-utility acquisitions, investments or projects, including the State of Wisconsin's public utility holding company law; • The timing and outcome of any audits, disputes, and other proceedings related to taxes; • The effect of accounting pronouncements issued periodically by standard-setting bodies; and • Other considerations disclosed elsewhere herein and in other reports we file with the SEC or in other publicly disseminated written documents. Except as may be required by law, we expressly disclaim any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. 2023 Form 10-K 3 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents PART I ITEM 1. BUSINESS A. INTRODUCTION In this report, when we refer to "WEC Energy Group," "the Company," "us," "we," "our," or "ours," we are referring to WEC Energy Group, Inc. and all of its subsidiaries. The term "utility" refers to the regulated activities of the electric and natural gas utility companies, while the term "non-utility" refers to the activities of the electric and natural gas companies that are not regulated, as well as We Power and Bluewater. The term "nonregulated" refers to activities at WECI, which holds interests in several renewable generating facilities, WEC Energy Group holding company, the Integrys holding company, the PELLC holding company, Wispark, Wisvest, WECC, WBS, and PDL. References to "Notes" are to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. For more information about our business operations, see Note 22, Segment Information, and Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Results of Operations. For information about our business strategy, see Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Corporate Developments. WEC Energy Group, Inc. We were incorporated in the state of Wisconsin in 1981 and became a diversified holding company in 1986. We maintain our principal executive offices in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. On June 29, 2015, we acquired 100% of the outstanding common shares of Integrys and changed our name to WEC Energy Group, Inc. Our wholly owned subsidiaries provide or invest in regulated natural gas and electricity, and renewable energy, as well as nonregulated renewable energy. We have an approximately 60% equity interest in ATC (an electric transmission company operating in Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin). At December 31, 2023, we had six reportable segments, which are discussed below. For additional information about our reportable segments, see Note 22, Segment Information. Available Information Our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to those reports are made available on our website, www.wecenergygroup.com, free of charge, as soon as reasonably practicable after they are filed with or furnished to the SEC. The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC at www.sec.gov. Investors should note that WEC Energy Group announces material financial information in SEC filings, press releases, and public conference calls. In accordance with SEC guidelines, WEC Energy Group also uses the "Investors" tab on its website, www.wecenergygroup.com, to communicate with investors. It is possible that the financial and other information posted there could be deemed material information. The information on WEC Energy Group's website is not part of this document. B. UTILITY ENERGY OPERATIONS Wisconsin Segment The Wisconsin segment includes the electric and natural gas utility operations of WE, WPS, WG, and UMERC. Electric Utility Operations Our electric utility operations include the operations of WE, WPS, and UMERC. • WE generates and distributes electric energy to customers located in southeastern Wisconsin (including the metropolitan Milwaukee area), east central Wisconsin, and northern Wisconsin. • WPS generates and distributes electric energy to customers located in northeastern and central Wisconsin. 2023 Form 10-K 4 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents • UMERC generates and distributes electric energy to customers, including one iron ore mine owned by Tilden, located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Operating Revenues For information about our operating revenues disaggregated by customer class for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, see Note 1(d), Operating Revenues, and Note 4, Operating Revenues. Electric Sales Our electric energy deliveries included supply and distribution sales to retail, wholesale, and resale customers, and distribution sales to those customers who switched to an alternative electric supplier in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. In 2023, retail revenues accounted for 92.9% of total electric operating revenues, wholesale revenues accounted for 2.4% of total electric operating revenues, and resale revenues accounted for 3.9% of total electric operating revenues. See Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Results of Operations – Wisconsin Segment Contribution to Net Income Attributed to Common Shareholders for information on MWh sales by customer class. Our electric utilities are authorized to provide retail electric service in designated territories in the state of Wisconsin, as established by indeterminate permits and boundary agreements with other utilities, and in certain territories in the state of Michigan pursuant to franchises granted by municipalities. We provide wholesale electric service to various customers, including electric cooperatives, municipal joint action agencies, other investor-owned utilities, municipal utilities, and energy marketers. The majority of our sales for resale are sold into an energy market operated by MISO at market rates based on the availability of our generation and market demand. Retail fuel costs are reduced by the amount that revenue exceeds the cost of sales derived from these opportunity sales. Our electric utilities buy and sell electric power by participating in the MISO Energy Markets. The cost of our individual generation offered into the MISO Energy Markets compared to our competitors affects how often our generating units are dispatched and whether we buy or sell power. For more information on the MISO Energy Markets, see E. Regulation. Steam Sales WE has a steam utility that generates, distributes, and sells steam supplied by the VAPP to customers in metropolitan Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Steam is used by customers for processing, space heating, domestic hot water, and humidification. Annual sales of steam fluctuate from year to year based on system growth and variations in weather conditions. Electric Sales Forecast Our service territory experienced slightly lower weather-normalized retail electric sales in 2023, compared with 2022, due to lower sales to large commercial and industrial customers. We currently forecast retail electric sales volumes, excluding the Tilden mine located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, to remain relatively flat for 2024, assuming normal weather. Customers Year Ended December 31 (in thousands) 2023 2022 2021 Electric customers – end of year Residential 1,487.9 1,471.4 1,460.4 Small commercial and industrial 179.0 176.9 175.8 Large commercial and industrial 0.8 0.9 0.8 Wholesale and other 1.6 1.6 1.6 Total electric customers – end of year 1,669.3 1,650.8 1,638.6 Steam customers – end of year 0.4 0.4 0.4 2023 Form 10-K 5 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Electric Commercial and Industrial Retail Customers We provide electric utility service to a diversified base of customers in industries such as metals and other manufacturing, paper, governmental, food products, and health services. Electric Generation and Supply Mix Our electric supply strategy is to provide our customers with energy from a diverse generation portfolio that is expected to balance a stable, reliable, and affordable supply of electricity with environmental stewardship. Through our participation in the MISO Energy Markets, we supply a significant amount of electricity to our customers from generation that we own. We supplement our internally generated power supply with long-term PPAs, including the Point Beach PPA discussed under the heading "Power Purchase Commitments," and through spot purchases in the MISO Energy Markets. We also sell excess power supply into the MISO Energy Markets when it is economical, which reduces net fuel costs by offsetting costs of purchased power. All options, including owned generation resources and purchased power opportunities, are continually evaluated on a real time basis to select and dispatch the lowest-cost resources available to meet system load requirements. The table below indicates our sources of electric energy supply as a percentage of sales for the three years ended December 31, as well as estimates for 2024: Estimate (1) Actual 2024 2023 2022 2021 Company-owned generation: Coal 27.7 % 29.0 % 29.4 % 35.5 % Natural gas: Combined cycle 30.8 % 28.7 % 27.2 % 24.6 % Steam turbine 0.7 % 0.9 % 1.0 % 0.8 % Natural gas/oil peaking units 6.8 % 5.5 % 3.7 % 3.1 % Renewables (2) 7.0 % 5.5 % 5.8 % 4.8 % Total company-owned generation 73.0 % 69.6 % 67.1 % 68.8 % Power purchase contracts: Nuclear 19.7 % 20.1 % 19.8 % 19.0 % Natural gas — % — % 2.2 % 1.9 % Renewables (2) 1.8 % 2.0 % 1.9 % 1.9 % Other — % 0.1 % 0.2 % 0.1 % Total power purchase contracts 21.5 % 22.2 % 24.1 % 22.9 % Purchased power from MISO 5.5 % 8.2 % 8.8 % 8.3 % Total purchased power 27.0 % 30.4 % 32.9 % 31.2 % Total electric utility supply 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % (1) The values included in the estimate assume a natural gas price based on the December 2023 NYMEX. (2) Includes hydroelectric, biomass, solar, and wind generation. Electric Generation Facilities Our generation portfolio is a mix of energy resources having different operating characteristics and fuel sources designed to balance providing energy that is stable, reliable, and affordable with environmental stewardship. We own 8,337 MWs of generation capacity, including wholly owned and jointly owned facilities. We Power's generating units are also included in the generation capacity. Our facilities include natural gas-fired plants, coal-fired plants, and renewable generation. Certain of our natural gas-fired generation units have the ability to burn oil if natural gas is not available due to delivery constraints. For more information about our facilities, see Item 2. Properties. Environmental Goals We have announced goals to achieve reductions in carbon emissions from our electric generation fleet by 60% by the end of 2025 and by 80% by the end of 2030, both from a 2005 baseline. As of the end of 2023, our electric generation fleet has achieved a 54% reduction in carbon emissions from the 2005 baseline. We expect to achieve these goals by continuing to make operating 2023 Form 10-K 6 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents refinements, retiring less efficient generating units, and executing our capital plan. Over the longer term, the target for our generation fleet is to be net carbon neutral by 2050. As part of our path toward these goals, we have started implementing co-firing with natural gas at the ERGS coal-fired units. By the end of 2030, we expect to use coal as a backup fuel only, and we believe we will be in a position to eliminate coal as an energy source by the end of 2032. Creating a Sustainable Future Our ESG Progress Plan includes the retirement of older, fossil-fueled generation, to be replaced with zero-carbon-emitting renewables and clean natural gas-fired generation. The retirements will contribute to meeting our goals to reduce CO 2 emissions from our electric generation. When taken together, the retirements and new investments in renewables and clean generation discussed in more detail below, should better balance our supply with our demand, while maintaining reliable, affordable energy for our customers. We already have retired more than 1,900 MWs of coal-fired generation since the beginning of 2018, which included the 2019 retirement of the PIPP as well as the 2018 retirements of the Pleasant Prairie power plant, the Pulliam power plant, and the jointly-owned Edgewater Unit 4 generating units. See Note 6, Regulatory Assets and Liabilities, for more information related to these power plant retirements. We expect to retire approximately 1,800 MWs of additional fossil-fueled generation by the end of 2031, which includes the planned retirement in 2024-2025 of OCPP Units 5-8, the planned retirement by June 2026 of jointly-owned Columbia Units 1 and 2, and the planned retirement in 2031 of Weston Unit 3. See Note 7, Property, Plant, and Equipment, for more information. See Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Corporate Developments for more information on the ESG Progress Plan. Also see Item 1A. Risk Factors - Risks Related to Legislation and Regulation - Our operations, capital expenditures, and financial results may be affected by the impact of GHG gas legislation, regulation, and emission reduction goals. Renewable Generation Our electric utilities meet a portion of their electric generation supply with various renewable energy resources, including wind, solar, hydroelectric, and biomass. This helps our electric utilities work towards our goals of reducing carbon emissions while also maintaining compliance with renewable energy legislation. These renewable energy resources also help us maintain diversity in our generation portfolio, which effectively serves as a price hedge against future fuel costs, and will help mitigate the risk of potential unknown costs associated with any future carbon restrictions for electric generators. In December 2018, WE received approval from the PSCW for the DRER pilot program, a program designed to allow large commercial and industrial customers to access renewable resources that WE would operate. The DRER pilot is intended to help these larger customers meet their sustainability and renewable energy goals and could add up to 35 MWs of renewables to WE's portfolio. In addition, in July 2023, the PSCW approved the Renewable Pathway Pilot, which allows WE and WPS commercial and industrial customers to subscribe to a portion of a utility-scale, Wisconsin-based renewable energy generating facility for up to 125 MWs at WE and 40 MWs at WPS. Wind In April 2023, WPS, along with an unaffiliated utility, completed the acquisition of Red Barn, a commercially operational utility-scale wind-powered electric generating facility. The project is located in Grant County, Wisconsin, and WPS owns 82 MWs of this project. Solar and Battery Storage In December 2023, the construction of Badger Hollow II located in Iowa County, Wisconsin was completed, and the facility became commercially operational. Badger Hollow II is owned by WE and an unaffiliated utility, with WE owning 100 MWs of the facility. 2023 Form 10-K 7 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents As part of our commitment to invest in additional zero-carbon generation within our Wisconsin segment, we have filed requests to acquire and construct 370 MWs of additional projects, including the following: • In February 2024, WE and WPS, along with an unaffiliated utility, filed a request with the PSCW to acquire and construct High Noon, a utility-scale solar-powered electric generating facility. The project will be located in Columbia County, Wisconsin and once fully constructed, WE and WPS will collectively own 270 MWs of solar generation of this project. The construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. • In December 2023, UMERC filed a request with the MPSC to acquire and construct Renegade, a utility-scale solar-powered electric generating facility. The project will be located in Delta County, Michigan and once fully constructed UMERC will own 100 MWs of solar generation. The construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. We have also received approvals from the PSCW to invest in 809 MWs of additional projects currently in construction, including the following: • In April 2023, WE and WPS, along with an unaffiliated utility, received PSCW approval to acquire Koshkonong, a utility-scale solar-powered electric generating facility. The project will be located in Dane County, Wisconsin and once fully constructed, WE and WPS will collectively own 270 MWs of solar generation. The construction is expected to be completed in 2026. • In December 2022, WE and WPS, along with an unaffiliated utility, received PSCW approval to acquire and construct Darien, a utility-scale solar-powered electric generating facility. The project will be located in Rock and Walworth counties, Wisconsin and once fully constructed, WE and WPS will collectively own 225 MWs of solar generation. The construction is expected to be completed in 2024. • In January 2022, WE and WPS, along with an unaffiliated utility, received PSCW approval to acquire and construct Paris, a utility-scale solar-powered electric generating facility with a battery energy storage system. The project will be located in Kenosha County, Wisconsin and once fully constructed, WE and WPS will collectively own 180 MWs of solar generation and 99 MWs of battery storage of this project. The construction of the solar portion and battery storage is expected to be completed in 2024 and 2025, respectively. • In December 2018, WE received approval from the PSCW for the Solar Now pilot program, which is expected to add a total of 35 MWs of solar generation to WE's portfolio, allowing non-profit and government entities, as well as commercial and industrial customers, to site utility owned solar arrays on their property. Under this program, WE has energized 28 Solar Now projects and currently has another one under construction, together totaling more than 30 MWs. WE and WPS actively review and pursue distribution system interconnected solar projects. WE and WPS partner with proven developers to identify and purchase cost effective solar projects for our customers. These projects are typically ground-mounted modules in the range of 5-10 MWs and are connected to the WE or WPS distribution systems, as applicable. Currently, WE has 30 MWs of distribution connected projects under contract, which are estimated to go in-service in 2024. Natural Gas-Fired Generation In July 2023, WE and WPS completed construction of seven natural gas-fired generation RICE units with a rated capacity of 130 MWs at WPS's Weston power plant site. In June 2023, WE completed the acquisition of 100 MWs of West Riverside's nameplate capacity, in the first of two potential option exercises. West Riverside is a commercially operational dual fueled combined cycle generation facility in Beloit, Wisconsin, and is operated by an unaffiliated utility. In addition, WPS filed a request with the PSCW in September 2023 to exercise a second option to acquire an additional 100 MWs of West Riverside's nameplate capacity. As it did with the first option, in October 2023, WPS filed for approval to assign its ownership interest pursuant to this second option to WE , with the transaction expected to close in 2024. In January 2023, WE and WPS completed the acquisition of Whitewater, a commercially operational dual fueled combined cycle generation facility in Whitewater, Wisconsin with a rated capacity of 242.8 MWs. 2023 Form 10-K 8 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Other Sustainability Programs In August 2021, the PSCW approved pilot programs for WE and WPS to install and maintain EV charging equipment for customers at their homes or businesses. The programs provide direct benefits to customers by removing cost barriers associated with installing EV equipment. In October 2021, subject to the receipt of any necessary regulatory approvals, we pledged to expand the EV charging network within the service territories of our electric utilities. In doing so, we joined a coalition of utility companies in a unified effort to make EV charging convenient and widely available throughout the Midwest. The coalition we joined is planning to help build and grow EV charging corridors, enabling the general public to safely and efficiently charge their vehicles. Electric System Reliability The PSCW requires us to maintain a planning reserve margin above our projected annual peak demand forecast to help ensure reliability of electric service to our customers. These planning reserve requirements are consistent with the MISO calculated planning reserve margin. In 2008, the PSCW established a 14.5% reserve margin requirement for long-term planning (planning years two through ten). For short-term planning (planning year one), the PSCW requires Wisconsin utilities to follow the planning reserve margin established by MISO. MISO implemented seasonal requirements effective June 1, 2023. The installed capacity reserve margins for the planning year June 1, 2024 through May 31, 2025 are as follows: 16.6% summer (June – August); 26.6% fall (September – November); 41.1% winter (December – February); and 39.5% spring (March – May). MISO's short-term reserve margin requirements experience year-to-year and season-to-season fluctuations, primarily due to changes in the generation resource mix and average forced outage rate of generation within the MISO footprint. Michigan legislation requires all electric providers to annually demonstrate to the MPSC that they have adequate resources to serve the anticipated needs of their customers for a minimum of four consecutive planning years beginning in the upcoming planning year June 1, 2024, through May 31, 2025. The MPSC has established future planning reserve margin requirements based on the same study conducted by MISO that determines the short-term reserve margin requirements. In both our Wisconsin and Michigan jurisdictions, we believe that we have adequate capacity through company-owned generation units and power purchase contracts to meet the MISO calculated planning reserve margin during the current planning year. We also fully anticipate that we will have adequate capacity to meet the planning reserve margin requirements for the upcoming planning year in both jurisdictions. Fuel and Purchased Power Costs Our retail electric rates in Wisconsin are established by the PSCW and include base amounts for fuel and purchased power costs. The electric fuel rules set by the PSCW generally allow us to defer, for subsequent rate recovery or refund, under- or over-collections of actual fuel and purchased power costs beyond a 2% price variance from the costs included in the rates charged to customers. Prudently incurred fuel and purchased power costs are recovered dollar-for-dollar from our Michigan retail electric customers. For more information about the fuel rules, see E. Regulation. Our average fuel and purchased power costs per MWh by fuel type, including delivery costs, were as follows for the years ended December 31: 2023 2022 2021 Coal $ 25.80 $ 25.37 $ 21.06 Natural gas combined cycle 30.41 42.11 24.55 Natural gas/oil peaking units 56.41 90.22 76.96 Biomass 87.73 78.42 86.24 Purchased power 53.90 58.78 50.88 WE and WPS purchase coal under long-term contracts, which helps with price stability. Coal and associated transportation services are exposed to volatility in pricing due to changing domestic and world-wide demand for coal and diesel fuel. To mitigate against this volatility risk, WE and WPS have PSCW approval for a hedging program. This program allows them to hedge, over a 60-month period, up to 75% of their potential risks related to rail transportation fuel surcharge exposure. The results of this hedging program, when used, are reflected in the average costs of fuel and purchased power. 2023 Form 10-K 9 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents We purchase natural gas for our plants on the spot market from natural gas marketers, utilities, and producers, and we arrange for transportation of the natural gas to our plants. We have firm and interruptible transportation, as well as balancing and storage agreements, intended to support our plants' variable usage. WE and WPS also have PSCW approval for a hedging program to mitigate against volatility related to natural gas price risk. This program allows them to hedge, over a 60-month period, up to 75% of their estimated natural gas use for electric generation. The results of this hedging program are reflected in the average costs of natural gas. Coal Supply We diversify the coal supply for our electric generating facilities and jointly-owned plants by purchasing coal from several mines in Wyoming and Pennsylvania, as well as from various other states. For 2024, 100% of our total projected coal requirements of 7.1 million tons are contracted under fixed-price contracts. See Note 24, Commitments and Contingencies, for more information on amounts of coal purchases and coal deliveries under contract. The annual tonnage amounts contracted for the next three years are as follows. (in thousands) Annual Tonnage 2024 9,275 (1) 2025 3,750 2026 1,400 (1) Coal contracts exceed the total projected requirement due to prior year delivery constraints and forecasted lower operating hours. Coal Deliveries All of our coal requirements are expected to be shipped by unit trains that we own or lease under existing transportation agreements. The unit trains transport the coal for electric generating facilities from mines in Wyoming and Pennsylvania. Additional small volume agreements may also be used to supplement the normal coal supply for our facilities. For additional information concerning risks related to coal supply chain disruptions, see the risk factor below. • Item 1A. Risk Factors – Risks Related to Economic and Market Volatility – We may not be able to obtain an adequate supply of coal, which could limit our ability to operate our coal-fired facilities. Power Purchase Commitments We enter into short- and long-term power purchase commitments to meet a portion of our anticipated electric energy supply needs. Excluding planning capacity purchases, our power purchase commitments with unaffiliated parties consist of 1,133 MWs per year for 2024 through 2028. This amount includes 1,033 MWs per year related to a long-term PPA for electricity generated by Point Beach. To procure additional planning capacity, we purchase capacity from the MISO annual auction to ensure that we maintain our compliance with planning reserve requirements as established by the PSCW, MPSC, and MISO. Natural Gas Utility Operations WE, WPS, and WG are authorized to provide retail natural gas distribution service in designated territories in the state of Wisconsin, as established by indeterminate permits and boundary agreements with other utilities. Our Wisconsin natural gas utilities operate throughout the state of Wisconsin, including the City of Milwaukee and surrounding areas, northeastern Wisconsin, and in large areas of both central and western Wisconsin. In addition, UMERC is authorized to provide retail natural gas distribution service in designated territories in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Our Wisconsin segment natural gas utilities provide service to residential and commercial and industrial customers. In addition, our Wisconsin segment offers natural gas transportation services to our customers that elect to purchase natural gas directly from a third-party supplier. Major industries served include real estate, food products, governmental, restaurants, and paper. See Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Results of Operations – Wisconsin Segment Contribution to Net Income Attributed to Common Shareholders for information on natural gas sales volumes by customer class in Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. 2023 Form 10-K 10 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Operating Revenues For information about our operating revenues disaggregated by customer class for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, see Note 1(d), Operating Revenues, and Note 4, Operating Revenues. Natural Gas Sales Forecast Our combined Wisconsin service territories experienced lower weather-normalized retail natural gas deliveries (excluding natural gas deliveries for electric generation) in 2023 as compared to 2022. We currently forecast retail natural gas delivery volumes to grow 0.8% in 2024, assuming normal weather. Customers Year Ended December 31 (in thousands) 2023 2022 2021 Customers – end of year Residential 1,381.7 1,365.5 1,353.2 Commercial and industrial 134.8 132.8 131.8 Transportation 3.5 3.5 3.5 Total customers 1,520.0 1,501.8 1,488.5 Natural Gas Supply, Pipeline Capacity and Storage We manage portfolios of natural gas supply contracts, storage services, and pipeline transportation services designed to meet varying customer use patterns. For more information on our natural gas utility supply and transportation contracts, see Note 24, Commitments and Contingencies. Pipeline Capacity and Storage The interstate pipelines serving Wisconsin access supply from natural gas producing areas in the Southern and Eastern United States, along with western Canada. We have contracted for long-term firm capacity from a number of these sources. This strategy reflects management's belief that overall supply security is enhanced by geographic diversification of the supply portfolio. Due to variations in natural gas usage in Wisconsin, our Wisconsin natural gas utilities have also contracted for substantial underground storage capacity, primarily in Michigan. WE, WPS, and WG have entered into long-term service agreements for approximately 99% of a wholly owned subsidiary of Bluewater's natural gas storage. Bluewater owns natural gas storage facilities in Michigan and provides approximately one-third of the current storage needs for our Wisconsin natural gas utilities. We target storage inventory levels at approximately 40% of forecasted demand for November through March. Diversity of natural gas supply enables us to manage significant changes in demand and to optimize our overall natural gas supply and capacity costs. We generally inject natural gas into storage during the spring and summer months and withdraw it in the winter months. We hold daily transportation and storage capacity entitlements with interstate pipeline companies as well as other service providers under varied-length long-term contracts. Natural gas pipeline capacity and storage and natural gas supplies under contract can be resold in secondary markets. Peak or near-peak demand generally occurs only a few times each year. The secondary markets facilitate utilization of capacity and supply during times when the contracted capacity and supply are in excess of utility demand. The proceeds from these transactions are passed through to customers, subject to our approved GCRMs. For information on the GCRMs, see Note 1(d), Operating Revenues. To ensure a reliable supply of natural gas during peak winter conditions, we have LNG and propane facilities located within our distribution system. These facilities are typically utilized during extreme demand conditions to ensure reliable supply to our customers. WE recently finished construction of an LNG facility that was placed into service in November 2023, which provides approximately one Bcf of natural gas supply. In addition to its existing facilities, WG is constructing an additional LNG facility, which will provide approximately one Bcf of natural gas supply. Commercial operation of the WG LNG facility is targeted for 2024. The use of LNG allows us to meet anticipated peak demand without requiring the construction of additional interstate pipeline capacity. 2023 Form 10-K 11 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Combined with our storage capability, management believes that the volume of natural gas under contract is sufficient to meet our forecasted firm peak-day and seasonal demand. Our Wisconsin segment natural gas utilities' forecasted design peak-day throughput is 36.7 million therms for the 2023 through 2024 heating season. Our Wisconsin segment natural gas utilities' peak daily send-out during 2023 was 22.9 million therms on January 31, 2023. Natural Gas Supply Our natural gas supply requirements are met through a combination of fixed-price purchases, index-priced purchases, storage, peak-shaving facilities, and natural gas supply call options. We contract for fixed-term firm natural gas supply each year to meet the demand of firm system sales customers. To supplement natural gas supply and manage risk, we purchase additional natural gas supply on the monthly and daily spot markets. Hedging Natural Gas Supply Prices As part of their hedging programs, our Wisconsin utilities further reduce their supply cost volatility through the use of a mix of financial instruments, such as NYMEX-based natural gas options and futures contracts. WE, WPS, and WG have PSCW approval to hedge up to 60% of planned winter demand and up to 15% of planned summer demand. These approvals allow these companies to pass 100% of the hedging costs (premiums, brokerage fees, and losses) and proceeds (gains) to customers through their respective GCRMs. Illinois Segment Our Illinois segment includes the natural gas utility operations of PGL and NSG. Our customers are located in Chicago and the northern suburbs of Chicago. PGL and NSG provide service to residential and commercial and industrial customers. In addition, PGL and NSG offer natural gas transportation services to our customers that elect to purchase natural gas directly from a third-party supplier. Major industries served include real estate, education, non-profits, wholesale distributors, and food manufacturing. See Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Results of Operations – Illinois Segment Contribution to Net Income Attributed to Common Shareholders for information on natural gas sales volumes by customer class. Operating Revenues For information about our operating revenues disaggregated by customer class for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, see Note 1(d), Operating Revenues, and Note 4, Operating Revenues. Customers Year Ended December 31 (in thousands) 2023 2022 2021 Customers – end of year Residential 922.9 910.9 904.5 Commercial and industrial 71.3 71.1 71.5 Transportation 62.0 66.4 68.3 Total customers 1,056.2 1,048.4 1,044.3 Natural Gas Supply, Pipeline Capacity, and Storage We manage portfolios of natural gas supply contracts, storage services, and pipeline transportation services designed to meet varying customer use patterns. For more information on our natural gas utility supply and transportation contracts, see Note 24, Commitments and Contingencies. 2023 Form 10-K 12 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Pipeline Capacity and Storage The interstate pipelines serving Illinois access supply from natural gas producing areas in the Southern and Eastern United States, along with western Canada. We have contracted for long-term firm capacity from a number of these sources. This strategy reflects management's belief that overall supply security is enhanced by geographic diversification of the supply portfolio. We own a 38.8 Bcf storage field (Manlove Field in central Illinois) and contract with various other underground storage service providers for additional storage services. Storage allows us to manage significant changes in daily natural gas demand and to purchase steady levels of natural gas on a year-round basis, which provides a hedge against supply cost volatility. We also own a natural gas pipeline system that connects Manlove Field to Chicago and nine major interstate pipelines. These assets are directed primarily to serving rate-regulated retail customers and are included in our regulatory rate base. We also use a portion of these company-owned storage and pipeline assets as a natural gas hub, which consists of providing transportation and storage services in interstate commerce to our wholesale customers. Customers deliver natural gas to us for storage through an injection into the storage reservoir, and we return the natural gas to the customers under an agreed schedule through a withdrawal from the storage reservoir. Title to the natural gas does not transfer to us. We recognize service fees associated with the natural gas hub services provided to wholesale customers. These service fees reduce the cost of natural gas and services charged to retail customers in rates. Natural gas pipeline capacity and storage and natural gas supplies under contract can be resold in secondary markets. Peak or near-peak demand generally occurs only a few times each year. The secondary markets facilitate utilization of capacity and supply during times when the contracted capacity and supply are in excess of utility demand. The proceeds from these transactions are passed through to customers, subject to our approved GCRMs. For information on the GCRMs, see Note 1(d), Operating Revenues. Combined with our storage capability, management believes that the volume of natural gas under contract is sufficient to meet our forecasted firm peak-day and seasonal demand. Our Illinois utilities' forecasted design peak-day throughput is 25.4 million therms for the 2023 through 2024 heating season. Our Illinois utilities' peak daily send-out during 2023 was 15.9 million therms on January 31, 2023. Natural Gas Supply Our natural gas supply requirements are met through a combination of fixed-price purchases, index-priced purchases, storage, peak-shaving facilities, and natural gas supply call options. We contract for fixed-term firm natural gas supply each year to meet the demand of firm system sales customers. To supplement natural gas supply and manage risk, we purchase additional natural gas supply on the monthly and daily spot markets. Hedging Natural Gas Supply Prices As part of their hedging programs, our Illinois utilities further reduce their supply cost volatility through the use of a mix of financial instruments, such as NYMEX-based natural gas options and futures contracts. Their hedging programs are reviewed by the ICC as part of the annual purchased gas adjustment reconciliation. They hedge between 25% and 50% of natural gas purchases, with a target of 37.5%. Natural Gas System Modernization Program During 2023, PGL continued work on the SMP, a project to replace approximately 2,000 miles of Chicago's aging natural gas pipeline infrastructure that began in 2011. Prior to December 1, 2023, PGL recovered these costs through a surcharge on customer bills pursuant to an ICC approved QIP rider. Beginning December 1, 2023, recovery of SMP costs are included in PGL's base rates. As part of the ICC's November 16, 2023 rate order issued in PGL's rate case, the ICC ordered PGL to pause spending on its SMP until the ICC has a proceeding to determine the optimal method of pipeline replacement and a prudent investment level. The ICC initiated the proceeding on January 31, 2024, and the proceeding is expected to last twelve months. PGL and NSG subsequently filed an application for rehearing with the ICC requesting reconsideration of various issues in the ICC's November 16, 2023 written orders. On January 3, 2024, the ICC granted PGL and NSG a limited-scope rehearing, which includes the authorized spending for the completion of SMP projects that started in 2023 and the authorized spending for emergency repairs needed to ensure the safety and reliability of our delivery system. 2023 Form 10-K 13 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents For information on regulatory proceedings related to the SMP and future recovery of SMP costs, see Note 26, Regulatory Environment, and Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Factors Affecting Results, Liquidity, and Capital Resources – Regulatory, Legislative, and Legal Matters – Future Illinois Proceedings. Other States Segment Our other states segment includes the natural gas utility operations of MERC and MGU and the non-utility operations of MERC related to servicing appliances for customers. MERC serves customers in various cities and communities throughout Minnesota, and MGU serves customers in southern and western Michigan. MERC and MGU provide service to residential and commercial and industrial customers. In addition, MERC and MGU offer natural gas transportation services to our customers that elect to purchase natural gas directly from a third-party supplier. Major industries served include education, wholesale distributors, real estate, non-profits, and restaurants. See Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Results of Operations – Other States Segment Contribution to Net Income Attributed to Common Shareholders for information on natural gas sales volumes by customer class. Operating Revenues For information about our operating revenues disaggregated by customer class for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, see Note 1(d), Operating Revenues, and Note 4, Operating Revenues. Customers Year Ended December 31 (in thousands) 2023 2022 2021 Customers – end of year Residential 379.3 375.4 370.1 Commercial and industrial 36.8 36.4 35.5 Transportation 19.5 19.7 23.6 Total customers 435.6 431.5 429.2 Natural Gas Supply, Pipeline Capacity and Storage We manage portfolios of natural gas supply contracts, storage services, and pipeline transportation services designed to meet varying customer use patterns. For more information on our natural gas utility supply and transportation contracts, see Note 24, Commitments and Contingencies. Pipeline Capacity and Storage MGU owns a 2.9 Bcf storage field (Partello in Michigan) and contracts with various other underground storage service providers for additional storage services. We contract with local distribution companies and interstate pipelines to purchase firm transportation services. We believe that having diverse capacity and storage benefits our customers. Natural gas pipeline capacity and storage and natural gas supplies under contract can be resold in secondary markets. Peak or near-peak demand generally occurs only a few times each year. The secondary markets facilitate utilization of capacity and supply during times when the contracted capacity and supply are in excess of utility demand. The proceeds from these transactions are passed through to customers, subject to our approved GCRMs. For information on the GCRMs, see Note 1(d), Operating Revenues. Combined with our storage capability, management believes that the volume of gas under contract is sufficient to meet our forecasted firm peak-day and seasonal demand. Forecasted design peak-day throughput for our other states utilities is 9.7 million therms for the 2023 through 2024 heating season. Our other states utilities' peak daily send-out during 2023 was 6.8 million therms on February 3, 2023. Natural Gas Supply Our natural gas supply requirements are met through a combination of fixed-price purchases, index-priced purchases, contracted and owned storage, and natural gas supply call options. We contract for fixed-term firm natural gas supply each year to meet the 2023 Form 10-K 14 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents demand of firm system sales customers. To supplement natural gas supply and manage risk, we purchase additional natural gas supply on the monthly and daily spot markets. Hedging Natural Gas Supply Prices Our other states utilities further reduce their supply cost volatility through the use of financial instruments, such as commodity futures, swaps, and options as part of their hedging programs. MERC has MPUC approval to hedge up to 30% of planned winter demand using NYMEX financial instruments. MGU has MPSC approval to hedge up to 20% of its planned annual purchases using NYMEX financial instruments. General Seasonality Electric Utility Operations – Wisconsin Segment Our electric utility sales are impacted by seasonal factors and varying weather conditions. We sell more electricity during the summer months because of the residential cooling load. We continue to upgrade our electric distribution system, including substations, transformers, and lines, to meet the demand of our customers. In 2023, our generating plants performed as expected during the warmest periods of the summer, and all power purchase commitments under firm contract were received. During this period, our electric utilities did not make any public appeals for conservation, and they did not interrupt or curtail service to non-firm customers who participate in load management programs. Our electric utilities did have economic interruption events; however, service to customers was not curtailed. Economic interruptions are declared during times in which the price of electricity in the regional market exceeds the cost of operating the company's peaking generation. During this time, customers taking service under these interruptible programs can choose to continue using electricity at a price based on wholesale market prices or to reduce their load. Natural Gas Utility Operations – Wisconsin, Illinois, and Other States Segments Since the majority of our customers use natural gas for heating, customer use is sensitive to weather and is generally higher during the winter months. Accordingly, we are subject to some variations in earnings and working capital throughout the year as a result of changes in weather. The effect on earnings from these changes in weather are reduced by decoupling mechanisms included in the rates of PGL, NSG, and MERC. These mechanisms differ by state and allow the utilities to recover or refund the differences between actual and authorized margins for certain customer classes. Our natural gas utilities' working capital needs are met by cash generated from operations and debt (both long-term and short-term). The seasonality of natural gas revenues causes the timing of cash collections to be concentrated from January through June. A portion of the winter natural gas supply needs is typically purchased and stored from April through November. Also, planned capital spending on our natural gas distribution facilities is concentrated in April through November. Because of these timing differences, the cash flow from customers is typically supplemented with temporary increases in short-term borrowings (from external sources) during the late summer and fall. Short-term debt is typically reduced over the January through June period. Competition Electric Utility Operations – Wisconsin Segment Our electric utilities face competition from various entities and other forms of energy sources available to customers, including self-generation by customers and alternative energy sources. Our electric utilities compete with other utilities for sales to municipalities and cooperatives as well as with other utilities and marketers for wholesale electric business. Natural Gas Utility Operations – Wisconsin, Illinois, and Other States Segments Our natural gas utilities also face varying degrees of competition from other entities and other forms of energy available to consumers. Many large commercial and industrial customers have the ability to switch between natural gas and alternative fuels. Electrification initiatives or mandates are being considered or proposed by local and state governments. In addition, the majority of 2023 Form 10-K 15 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents our natural gas customers have the opportunity to choose a natural gas supplier other than us. Our natural gas utilities offer transportation services for customers that elect to purchase natural gas directly from a third-party supplier. We continue to earn distribution revenues from these transportation customers for their use of our distribution systems to transport natural gas to their facilities. As such, the loss of revenue associated with the cost of natural gas that our transportation customers purchase from third-party suppliers has little impact on our net income, as it is offset by an equal reduction to natural gas costs. For more information on competition in each of our service territories, see Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Factors Affecting Results, Liquidity, and Capital Resources – Competitive Markets. Environmental Goals Natural Gas Utility Operations – Wisconsin, Illinois, and Other States Segments We continue to reduce methane emissions by improving our natural gas distribution system. We set a target across our natural gas distribution operations to achieve net-zero methane emissions by the end of 2030. We plan to achieve our net-zero goal through an effort that includes both continuous operational improvements and equipment upgrades, as well as the use of RNG throughout our natural gas utility systems. In 2022, we received approval from the PSCW for our RNG pilots. We have since signed contracts for RNG for our natural gas distribution business in Wisconsin, which will be transporting the output of local dairy farms onto our gas distribution systems. The RNG supplied will directly replace higher-emission methane from natural gas that would have entered our pipes. These contracts bring us to 1.8 Bcf of RNG planned to enter our systems. RNG began flowing in 2023. C. ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION SEGMENT ATC is a regional transmission company that owns, maintains, monitors, and operates electric transmission systems in Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, and Minnesota. ATC is expected to provide comparable service to all customers, including WE, WPS, and UMERC, and to support effective competition in energy markets without favoring any market participant. ATC is regulated by the FERC for all rate terms and conditions of service and certain state regulatory commissions for routing and siting of transmission projects. ATC is also a transmission-owning member of MISO. MISO maintains operational control of ATC's transmission system, and WE, WPS, and UMERC are non-transmission owning members and customers of MISO. As of December 31, 2023, our ownership interest in ATC was approximately 60%. In addition, as of December 31, 2023, we owned approximately 75% of ATC Holdco, a separate entity formed in December 2016 to invest in transmission-related projects outside of ATC's traditional footprint. See Note 21, Investment in Transmission Affiliates, for more information. The FERC and D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals have issued orders and an opinion, respectively, related to the authorized base ROE for all MISO transmission owners, including ATC. See Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Factors Affecting Results, Liquidity, and Capital Resources – Regulatory, Legislative, and Legal Matters – American Transmission Company Allowed Return on Equity Complaints for more information. D. NON-UTILITY OPERATIONS Non-Utility Energy Infrastructure Segment The non-utility energy infrastructure segment includes We Power, which owns and leases generating facilities to WE; Bluewater, which owns underground natural gas storage facilities in Michigan; and WECI, which holds ownership interests in several renewable generating facilities. See Item 2. Properties, for more information on our non-utility energy infrastructure facilities. W.E. Power, LLC We Power, through wholly owned subsidiaries, designed and built approximately 2,500 MWs of generation in Wisconsin. This generation is made up of capacity from the two coal-fired ERGS units, ER 1 and ER 2, which were placed in service in February 2010 and January 2011, respectively, and the two natural gas-fired PWGS units, PWGS 1 and PWGS 2, which were placed in service in July 2005 and May 2008, respectively. Two unaffiliated entities collectively own approximately 17%, or approximately 211 MWs, of ER 1 and ER 2. We Power's share of the ERGS units and both PWGS units are being leased to WE under long-term leases (the ERGS units have 30-year leases that began on the in-service dates of the generating units and the PWGS units have 25-year leases that began on the in-service dates of the generating units). 2023 Form 10-K 16 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Because of the significant investment necessary to construct these generating units, we constructed the plants under Wisconsin's Leased Generation Law, which allows a non-utility affiliate to construct an electric generating facility and lease it to the public utility. The law allows a public utility that has entered into a lease approved by the PSCW to recover fully in its retail electric rates that portion of any payments under the lease that the PSCW has allocated to the public utility's Wisconsin retail electric service, and all other costs that are prudently incurred in the public utility's operation and maintenance of the electric generating facility allocated to the utility's Wisconsin retail electric service. In addition, the PSCW may not modify or terminate a lease it has approved under the Leased Generation Law except as specifically provided in the lease or the PSCW's order approving the lease. This law effectively created regulatory certainty in light of the significant investment being made to construct the units. All four units were constructed under leases approved by the PSCW. We are recovering our costs of these units, including subsequent capital additions, through lease payments that are billed from We Power to WE and then recovered in WE's rates as authorized by the PSCW and the FERC. Under the lease terms, our return is calculated using a 12.7% ROE and the equity ratio is assumed to be 55% for the ERGS units and 53% for the PWGS units. Bluewater Natural Gas Holding, LLC Bluewater, located in Michigan, primarily provides natural gas storage and hub services to our Wisconsin natural gas utilities. WE, WPS, and WG have entered into long-term service agreements for approximately one-third of their combined natural gas storage needs with a wholly owned subsidiary of Bluewater. WEC Infrastructure LLC At December 31, 2023, our non-utility energy infrastructure segment included WECI's ownership interests in the renewable generating facilities reflected in the table below. Name Ownership Interest Commercial Operation Bishop Hill III 90.0% August 2018 Upstream 90.0% January 2019 Coyote Ridge 80.0% December 2019 Blooming Grove 90.0% December 2020 Tatanka Ridge 85.0% January 2021 Jayhawk 90.0% December 2021 Thunderhead 90.0% November 2022 Samson I (1) 80.0% May 2022 Sapphire Sky 90.0% February 2023 (1) Although Samson I was commercially operational in May 2022, WECI didn't complete the purchase of its initial 80% ownership interest in this solar facility until February 2023. WECI completed the acquisition of an additional 10% of Samson I in January 2024, bringing its ownership interest in Samson I to 90.0%. See Note 2, Acquisitions, for more information. Bishop Hill III, Coyote Ridge, Blooming Grove, Tatanka Ridge, Jayhawk, Thunderhead, Samson I, and Sapphire Sky have offtake agreements with creditworthy counterparties for the sale of all of the energy they produce over periods ranging from 10 to 22 years following commercial operation. In addition, Upstream's revenue is substantially fixed over the 10-year period following commercial operation through an agreement with a creditworthy counterparty. Under the Tax Legislation, all of these investments qualify for PTCs. WECI is entitled to the tax benefits of Bishop Hill III, Upstream, Blooming Grove, Thunderhead, Samson I, and Sapphire Sky in proportion to its ownership interest. WECI is entitled to 99% of the tax benefits of Coyote Ridge and Tatanka Ridge for the first 11 years following commercial operation, and is entitled to 99% of the tax benefits of Jayhawk for the first 10 years following commercial operation, after which WECI will be entitled to any tax benefits equal to its ownership interests. WECI recognizes PTCs as power is generated over a period of 10 years following commercial operation. Under the new IRA transferability option, WEC Energy Group entered into a sales agreement in September 2023 to sell substantially all of the PTCs generated by the WECI generating facilities in 2023 to a third party. See Note 1(q), Income Taxes, for more information about the impact of these sales. In October 2022, WECI signed an agreement to acquire an 80% ownership interest in Maple Flats, a 250 MW solar generating facility under construction in Clay County, Illinois. The project has an offtake agreement for all of the energy to be produced by the facility 2023 Form 10-K 17 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents for a period of 15 years following commencement of commercial operation. WECI's investment in Maple Flats is expected to qualify for PTCs. See Note 2, Acquisitions, for more information on certain of these renewable generating facilities. Seasonality The electricity produced and revenues generated by our wind generating facilities depend heavily on wind conditions, which are variable. Operating results for wind generating facilities vary significantly from period to period depending on the wind conditions during the periods in question. Historically, wind production has been greater in the first and fourth quarters. The electricity produced and revenues generated by our Samson I solar generating facility is also variable and depends heavily on seasonality and weather conditions. Spring and summer are usually the peak solar production seasons due to increased direct sunlight and longer days. With regards to weather, solar panels will still work on cloudy and rainy days, but solar system output will be lower than on clear, sunny days. Also, major storms can damage solar panels and other equipment and lead to lower power generation until equipment can be repaired or replaced and brought back online. See Note 7, Property, Plant, and Equipment, for more information on the wind storms that damaged equipment at Samson I in 2023. Corporate and Other Segment The corporate and other segment includes the operations of the WEC Energy Group holding company, the Integrys holding company, and the PELLC holding company, as well as the operations of Wispark and WBS. Wispark develops and invests in real estate, primarily in southeastern Wisconsin. WBS is a wholly owned centralized service company that provides administrative and general support services to our regulated entities. WBS also provides certain administrative and support services to our nonregulated entities. This segment also includes Wisvest, WECC, and PDL which no longer have significant operations. E. REGULATION We are a holding company and are subject to the requirements of the PUHCA 2005. We also have various subsidiaries that meet the definition of a holding company under the PUHCA 2005 and are also subject to its requirements. Pursuant to the non-utility asset cap provisions of Wisconsin's public utility holding company law, the sum of certain assets of all non-utility affiliates in a holding company system generally may not exceed 25% of the assets of all public utility affiliates. However, among other items, the law exempts energy-related assets, including the generating plants constructed by We Power and the other assets in our non-utility energy infrastructure segment, from being counted against the asset cap provided that they are employed in qualifying businesses. We report to the PSCW annually on our compliance with this law and provide supporting documentation to show that our non-utility assets are below the non-utility asset cap. Regulated Utility Operations In addition to the specific regulations noted above and below, our utilities are subject to various other regulations, which primarily consist of regulations, where applicable, of the EPA; the WDNR; the Illinois Department of Natural Resources; the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency; the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; the Michigan Department of Natural Resources; the Army Corps; the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. 2023 Form 10-K 18 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Rates Our utilities' rates are subject to the regulations and oversight of various state regulatory commissions and the FERC, as applicable. Decisions by these regulators can significantly impact our liquidity, financial condition, and results of operations. The following table compares our utility operating revenues by regulatory jurisdiction for each of the three years ended December 31: 2023 2022 2021 (in millions) Amount Percent Amount Percent Amount Percent Electric Wisconsin $ 4,548.8 90.8 % $ 4,360.9 87.7 % $ 4,035.1 88.9 % Michigan 141.4 2.8 % 185.9 3.7 % 166.7 3.7 % FERC – Wholesale 320.6 6.4 % 425.0 8.6 % 336.8 7.4 % Total electric 5,010.8 100.0 % 4,971.8 100.0 % 4,538.6 100.0 % Natural Gas Wisconsin 1,610.5 43.6 % 1,983.0 44.1 % 1,493.8 40.5 % Illinois 1,557.8 42.2 % 1,890.9 42.0 % 1,672.8 45.3 % Minnesota 348.4 9.4 % 400.7 8.9 % 367.1 10.0 % Michigan 175.3 4.8 % 223.5 5.0 % 156.5 4.2 % Total natural gas 3,692.0 100.0 % 4,498.1 100.0 % 3,690.2 100.0 % Total utility operating revenues $ 8,702.8 $ 9,469.9 $ 8,228.8 Retail Rates The state regulatory commissions have general supervisory and regulatory powers over public utilities in their respective jurisdictions including, but not limited to, approval of retail utility rates and standards of service, mergers, affiliate transactions, location and construction of electric generating units and natural gas facilities, and certain other additions and extensions to utility facilities. The PSCW, ICC, and MPUC also regulate security issuances at utilities in their respective jurisdictions. In addition, the FERC regulates security issuances for UMERC. Historically, retail rates approved by the state commissions have been designed to provide utilities the opportunity to generate revenues to recover all prudently-incurred costs, along with a return on investment sufficient to pay interest on debt and provide a reasonable ROE. Rates charged to customers vary according to customer class and rate jurisdiction. WE, WPS, and WG are each subject to an earnings sharing mechanism in which a portion of the utility's earnings are required to be refunded to customers if the utility earns above its authorized ROE. See Note 26, Regulatory Environment, for more information on these earnings sharing mechanisms. The table below reflects the various state commissions that regulated each of our utilities' retail rates during 2023, along with the approved ROE and capital structure for each utility during 2023. Regulated Retail Rates Regulatory Commission Authorized ROE Average Common Equity Component WE – Electric, natural gas, and steam PSCW 9.80% 53.0% WPS – Electric and natural gas PSCW 9.80% 53.0% WG – Natural gas PSCW 9.80% 53.0% UMERC – Electric (former WE customers) MPSC 10.1% 55.3% UMERC – Electric (former WPS customers) MPSC 10.2% 52.94% PGL – Natural gas (1) ICC 9.05% / 9.38% 50.33% / 50.79% NSG – Natural gas (2) ICC 9.67% 51.58% MERC – Natural gas (3) MPUC 9.7% 50.9% MGU – Natural gas (4) MPSC 9.85% 51.5% (1) In accordance with its most recent rate order, effective December 1, 2023, PGL's base rates reflect a 9.38% authorized ROE and an average common equity component of 50.79%. See Note 26, Regulatory Environment, for more information. (2) In accordance with its most recent rate order, effective February 1, 2024, NSG's new base rates reflect a 9.38% authorized ROE and an average common equity component of 52.58%. See Note 26, Regulatory Environment, for more information. 2023 Form 10-K 19 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents (3) In accordance with its most recent rate order, effective March 1, 2024, MERC's base rates will reflect a 9.65% authorized ROE and an average common equity component of 53.0%. See Note 26, Regulatory Environment, for more information. (4) In accordance with its most recent rate order, effective January 1, 2024, MGU's base rates reflect a 9.80% authorized ROE and an average common equity component of 51.0%. See Note 26, Regulatory Environment, for more information. In addition to amounts collected from customers through approved base rates, our utilities have certain recovery mechanisms in place that allow them to recover or refund prudently incurred costs that differ from those approved in base rates. Embedded within our electric utilities' rates is an amount to recover fuel and purchased power costs. The Wisconsin retail fuel rules require a utility to defer, for subsequent rate recovery or refund, any under-collection or over-collection of fuel and purchased power costs that are outside of the utility's symmetrical fuel cost tolerance, which the PSCW typically sets at plus or minus 2% of the utility's approved fuel and purchased power cost plan. The deferred fuel and purchased power costs are subject to an excess revenues test. If the utility's ROE in a given year exceeds the ROE authorized by the PSCW, the recovery of under-collected fuel and purchased power costs would be reduced by the amount by which the utility's return exceeds the authorized amount. Prudently incurred fuel and purchased power costs are recovered dollar-for-dollar from our Michigan retail electric customers. Our natural gas utilities operate under GCRMs as approved by their respective state regulator. Generally, the GCRMs allow for a dollar-for-dollar recovery of prudently incurred natural gas costs. See Note 1(d), Operating Revenues, for additional information on the significant mechanisms our utilities had in place during 2023 that allowed them to recover or refund changes in prudently incurred costs from rate case-approved amounts. Our utilities file periodic requests with their respective state commission for changes in retail rates. All of our utilities' rate requests are based on forward looking test years, which reflect additions to infrastructure and changes in costs incurred or expected to be incurred. For information on our regulatory proceedings, see Note 26, Regulatory Environment. Orders from our respective regulators can be viewed at the following websites: Regulatory Commission Website PSCW https://psc.wi.gov/ ICC https://www.icc.illinois.gov/ MPSC http://www.michigan.gov/mpsc/ MPUC http://mn.gov/puc/ The material and information contained on these websites are not intended to be a part of, nor are they incorporated by reference into, this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Wholesale Rates The FERC regulates our wholesale sales of electric energy, capacity, and ancillary services. Our electric utilities have received market-based rate authority from the FERC. Market-based rate authority allows wholesale electric sales to be made in the MISO market and directly to third parties based on the negotiated market value of the transaction. WE and WPS also make wholesale sales pursuant to cost-based formula rates. Cost-based formula rates provide for recovery of the utility's costs and an approved rate of return. The predetermined formula is initially based on the utility's expenses from the previous year, but is eventually trued up to reflect actual, current-year costs. Electric Transmission, Capacity, and Energy Markets In connection with its status as a FERC-approved RTO, MISO operates an energy and ancillary services market and manages the flow of high-voltage electricity across the transmission system in its region. MISO is responsible for monitoring and ensuring equal access to the electric transmission system in its footprint. In MISO, transmission costs are allocated in accordance with the MISO tariff, which is reviewed and approved by the FERC. Base transmission costs are paid by load-serving entities located in the service territories of each MISO transmission owner. Costs for new regional transmission projects are allocated to load-serving entities throughout the MISO footprint, while the costs for new generation interconnections are allocated to the interconnection customer. 2023 Form 10-K 20 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Within MISO, transmission congestion is monetized and included within an LMP that is established through the energy market. The LMP system includes the ability to hedge transmission congestion costs through ARRs and FTRs. ARRs are allocated to market participants by MISO, and FTRs are purchased through auctions. A new allocation and auction was completed for the period of June 1, 2023, through May 31, 2024. The resulting ARR allocation and the secured FTRs are expected to mitigate our transmission congestion risk for that period. MISO has seasonal zonal resource adequacy requirements to ensure there is sufficient generation capacity to serve load within each zone and the MISO footprint. To meet this requirement, load-serving entities can own generation and demand response resources, acquire generation capacity through MISO's annual capacity auction, or acquire generation capacity through bilateral contracts. The zone in which our electric utilities’ load resides, along with the MISO North region as a whole, had sufficient generation capacity resources to meet their respective planning reserve margins for the period between June 1, 2023 and May 31, 2024. We manage our electric generation portfolios to minimize their exposure within MISO’s annual capacity auction. This includes managing the retirement of existing generation resources and the addition of new generation resources to maintain a diversified portfolio to ensure we do not have a significant short position. Other Electric Regulations Our electric utilities are subject to the Federal Power Act and the corresponding regulations developed by certain federal agencies. Among other things, the Federal Power Act makes electric utility industry consolidation more feasible and authorizes the FERC to review proposed mergers and the acquisition of generation facilities. The FERC also oversees the Electric Reliability Organization, which establishes mandatory electric reliability standards and has the authority to levy monetary sanctions for failure to comply with these standards. WE and WPS are subject to Act 141 in Wisconsin, and UMERC is subject to Public Acts 295 and 342 in Michigan, which contain certain minimum requirements for renewable energy generation. Other Natural Gas Regulations Almost all of the natural gas we distribute is transported to our distribution systems by interstate pipelines. The pipelines' transportation and storage services, including PGL's natural gas hub, are regulated by the FERC under the Natural Gas Act and the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978. In addition, the PHMSA and the state commissions are responsible for monitoring and enforcing requirements governing our natural gas utilities' safety compliance programs for our pipelines under the United States Department of Transportation regulations. These regulations include 49 CFR Part 191 (Transportation of Natural and Other Gas by Pipeline; Annual Reports, Incident Reports, and Safety-Related Condition Reports), 49 CFR Part 192 (Transportation of Natural and Other Gas by Pipeline: Minimum Federal Safety Standards), and 49 CFR Part 195 (Transportation of Hazardous Liquids by Pipeline). We also continue to monitor the progress of the PHMSA’s proposed rulemaking titled "Gas Pipeline Leak Detection and Repair," which could have a significant impact on our natural gas utilities. A final rule is expected to be released in 2024. We are required to provide natural gas service and grant credit (with applicable deposit requirements) to customers within our service territories. We are generally not allowed to discontinue natural gas service during winter moratorium months to residential heating customers who do not pay their bills. Federal and certain state governments have programs that provide for a limited amount of funding for assistance to low-income customers of our utilities. Non-Utility Energy Infrastructure Operations The generation facilities constructed by wholly owned subsidiaries of We Power are being leased on a long-term basis to WE. Environmental permits necessary for operating the facilities are the responsibility of the operating entity, WE. We Power received determinations from the FERC that upon the transfer of the facilities by lease to WE, We Power's subsidiaries would not be deemed public utilities under the Federal Power Act and thus would not be subject to the FERC's jurisdiction. Bluewater is regulated by the FERC under the Natural Gas Act and the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978. In addition, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration is responsible for monitoring and enforcing requirements governing Bluewater's safety compliance programs for its pipelines under the United States Department of Transportation regulations. These regulations include 49 CFR Parts 191, 192, and 195. Given that Bluewater is required to route some of its natural gas through Canada, applicable 2023 Form 10-K 21 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents reporting and licensing with the United States Department of Energy and the Canadian National Energy Board are also required, along with routine reporting related to imports and exports. All of our operational renewable generating facilities in our non-utility energy infrastructure segment are also subject to the FERC’s regulation of wholesale energy under the Federal Power Act. Compliance Costs The regulations and oversight described above significantly influence our operating environment, and may cause us to incur compliance and other related costs and may affect our ability to recover these costs from our utility customers. Any anticipated capital expenditures for compliance with government regulations for the next three years are included in the estimated capital expenditures described in Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources – Cash Requirements. F. ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE Our operations, especially as they relate to our coal-fired generating facilities, are subject to extensive environmental regulation by state and federal environmental agencies governing air and water quality, hazardous and solid waste management, environmental remediation, and management of natural resources. Costs associated with complying with these requirements are significant. Additional future environmental regulations or revisions to existing laws, including for example, additional regulation related to GHG emissions, coal combustion products, air emissions, water use, or wastewater discharges and other climate change issues, could significantly increase these environmental compliance costs. Anticipated expenditures for environmental compliance and certain remediation issues for the next three years are included in the estimated capital expenditures described in Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources – Cash Requirements. For a discussion of certain environmental matters affecting us, including rules and regulations relating to air quality, water quality, land quality, and climate change, see Note 24, Commitments and Contingencies. G. HUMAN CAPITAL We believe our employees are among our most important resources, so investing in human capital is critical to our success. We strive to foster a diverse workforce and inclusive workplace; attract, retain and develop talented personnel; and keep our employees safe and healthy. Our Board of Directors retains collective responsibility for comprehensive risk oversight, including critical areas that could impact our sustainability, such as human capital. Management regularly reports to the Board of Directors on human capital management topics, including corporate culture, diversity, equity, and inclusion, employee development, and safety and health. The Board of Directors delegates specified duties to its committees. In addition to its responsibilities relative to executive compensation, the Compensation Committee has oversight responsibility for reviewing organizational matters that could significantly impact us, including succession planning. The Compensation Committee reviews recruiting and development programs and priorities, receives updates on key talent, and assesses workforce diversity across the organization. 2023 Form 10-K 22 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Workforce As of December 31, 2023, we had the following number of employees, including those represented under union agreements: Total Employees Union Employees WE 2,533 1,955 WPS 1,154 832 WG 378 260 PGL 1,221 830 NSG 154 119 MERC 197 41 MGU 141 91 WBS 1,222 — Total employees 7,000 4,128 We have a local union presence that spans Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, and Michigan. We believe we have very good overall relations with our workforce. In order to attract and retain talent, we provide competitive wages and benefits to our employees based on their performance, role, location, and market data. Our compensation package also includes a 401(k) savings plan with an employer match, an annual incentive plan based on meeting company goals, healthcare and insurance benefits, vacation and paid time off days, as well as other benefits. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion We are committed to fostering a diverse workforce and inclusive workplace. Our commitment is a core strategic competency and an integral part of our culture. As of December 31, 2023, women and racial minorities represented approximately 25% and 26%, respectively, of our workforce. We have a number of initiatives that promote diverse workforce contributions, educate employees about diversity, equity, and inclusion, and ensure our companies are attractive employers for persons of diverse backgrounds. These initiatives include nine business resource groups (voluntary, employee-led groups organized around a particular shared background or interest), mentoring programs, and training for leaders on countering unconscious bias, building inclusive teams, and preventing workplace harassment. We also support external leadership and educational programs that support, train, and promote women and minorities in the communities we serve. Safety and Health Our Executive Safety Committee directs our safety and health strategy, works to ensure consistency across groups, and reinforces our ongoing safety commitment that we refer to as “Target Zero.” Under our Target Zero commitment, we have an ultimate goal of zero incidents, accidents, and injuries. Our corporate safety program provides a forum for addressing employee concerns, training employees and contractors on current safety standards, and recognizing those who demonstrate a safety focus. We monitor and set goals for days away, restricted or transferred metrics, and measurable leading indicators, which together raise awareness about employee safety and guide injury-prevention activities. We also provide employees various benefits and resources designed to promote healthy living, both at work and at home. We encourage employees to receive preventive examinations and to proactively care for their health through free health screenings, wellness challenges, and other resources. Development and Training Employee training and development of both technical and leadership skills are integral aspects of our human capital strategy. We provide employees with a wide range of development opportunities, including online training, simulations, live classes, and mentoring to assist with their career advancement. These programs include safety and technical job skill training as well as soft-skill programs focused on relevant subjects, including communication and change management. Development of leadership skills remains a top priority and is specialized for all levels of employees. We have specific leadership programs for aspiring leaders and new supervisors, managers, and directors. This development of our employees is an integral part of our succession planning and provides continuity for our senior leadership. 2023 Form 10-K 23 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS We are subject to a variety of risks, many of which are beyond our control, that may adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. You should carefully consider the following risk factors, as well as the other information included in this report and other documents filed by us with the SEC from time to time, when making an investment decision. Risks Related to Legislation and Regulation Our business is significantly impacted by governmental regulation and oversight. We are subject to significant state, local, and federal governmental regulations, including regulations by the various utility commissions in the states where we serve customers. These regulations significantly influence our operating environment, may affect our ability to recover costs from utility customers, affect our ability to implement our corporate strategy, and cause us to incur substantial compliance and other costs. Changes in regulations, interpretations of regulations, or the imposition of new regulations could also significantly impact us, including requiring us to change our business operations. Many aspects of our operations are regulated and impacted by government regulation, including, but not limited to: the rates we charge our retail electric, natural gas, and steam customers; the authorized rates of return of our utilities; construction and operation of electric generating facilities and electric and natural gas distribution systems, including the ability to recover such costs; decommissioning generating facilities, the ability to recover the related costs, and continuing to recover the return on the net book value of these facilities; wholesale power service practices; electric reliability requirements and accounting; participation in the interstate natural gas pipeline capacity market; standards of service; issuance of securities; short-term debt obligations; transactions with affiliates; and billing practices. Failure to comply with any applicable rules or regulations may lead to customer refunds, penalties, and other payments, which could materially and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. The rates, including adjustments determined under riders, we are allowed to charge our customers for retail and wholesale services have the most significant impact on our financial condition, results of operations, and liquidity. Rate regulation provides us an opportunity to recover prudently incurred costs and earn a reasonable rate of return on invested capital. However, our ability to obtain rate adjustments in the future is dependent upon regulatory action, the outcome of which can be influenced by the level of opposition by intervening parties; potential rate impacts; increasing levels of regulatory review; and changes in the political, regulatory, or legislative environments. There is no assurance that our regulators will consider all of our costs to have been prudently incurred. In addition, our rate proceedings may not always result in rates that fully recover our costs or provide for a reasonable ROE. We defer certain costs and revenues as regulatory assets and liabilities for future recovery from or refund to customers, as authorized by our regulators. Future recovery of regulatory assets is not assured and is subject to review and approval by our regulators. If recovery of regulatory assets is not approved or is no longer deemed probable, these costs would be recognized in current period expense and could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations, cash flows, and financial condition. Changes in the local and national political, regulatory, and economic environment have had, and may in the future have, an adverse effect on regulatory decisions, which could impair the ability of our utility subsidiaries to recover costs historically collected from customers. These decisions, which may come from any level of government, may cause us to cancel or delay current or planned projects, to reduce or delay other planned capital expenditures, or to pay for investments or otherwise incur costs that our utilities may not be able to recover through rates or otherwise. In November 2023, the ICC issued final rate orders for PGL and NSG, with PGL rates effective December 1, 2023. In the rate order, the ICC disallowed certain previously incurred capital costs in Illinois, which resulted in PGL and NSG recording an impairment loss in the fourth quarter of 2023. In addition, the ICC paused spending on PGL's SMP for at least one year, causing uncertainty of recovery of costs for existing and future projects. Due to the expiration of the QIP rider in December 2023, PGL had included the costs of necessary infrastructure improvements related to the SMP in its rate case. In January 2024, the ICC granted a rehearing to PGL and NSG with a limited scope. Disallowance of PGL's and NSG's capital costs will not be part of the rehearing. Subsequent to the rehearing, we anticipate appealing the ICC's disallowance of these capital costs to the Illinois Circuit Court, which may result in extended uncertainty related to the recovery of existing and future investments in capital expenditures and our natural gas infrastructure in Illinois, and may impact future capital plans. Prior to its expiration, the QIP rider provided PGL with recovery of, and a return on, qualifying natural gas infrastructure investments that are placed in service between regulatory rate reviews. This rider continues to be subject to an annual reconciliation whereby costs are reviewed for accuracy and prudency. There can be no assurance that all costs incurred under the QIP rider during the open reconciliation years, which include 2016 through 2023, will be deemed recoverable by the ICC. Regulatory lag, as well as the risk of costs being deemed unrecoverable during the review of the outstanding reconciliations, could have a material adverse impact on PGL’s, and correspondingly our, results of operations, financial position, and liquidity. 2023 Form 10-K 24 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents We believe we have obtained the necessary permits, approvals, authorizations, certificates, and licenses for our existing operations, have complied in all material respects with all of their associated terms, and that our businesses are conducted in accordance with applicable laws. These permits, approvals, authorizations, certificates, and licenses may be revoked or modified by the agencies that granted them if facts develop that differ significantly from the facts assumed when they were issued. In addition, permits and other approvals and licenses are often granted for a term that is less than the expected life of the associated facility. Licenses and permits may require periodic renewal, which may result in additional requirements being imposed by the granting agency. In addition, existing regulations may be revised or reinterpreted by federal, state, and local agencies, or these agencies may adopt new laws and regulations that apply to us. We cannot predict the impact on our business and operating results of any such actions by these agencies. If we are unable to recover costs of complying with regulations or other associated costs in customer rates in a timely manner, or if we are unable to obtain, renew, or comply with these governmental permits, approvals, authorizations, certificates, or licenses, our results of operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected. We face significant costs to comply with existing and future environmental laws and regulations. Our operations are subject to extensive and evolving federal, state, and local environmental laws, regulations, and permit requirements related to, among other things, air emissions (including, but not limited to: CO 2 , methane, mercury, SO 2 , and NOx), protection of natural resources, water quality, wastewater discharges, and management of hazardous and toxic substances and solid wastes and soils. The EPA has recently adopted and implemented (or is in the process of implementing) new environmental regulations, with more in the proposal process. These include regulations that govern the emission of NOx, ozone, fine particulates, and other air pollutants under the CAA through the NAAQS, climate change, NSPS for GHG emissions from new, modified, and reconstructed fossil-fueled power plants, other air quality regulations, and water quality regulations. For example, the EPA finalized regulations under the CWA that govern cooling water intake structures at our power plants, revised again the effluent guidelines for steam electric generating plants, and along with the Army Corps, released a final rule revising the definition of WOTUS that may impact projects requiring federal permits. Several of these rules were challenged or reviewed by agencies under the Biden Administration's Executive Order 13990, which creates additional uncertainty. As a result of these challenges and reviews, existing environmental laws and regulations may be revised or new laws or regulations may be adopted at the federal, state, or local level. We incur significant capital and operating resources to comply with environmental laws, regulations, and requirements, including costs associated with the installation of pollution control equipment; operating restrictions on our facilities; and environmental monitoring, emissions fees, and permits at our facilities. The operation of emission control equipment and compliance with rules regulating our intake and discharge of water could also increase our operating costs and reduce the generating capacity of our power plants. These regulations may create substantial additional costs in the form of taxes or emission allowances and could affect the availability and/or cost of fossil fuels and our ability to continue operating certain generating units. Failure to comply with these laws, regulations, and requirements, even if caused by factors beyond our control, may result in the assessment of civil or criminal penalties and fines. We continue to assess the potential cost of complying, and to explore different alternatives in order to comply, with these and other environmental regulations. As a result of these compliance costs and other factors, certain of our coal-fired electric generating facilities have become uneconomical to maintain and operate, which has resulted in these units being retired or converted to an alternative type of fuel. As part of our commitment to a cleaner energy future, we have already retired more than 1,900 MWs of coal-fired generation since the beginning of 2018. We expect to retire approximately 1,800 MWs of additional fossil-fueled generation by the end of 2031, and plan to replace a portion of the retired capacity by building and owning zero-carbon-emitting renewable generation facilities. We continue to evaluate the conversion of certain coal units to natural gas. Our electric and natural gas utilities are also subject to significant liabilities related to the investigation and remediation of environmental impacts at certain of our current and former facilities and at third-party owned sites. We accrue liabilities and defer costs (recorded as regulatory assets) incurred in connection with our former manufactured gas plant sites. These costs include all costs incurred to date that we expect to recover, management's best estimates of future costs for investigation and remediation and related legal expenses, and are net of amounts recovered (or that may be recovered) from insurance or other third parties. Due to the potential for the imposition of stricter standards and greater regulation in the future, the possibility that other potentially responsible parties may not be willing or financially able to contribute to cleanup costs, a change in conditions or the discovery of additional contamination, our remediation costs could increase, and the timing of our capital and/or operating expenditures in the future may accelerate or could vary from the amounts currently accrued. 2023 Form 10-K 25 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Litigation over environmental issues and claims of various types, including property damage, personal injury, common law nuisance, and citizen enforcement of environmental laws and regulations, occurs frequently throughout the United States. This litigation has included claims for damages alleged to have been caused by GHG and other emissions and exposure to regulated substances and/or requests for injunctive relief in connection with such matters. In addition to claims relating to our current facilities, we may also be subject to potential liability in connection with the environmental condition of facilities that we previously owned and operated, regardless of whether the liabilities arose before, during, or after the time we owned or operated these facilities. If we fail to comply with environmental laws and regulations or cause (or caused) harm to the environment or persons, that failure or harm may result in the assessment of civil penalties and damages against us. The incurrence of a material environmental liability or a material judgment in any action for personal injury or property damage related to environmental matters could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. In the event we are not able to recover all of our environmental expenditures and related costs from our customers in the future, our results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected. Further, increased costs recovered through rates could contribute to reduced demand for electricity and natural gas, which could adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows, and financial condition. Our operations, capital expenditures, and financial results may be affected by the impact of greenhouse gas legislation, regulation, and emission reduction goals. There is significant attention to issues concerning climate change. Management expects this attention to continue since climate change is one of President Biden's primary initiatives, with significant actions being taken by his administration. As a result, we expect the EPA and states to finalize and implement additional regulations to restrict emissions of GHGs. There have also been increasing efforts to introduce and adopt electrification initiatives and/or mandates and other efforts to reduce or eliminate reliance on natural gas as an energy source. In addition, there is increasing activism from other stakeholders, including institutional investors and other sources of financing, to accelerate the transition to lower GHG emissions. Costs associated with such legislation, regulation, and emission reduction goals could be significant within our electric and natural gas operations. GHG regulations that may be finalized in the future, at either the federal or state level, may cause our environmental compliance spending to differ materially from the amounts currently estimated. There is no guarantee that we will be allowed to fully recover costs incurred to comply with these and other federal and state regulations or that cost recovery will not be delayed or otherwise conditioned. These regulations, as well as changes in the fuel markets and advances in technology, could make additional electric generating units uneconomic to maintain or operate, may impact how we operate our existing fossil-fueled power plants and biomass facility, and could cause us to retire and replace units earlier than planned under the ESG Progress Plan, which could lead to a possible loss on abandonment and reduced revenues. In addition, our natural gas delivery systems and natural gas storage fields may generate fugitive gas as a result of normal operations and as a result of excavation, construction, and repair. Fugitive gas typically vents to the atmosphere and consists primarily of methane. CO 2 is also a byproduct of natural gas consumption. In a movement toward electrification, certain states and municipalities near or in our service territories have passed legislation or are considering ordinances banning natural gas used in new construction in order to limit GHG emissions. For example, the city of Chicago is considering an ordinance that would ban the use of natural gas in most new buildings, and the ICC is exploring the role of natural gas in the future and issues related to decarbonization of the natural gas distribution system in Illinois. There have also been efforts to restrict residential natural gas-fired appliances. Future local, statewide, or nationwide actions like these to regulate GHG emissions could increase the price of natural gas, reduce the demand for natural gas, cause us to accelerate the replacement and/or updating of our natural gas delivery systems, and adversely affect our ability to operate our natural gas facilities. A significant increase in the price of natural gas may increase rates for our natural gas customers, which could also reduce natural gas demand and revenues. The adoption of electrification initiatives and/or mandates could also result in an increase in electrical demand and increased investment costs for existing or new electrical systems. These types of initiatives and/or mandates could result in increased costs associated with permitting and siting of new technologies and delayed installation and start-up timelines. In addition, financial investments in older carbon intensive technologies may not be fully realized. We have set goals to achieve reductions in carbon emissions from our electric generation fleet by 60% by the end of 2025 and by 80% by the end of 2030, both from a 2005 baseline. Over the longer term, the target for our generation fleet is to be net carbon neutral by 2050. We also believe we will be in a position to eliminate coal as an energy source by the end of 2032. We continue to monitor the financial and operational feasibility of taking more aggressive action to further reduce GHG emissions in order to limit future global temperature increases. We continue to reduce methane emissions by improving our natural gas 2023 Form 10-K 26 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents distribution systems. We set a target across our natural gas distribution operations to achieve net-zero methane emissions by the end of 2030. The ability to achieve these reductions in CO 2 and methane emissions depends on many external factors, including the ability to make operating refinements, the retirement of less efficient generating units, the development of relevant energy technologies, the use of RNG throughout our natural gas utility systems, and the ability to execute our capital plan. These efforts could impact how we operate our electric generating units and natural gas facilities and lead to increased competition and regulation, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our operations and financial condition. Changes in tax legislation, IRS audits, or our inability to use certain tax benefits and carryforwards, may adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows, as well as our credit ratings. Tax legislation and regulations can adversely affect, among other things, our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, liquidity, and credit ratings. Future changes to corporate tax rates or policies, including under Treasury Regulations and guidance issued in connection with the IRA, could require us to take material charges against earnings. Such changes include, among other things, increasing the federal corporate income tax rate, disallowing or limiting the use of certain tax benefits and carryforwards, limiting interest deductions, and altering the expensing of capital expenditures. Our inability to manage these changes, an adverse determination by one of the applicable taxing jurisdictions, or additional interpretations, implementing regulations, amendments, or technical corrections by the Treasury Department, the IRS, or state income tax authorities, could significantly impact our financial results and cash flows. We have significantly reduced our consolidated federal and state income tax liabilities in the past through tax credits, net operating losses, and charitable contribution deductions. A reduction in or disallowance of these tax benefits could adversely affect our earnings and cash flows. We have not fully used these allowed tax benefits in our previous tax filings and have carried them forward to use against future taxable income. Our inability to generate sufficient taxable income in the future to fully use these tax carryforwards before they expire, or to transfer future tax credits as discussed below, could significantly affect our tax obligations and financial results. In addition, we have invested, and plan to continue to invest, in renewable energy generating facilities. These facilities generate PTCs or ITCs that we can use to reduce our federal tax obligations. Under the IRA, a transferability option also allows us to sell these tax credits to third parties. This is a new market that may require additional regulations and guidance from taxing authorities. The amount of tax credits we earn depends on available government incentives and policies, the amount of electricity produced, the applicable tax credit rate, or the amount of the investment in qualifying property. In addition, a variety of operating and economic factors, including transmission constraints, adverse weather conditions, and breakdown or failure of equipment, could significantly reduce the PTCs generated by the renewable projects we have invested in, resulting in a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations. The imposition of additional taxes, tariffs, or other assessments related to renewable energy projects or the equipment necessary to generate or deliver it, as well as any reductions or eliminations of tax credits or other governmental incentives that promote renewable energy generating facilities, may limit our ability to make further investments in renewable energy generating facilities or reduce the returns on our existing investments. We are also uncertain as to how credit rating agencies, capital markets, the FERC, or state public utility commissions will treat any future changes to federal or state tax legislation. These impacts could subject us to credit rating downgrades. In addition, certain financial metrics used by credit rating agencies, such as our funds from operations-to-debt percentage, could be negatively impacted by changes in federal or state income tax legislation. Our electric utilities could be subject to higher costs and penalties as a result of mandatory reliability standards. Our electric utilities are subject to mandatory reliability and critical infrastructure protection standards established by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation and enforced by the FERC. The critical infrastructure protection standards focus on controlling access to critical physical and cybersecurity assets. Compliance with the mandatory reliability standards could subject our electric utilities to higher operating costs. If our electric utilities are found to be in noncompliance with the mandatory reliability standards, they could be subject to sanctions, including substantial monetary penalties, or damage to our reputation. 2023 Form 10-K 27 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Provisions of the Wisconsin Utility Holding Company Act limit our ability to invest in non-utility businesses and could deter takeover attempts by a potential purchaser of our common stock that would be willing to pay a premium for our common stock. Under the Holding Company Act, we remain subject to certain restrictions that have the potential of limiting our diversification into non-utility businesses. Under the Holding Company Act, the sum of certain assets of all non-utility affiliates in a holding company system generally may not exceed 25% of the assets of all public utility affiliates in the system, subject to certain exemptions for energy-related assets. In addition, the Holding Company Act precludes the acquisition of 10% or more of the voting shares of a holding company of a Wisconsin public utility unless the PSCW has first determined that the acquisition is in the best interests of utility customers, investors, and the public. This provision and other requirements of the Holding Company Act may delay or reduce the likelihood of a sale or change of control of WEC Energy Group. As a result, shareholders may be deprived of opportunities to sell some or all of their shares of our common stock at prices that represent a premium over market prices. Risks Related to the Operation of Our Business Public health crises, including epidemics and pandemics, could adversely affect our business functions, financial condition, liquidity, and results of operations. Public health crises, including epidemics and pandemics, and any related government responses may adversely impact the economy and financial markets and could have a variety of adverse impacts on us, including a decrease in revenues; increased bad debt expense; increases in past due accounts receivable balances; and access to the capital markets at unreasonable terms or rates. Public health crises, including epidemics and pandemics, and any related government responses could also impair our ability to develop, construct, and operate facilities. Risks include extended disruptions to supply chains and inflation, resulting in increased costs for labor, materials, and services, which could adversely impact our ability to implement our corporate strategy. We may also be adversely impacted by labor disruptions and productivity as a result of infections, employee attrition, and a reduced ability to replace departing employees as a result of employees who leave or forego employment to avoid any required precautionary measures. Despite our efforts to manage the impacts of public health crises, including epidemics and pandemics, that may occur in the future, the extent to which they may affect us depends on factors beyond our knowledge or control. As a result, we are unable to determine the potential impact any such public health crises, including epidemics and pandemics, may have on our business plans and operations, liquidity, financial condition, and results of operations. Our operations are subject to risks arising from the reliability of our electric generation, transmission, and distribution facilities, natural gas infrastructure facilities, natural gas storage fields, renewable energy facilities, and other facilities, as well as the reliability of third-party transmission providers. Our financial performance depends on the successful operation of our electric generation, natural gas and electric distribution facilities, natural gas storage fields, and renewable energy facilities. The operation of these facilities involves many risks, including operator error and the breakdown or failure of equipment or processes. Potential breakdown or failure may occur due to severe weather (i.e., storms, tornadoes, floods, droughts, etc.); catastrophic events (i.e., fires, earthquakes, and explosions); public health crises, including epidemics and pandemics; significant changes in water levels in waterways; fuel supply or transportation disruptions; accidents; employee labor disputes; construction delays or cost overruns; delays in the replacement of aging infrastructure; shortages of or delays in obtaining equipment, material, and/or labor; performance below expected levels; operating limitations that may be imposed by environmental or other regulatory requirements; terrorist or other physical attacks; or cybersecurity intrusions. Any of these events could lead to substantial financial losses, including increased maintenance costs, unanticipated capital expenditures, and a reduction of revenues related to our non-utility renewable energy facilities. Because our electric generation and renewable energy facilities are interconnected with third-party transmission facilities, the operation of our facilities could also be adversely affected by events impacting their systems. Unplanned outages at our power plants may reduce our revenues, cause us to incur significant costs if we are required to operate our higher cost electric generators or purchase replacement power to satisfy our obligations, and could result in additional maintenance expenses. Insurance, warranties, performance guarantees, or recovery through the regulatory process may not cover any or all of these lost revenues or increased expenses, which could adversely affect our results of operations and cash flows. 2023 Form 10-K 28 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents The operations of our natural gas utilities depend upon the availability of adequate interstate pipeline transportation capacity and natural gas. Our natural gas utilities purchase almost all of their natural gas supply from interstate sources that must be transported to the applicable service territories. Interstate pipeline companies transport the natural gas to our natural gas utilities’ systems under firm service agreements that are designed to meet the requirements of their core markets. A significant disruption to interstate pipelines capacity or reduction in natural gas supply due to events including, but not limited to, operational failures or disruptions, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, freeze-off of natural gas wells, terrorist or physical attacks, cyberattacks, other acts of war, or legislative or regulatory actions or requirements, including remediation related to integrity inspections or regulations and laws enacted to address climate change or other environmental matters, could reduce the normal interstate supply of natural gas and thereby significantly disrupt our operations and/or reduce earnings. Our operations are subject to various conditions that can result in fluctuations in energy sales to customers, including customer growth and general economic conditions in our service areas, varying weather conditions, and energy conservation efforts. Our results of operations and cash flows are affected by the demand for electricity and natural gas, which can vary greatly based upon: • Fluctuations in customer growth and general economic conditions in our service areas. Customer growth and energy use can be negatively impacted by population declines as well as economic factors in our service territories, including workforce reductions, stagnant wage growth, changing levels of support from state and local government for economic development, business closings, and reductions in the level of business investment. Our electric and natural gas utilities are impacted by economic cycles and the competitiveness of the commercial and industrial customers we serve. Any economic downturn, disruption of financial markets, or reduced incentives by state government for economic development could adversely affect the financial condition of our customers and demand for their products or services. These risks could directly influence the demand for electricity and natural gas as well as the need for additional power generation and generating facilities. We could also be exposed to greater risks of accounts receivable write-offs if customers are unable to pay their bills. • Weather conditions . Demand for electricity is greater in the summer and winter months when cooling and heating is necessary. In addition, demand for natural gas peaks in the winter heating season. As a result, our overall results may fluctuate substantially on a seasonal basis. In addition, milder temperatures during the summer cooling season and during the winter heating season may result in lower revenues and net income. • Our customers' continued focus on energy conservation . Our customers' use of electricity and natural gas has decreased as a result of continued individual conservation efforts, including the use of more energy efficient technologies, and could be further reduced by new building codes, DERs, energy storage technology, and private solar. Customers could also voluntarily reduce their consumption of energy in response to decreases in their disposable income and increases in energy prices. Conservation of energy can be influenced by certain federal and state programs that are intended to influence how consumers use energy. For example, several states, including Wisconsin and Michigan, have adopted energy efficiency targets to reduce energy consumption. As part of our planning process, we estimate the impacts of changes in customer growth and general economic conditions, weather, and customer energy conservation efforts, but risks still remain. Any of these matters, as well as any regulatory delay in adjusting rates as a result of reduced sales from effective conservation measures or the adoption of new technologies, could adversely impact our results of operations and financial condition. Our operations are subject to the effects of global climate change. A changing climate creates uncertainty and could result in broad changes, both physical and financial in nature, to our service territories. If climate changes occur that result in extreme temperatures in our service territories, our financial results could be adversely impacted by lower electric and natural gas usage and higher natural gas costs. An extreme weather event could result in downed wires and poles or damage to other operating equipment, which could result in us incurring significant restoration costs and foregoing sales of energy and lost revenues. Extreme weather in summer could cause electric load to be interrupted or certain customers to be curtailed who participate in load management programs. Additionally, an extreme weather event could also cause the cost of natural gas purchased for our natural gas utility customers and for the use of fuel at our generation facilities to be temporarily driven significantly higher than our normal winter weather expectations. Although our utilities have regulatory mechanisms in place for recovering all prudently incurred natural gas costs, our regulators could disallow recovery or order the refund of any costs determined to be imprudent. 2023 Form 10-K 29 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents In addition, our operations could be adversely affected and our facilities placed at greater risk of damage should changes in global climate produce, among other possible conditions, unusual variations in temperature and weather patterns, which could result in more intense, frequent and extreme weather events, such as wind storms including derecho events, floods, tornadoes, snow and ice storms, or abnormal levels of precipitation. Extreme weather may result in unexpected increases in customer load, requiring us to procure additional power at wholesale prices for our retail operations, unpredictable curtailment of customer load by MISO to maintain grid reliability, or other grid reliability issues. Any of these events could lead to substantial financial losses including increased maintenance costs, unanticipated capital expenditures, or a reduction of revenues related to our non-utility renewable energy facilities. The cost of storm restoration efforts may also not be fully recoverable through the regulatory process. Our corporate strategy may be impacted by policy and legal, technology, market, and reputational risks and opportunities that are associated with the transition to lower GHG emissions. In addition, changes in policy to combat climate change, including mitigation and adaptation efforts, and technology advancement, each of which can also accelerate the implications of a transition to lower emissions, may materially adversely impact our results of operations and cash flows through significant capital expenditures and investments in renewable generation. Our operations and future results may be impacted by changing expectations and demands of our customers, regulators, investors, and other stakeholders, including heightened emphasis on environmental, social, and governance concerns. Our ability to execute our strategy and achieve anticipated financial outcomes are influenced by the expectations of our customers, regulators, investors, and other stakeholders. Those expectations are based in part on the core fundamentals of affordability and reliability but are also increasingly focused on our ability to meet rapidly changing demands for new and varied products, services, and offerings. Additionally, the risks of global climate change continues to shape our customers’ sustainability goals and energy needs, as well as the investment and financing criteria of investors. Failure to meet these increasing expectations or to adequately address the risks and external pressures from regulators, customers, investors, and other stakeholders may impact our reputation and affect our ability to achieve favorable outcomes in future rate cases or our results of operations. Furthermore, the increasing use of social media may accelerate and increase the potential scope of negative publicity we might receive and could increase the negative impact on our reputation, business, results of operations, and financial condition. As it relates to electric generation, a diversified fleet with increasingly clean generation resources may facilitate more efficient financing and lower costs. Conversely, jurisdictions utilizing more carbon-intensive generation such as coal may experience difficulty attracting certain investors and obtaining the most economical financing terms available. Furthermore, with this heightened emphasis on environmental, social, and governance concerns, and climate change in particular, there is an increased risk of litigation. Our operations and corporate strategy may be adversely affected by supply chain disruptions and inflation. Our business is dependent on the global supply chain to ensure that equipment, materials, and other resources are available to both expand and maintain services in a safe and reliable manner. Protracted, expanding or escalating regional conflicts, including the conflicts in Ukraine, Israel, and parts of the Middle East, as well as strained relationships between the United States and other countries related to such conflicts, could further contribute to current domestic and global supply chain disruptions that are delaying the delivery, and in some cases resulting in shortages of, materials, equipment, and other resources that are critical to our business operations. Failure to eliminate or manage the constraints in the supply chain may eventually impact the availability of items that are necessary to support normal operations as well as materials that are required to implement our corporate strategy for continued utility and infrastructure growth, including our renewable energy projects. Moreover, prices of equipment, materials, and other resources have increased as a result of these supply chain disruptions and may continue to increase in the future, as a result of inflation. Increases in inflation raise our costs for labor, materials, and services, and failure to secure these resources on economically acceptable terms, as well as any regulatory delay in adjusting rates to account for increased costs, may adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations. We are actively involved with multiple significant capital projects, which are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could adversely affect project costs and completion of construction projects. Our business requires substantial capital expenditures for investments in, among other things, capital improvements to our electric generating facilities, electric and natural gas distribution infrastructure, natural gas and LNG storage, and other projects, including projects for environmental compliance. We also expect to continue constructing and investing in renewable energy generating 2023 Form 10-K 30 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents facilities as part of the ESG Progress Plan and our goal to be net carbon neutral by 2050, including projects in our non-utility energy infrastructure segment. In addition, WBS continues to invest in technology and the development of software applications to support our businesses. Achieving the intended benefits of any large construction project is subject to many uncertainties, some of which we will have limited or no control over, that could adversely affect project costs and completion time. Supply chain disruptions, including solar panel shortages and delays, increasing material costs, government tariffs, and other factors, could impact the timing of completion of our renewable projects. For example, the UFLPA's prohibition on imports of solar panels manufactured with certain silica-based products originating in Xinjiang, China, has delayed the release of solar panels to us for our renewables projects. Additional risks include, but are not limited to, the ability to adhere to established budgets and time frames; the availability of labor or materials at estimated costs; the ability of contractors to perform under their contracts; strikes; adverse weather conditions; potential legal challenges; changes in applicable laws or regulations; rising interest rates; the impact of public health crises, including epidemics and pandemics; other governmental actions; continued public and policymaker support for such projects; and events in the global economy. Certain of these projects require the approval of our regulators. If construction of commission-approved projects should materially and adversely deviate from the schedules, estimates, and/or projections on which the approval was based, our regulators may deem the additional capital costs as imprudent and disallow recovery of them through rates, and otherwise available PTCs and ITCs for renewable energy projects could be lost or lose value. In addition, regulators, in a future rate proceeding, may alter the timing or amount of certain costs for which recovery is allowed, such as the case in the ICC's November 2023 rate orders for PGL and NSG. Our subsidiaries sometimes enter into equipment purchase orders and construction contracts and incur engineering and design service costs in advance of receiving necessary regulatory approvals and/or siting or environmental permits. If any of these projects are canceled for any reason, including failure to receive necessary regulatory approvals and/or siting or environmental permits, significant cancellation penalties under the equipment purchase orders and construction contracts could occur. In addition, if any construction work or investments have been recorded as an asset, an impairment may need to be recorded in the event the project is canceled. To the extent that delays occur, costs become unrecoverable, tax credits are lost or lose value, or we or third parties with whom we invest and/or partner otherwise become unable to effectively manage and complete capital projects, our results of operations, cash flows, and financial condition may be adversely affected. Our operations are subject to risks beyond our control, including but not limited to, cybersecurity intrusions, terrorist or other physical attacks, acts of war, or unauthorized access to personally identifiable information. We have been subject to attempted cyber attacks from time to time, and will likely continue to be subject to such attempted attacks; however, these prior attacks have not had a material impact on our system or business operations. Despite the implementation of security measures, all assets and systems are potentially vulnerable to disability, failures, or unauthorized access due to physical or cybersecurity intrusions caused by human error, vendor bugs, terrorist or other physical attacks (including potential attacks on our substations and other electric distribution equipment), acts of war, or other malicious acts. These threats could result in a full or partial disruption of our ability to generate, transmit, purchase, or distribute electricity or natural gas or cause environmental repercussions. If our assets or systems were to fail, be physically damaged, or be breached, and were not recovered in a timely manner, we may be unable to perform critical business functions, and data, including sensitive information, could be compromised. Cybersecurity attacks, including attacks targeting utility systems and other critical infrastructure may increase during periods of heightened or escalating geopolitical tensions. We operate in an industry that requires the use of sophisticated information technology systems and network infrastructure, which in turn control an interconnected network of generation, distribution, and transmission systems shared with third parties. A successful physical or cybersecurity intrusion may occur despite our security measures or those we require of our vendors, including compliance with reliability and critical infrastructure protection standards. Successful cybersecurity intrusions, including those targeting the electronic control systems used at our generating facilities and electric and natural gas transmission, distribution, and storage systems, could disrupt our operations and result in loss of service to customers. Attacks may come through ransomware, software updates or patches, or firmware that hackers can manipulate. These intrusions may cause unplanned outages at our power plants, which may reduce our revenues or cause us to incur significant costs if we are required to operate our higher cost electric generators or purchase replacement power to satisfy our obligations, and could result in additional maintenance expenses. The risk of such intrusions may also increase our capital and operating costs as a result of having to implement increased security measures for protection of our information technology and infrastructure. 2023 Form 10-K 31 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Our continued efforts to integrate, consolidate, and streamline our operations have also resulted in increased reliance on current and recently completed projects for technology systems. The failure to enhance existing information technology systems and implement new technology, could adversely affect our operations. We implement procedures to protect our systems, but we cannot guarantee that the procedures we have implemented to protect against unauthorized access to secured data and systems are adequate to safeguard against all security breaches. The failure of any of these or other similarly important technologies, or our inability to support, update, expand, and/or integrate these technologies across our subsidiaries could materially and adversely impact our operations, diminish customer confidence and our reputation, materially increase the costs we incur to protect against these risks, and subject us to possible financial liability or increased regulation or litigation. Our business requires the collection and retention of personally identifiable information of our customers, shareholders, and employees, who expect that we will adequately protect such information. In some cases, we rely on third-party hosted services to support our business operations. Malicious actors may target these providers to disrupt the services they provide to us, or to use those third parties to attack us. Security breaches of our or our third-party service providers' systems may expose us to a risk of loss or misuse of confidential and proprietary information. A significant theft, loss, or fraudulent use of personally identifiable information may lead to potentially large costs to notify and protect the impacted persons, and/or could cause us to become subject to significant litigation, costs, liability, fines, or penalties, any of which could materially and adversely impact our results of operations as well as our reputation with customers, shareholders, and regulators, among others. In addition, we may be required to incur significant costs associated with governmental actions in response to such intrusions or to strengthen our information and electronic control systems. We may also need to obtain additional insurance coverage related to the threat of such intrusions. Threats to our systems and operations continue to emerge as new ways to compromise components into our systems or networks are developed. Any operational disruption or environmental repercussions caused by on-going or future threats to our assets and technology systems could result in a significant decrease in our revenues or significant reconstruction or remediation costs, which could materially and adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows. The costs of repairing damage to our facilities, operational disruptions, protecting personally identifiable information, and notifying impacted persons, as well as related legal claims, may also not be recoverable in rates, may exceed the insurance limits on our insurance policies, or, in some cases, may not be covered by insurance. Advances in technology, and legislation or regulations supporting such technology, could make our electric generating facilities less competitive and may impact the demand for natural gas. Advances in new technologies that produce or store power or reduce power consumption are ongoing and include renewable energy technologies, customer-oriented generation, energy storage devices, and energy efficiency technologies. We generate power at central station power plants and utility-scale renewable generation facilities to achieve economies of scale and produce power at a competitive cost. Distributed generation technologies that produce power, including fuel cells, microturbines, wind turbines, solar cells, and related energy storage devices, have technologically improved and have become more cost competitive than they were in the past. Recently enacted legislation, including the IRA and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, promotes the construction and cost-effectiveness of renewable energy generation, including distributed generation technologies for self-supply of electricity by our customers and third parties. Increased use of technologies such as private solar and battery storage in our service territories could reduce our recovery of fixed costs, could result in customers leaving the electric distribution system, and could cause an increase in customer net energy metering, which allows customers with private solar to receive bill credits for surplus power at the full retail amount. Over time, customer adoption of these technologies could result in our electric utilities not being able to fully recover the costs and investment in generation. In December 2022, the PSCW issued a declaratory ruling finding that a third-party financed DER is not a “public utility” under Wisconsin law. Although the finding was limited to the specific facts and circumstances of the lease presented in that petition and is being appealed, similar findings or a broader policy position could have a material adverse impact on our business operations. Federal and state regulations and other efforts designed to promote and expand the use of distributed generation technologies also incentivize modernization of the electric distribution grid to, among other things, accommodate two-way flows of electricity and increase the grid's capacity to interconnect to these distributed generation technologies. Other legislation or regulations could be adopted supporting the use of these technologies at below cost or that permit third-party sales from such facilities, and allow these facilities to interconnect to our distribution system. There is also a risk that advances in technology will continue to reduce the costs of these alternative methods of producing power to a level that is competitive with that of central station and utility-scale renewable power production. 2023 Form 10-K 32 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents In addition, we cannot predict the effect that development of alternative energy sources or new technology may have on our natural gas operations, including whether subsidies of alternative energy sources by local, state, and federal governments might be expanded, or what impact this might have on the supply of or the demand for natural gas. If these technologies become cost competitive and achieve economies of scale, our market share could be eroded, and the value of our generating facilities and natural gas distribution systems could be reduced. Advances in technology, or changes in legislation or regulations, could also change the channels through which our customers purchase or use power and natural gas, which could reduce our sales and revenues or increase our expenses. We transport, distribute, and store natural gas, which involves numerous risks that may result in accidents and other operating risks and costs. Inherent in natural gas distribution and storage activities are a variety of hazards and operational risks, such as leaks, accidental explosions, and mechanical problems, which could materially and adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows. In addition, these risks could result in serious injury to employees and non-employees, loss of human life, significant damage to property, environmental pollution, impairment of operations, and substantial losses to us. The location of natural gas pipelines and storage facilities near populated areas, including residential areas, commercial business centers, and industrial sites, could increase the level of damages resulting from these risks. These activities may subject us to litigation and/or administrative proceedings from time to time, which could result in substantial monetary judgments, fines, or penalties against us, or be resolved on unfavorable terms. Further, delays in the replacement of aging infrastructure as a result of the ICC's orders in the PGL and NSG rate cases may lead to increased costs and disruptions in operations that could also negatively impact our financial results. We face risks related to our non-utility renewable energy facilities that could impact our return on investment or have a negative impact on our financial condition or results of operations. The production of energy from wind and solar sites depends heavily on suitable weather conditions, which are variable. Wind conditions or solar irradiance that is unfavorable or below our estimates can cause electricity production, and therefore revenues and PTCs earned from non-utility renewable energy facilities, to be substantially below our expectations. We base our decisions about which sites to acquire and operate in part on the findings of studies of long-term meteorological data in the proposed area, which includes wind speed and prevailing direction or solar irradiance and seasonal variations of each. Actual conditions at these sites, however, may not conform to the results of these studies. An increase in frequency and severity of weather conditions could cause disruptions to our sites to become more frequent and severe. Wind and solar equipment can be damaged by natural events such as lightning strikes that damage blades or in-ground electrical systems used to collect electricity from turbines or panels. Sites also may experience production shutdowns or delayed restoration of production during extreme weather conditions resulting in, among other things, damage to solar panels, icing on wind turbine blades, or restricted access to sites. The costs of repairing damage to these facilities may exceed the insurance limits on our insurance policies or may be outside the coverage afforded by our insurance policies. In addition, significant repair costs and/or continuous damage events could cause our insurance premiums to increase or lead to insurance coverage not being available at all. Damage to renewable facilities could also reduce operating capacity and cause the declaration of force majeure events. Customers may raise objections to force majeure declarations for these or similar operating issues. The failure to satisfy minimum operational or availability requirements under the PPAs, including PPAs related to projects under construction, could result in payment of damages or termination of the PPAs. Lower wholesale market prices for electricity may adversely affect the financial results for certain of our renewable projects, depending on the structure of the related PPA. In addition, lower prices for other energy sources may reduce the demand for wind and solar energy development, which could adversely affect our growth prospects and financial condition. Wind and solar energy demand is affected by the price and availability of other fuels, including nuclear, coal, natural gas and oil, as well as other sources of renewable energy. Reduced government incentives for wind and solar energy, increases in operating and maintenance costs, new regulations, or incentives that favor other forms of energy could reduce the demand for renewable energy and may adversely affect our results of operations. We do not own all the property and other sites on which our projects are located, and our rights may be subordinate to the rights of lienholders and leaseholders, which could have an adverse effect on our business and financial condition. Existing and future projects may be located on property on other sites occupied under long-term easements, leases, and rights of way. The ownership interests on these properties may be subject to mortgages securing loans or other liens and other easements, lease rights and rights 2023 Form 10-K 33 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents of way of third parties that were created previously. As a result, some of our real property rights may be subordinate to the rights of these third parties, and the rights of our operating subsidiaries to use the property could be lost or curtailed. We have entered into long-term PPAs for the majority of our non-utility renewable energy operations with a small number of customers where their payment is based on the energy produced, and in some cases the REC value created, by our facilities. Although initial agreements are often ten years or more, in the future we may not be able to replace expiring PPAs related to our non-utility renewable energy facilities with contracts on acceptable terms, including at prices that support operation of the facility on a profitable basis. Decreases in the retail prices of electricity supplied by traditional utilities or the pricing of other clean energy sources in the regions where our non-utility renewable energy facilities are located could harm our ability to offer competitive pricing and to sign PPAs with customers. If we are unable to replace an expiring PPA with an acceptable new revenue contract, we may be required to sell the power produced by the facility at wholesale prices and be exposed to market fluctuations and risks, or the affected site may temporarily or permanently cease operations. If we are unable to replace an expired distributed generation PPA with an acceptable new contract, we may be required to remove the renewable energy facility from the site or, alternatively, we may have to sell the assets, but the sale price may not be sufficient to replace the revenue previously generated by the renewable energy facility. For some of our PPAs, the net amount paid by our PPA counterparties is impacted by wholesale prices at a market hub location different from the location of our renewable site. Systemic shortfalls and disruptions in transmission capacity can cause congestion between the two locations, which along with other factors, can cause price disparity between the market hub and site. This price disparity, known as basis risk, can be significant at times. We attempt to mitigate basis risk where possible, but hedging instruments are often not economically feasible or available in the quantities that we require. Basis risk cannot be entirely eliminated and can adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. Our non-utility renewable energy facilities are exposed to risks through participation in various regional power markets. Our ability to acquire new non-utility renewable energy facilities or generate revenue from existing facilities depends on having interconnection arrangements with transmission providers and power markets along with a reliable grid. We cannot predict whether transmission facilities will be expanded in specific markets to accommodate or increase competitive access to those markets. If a transmission network to which one or more of our facilities is connected experiences down time for system emergencies, force majeure, safety, reliability, maintenance or other operational reasons, we may lose revenues and PTCs and be exposed to non-performance penalties and claims from our customers. This risk of curtailment of our non-utility renewable energy facilities may result in a reduced return on our investments, and we may not be compensated for lost energy and ancillary services. As members of these RTOs, we are also subject to certain additional risks, including the allocation of losses among existing members caused by unreimbursed defaults of other participants in these markets and resolution of complaint cases seeking refunds of revenues previously earned by members of these markets. Existing, new, or changed rules of these RTOs could result in significant additional fees and increased costs for participation, including the cost of transmission facilities built by others due to changes in transmission rate design. In addition, these RTOs may assess costs resulting from improved transmission reliability, reduced transmission congestion, and firm transmission rights. We are a holding company and rely on the earnings of our subsidiaries to meet our financial obligations. As a holding company with no operations of our own, our ability to meet our financial obligations including, but not limited to, debt service, taxes, and other expenses, as well as pay dividends on our common stock, is dependent upon the ability of our subsidiaries to pay amounts to us, whether through dividends or other payments. Our subsidiaries are separate legal entities that are not required to pay any of our obligations or to make any funds available for that purpose or for the payment of dividends on our common stock. The ability of our subsidiaries to pay amounts to us depends on their earnings, cash flows, capital requirements, and general financial condition, as well as regulatory limitations. Prior to distributing cash to us, our subsidiaries have financial obligations that must be satisfied, including, among others, debt service and preferred stock dividends. In addition, each subsidiary's ability to pay amounts to us depends on any statutory, regulatory, and/or contractual restrictions and limitations applicable to such subsidiary, which may include requirements to maintain specified levels of debt or equity ratios, working capital, or other assets. Our utility subsidiaries are regulated by various state utility commissions, which generally possess broad powers to ensure that the needs of the utility customers are being met. We may fail to attract and retain an appropriately qualified workforce. We operate in an industry that requires many of our employees to possess unique technical skill sets. Events such as an aging workforce without appropriate replacements, the mismatch of skill sets to future needs, or the unavailability of contract resources may lead to operating challenges or increased costs. These operating challenges include lack of resources, loss of knowledge, and a 2023 Form 10-K 34 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents lengthy time period associated with skill development. Failure to hire and obtain replacement employees, including the ability to transfer significant internal historical knowledge and expertise to the new employees, may adversely affect our ability to manage and operate our business. If we are unable to successfully attract and retain an appropriately qualified workforce, our results of operations could be adversely affected. Our counterparties may fail to meet their obligations, including obligations under power purchase, natural gas supply, natural gas pipeline capacity, and transportation agreements. We are exposed to the risk that counterparties to various arrangements who owe us money, electricity, natural gas, or other commodities or services will not be able to perform their obligations. Should the counterparties to these arrangements fail to perform or if capacity is inadequate, we may be required to replace the underlying commitment at current market prices or we may be unable to meet all of our customers' electric and natural gas requirements unless or until alternative supply arrangements are put in place. In such event, we may incur losses, and our results of operations, financial position, or liquidity could be adversely affected. We have entered into several power purchase, natural gas supply, natural gas pipeline capacity, and transportation agreements with non-affiliated companies. Revenues are dependent on the continued performance by the counterparties of their obligations under these agreements. Although we have a comprehensive credit evaluation process and contractual protections, it is possible that one or more counterparties could fail to perform their obligations. If this were to occur, we generally would expect that any operating and other costs that were initially allocated to a defaulting customer's power purchase, natural gas supply, natural gas pipeline capacity, or transportation agreement would be reallocated among our retail customers. To the extent these costs are not allowed to be reallocated by our regulators or there is any regulatory delay in adjusting rates, a counterparty default under these agreements could have a negative impact on our results of operations and cash flows. Risks Related to Economic and Market Volatility Our business is dependent on our ability to successfully access capital markets on competitive terms and rates. We rely on access to credit and capital markets to support our capital requirements, including expenditures for our utility infrastructure and to comply with future regulatory requirements, to the extent not satisfied by the cash flow generated by our operations. We have historically secured funds from a variety of sources, including the issuance of short-term and long-term debt securities. In addition, we rely on committed bank credit agreements as back-up liquidity, which allows us to access the low cost commercial paper markets. The availability of credit depends upon the ability of banks providing commitments under the facility to provide funds when their obligations to do so arise. Systemic risk of the banking system and the financial markets could prevent a bank from meeting its obligations under the credit agreements. Successful implementation of our long-term business strategies, including capital investment, is dependent upon our ability to access the capital markets, including the banking and commercial paper markets, on competitive terms and rates. Continued elevation of, or further increases in, interest rates may adversely affect our results of operations and the ability of our regulated subsidiaries to earn their approved rates of return. High interest rates may also impair our ability to cost-effectively finance capital expenditures and to refinance maturing debt. Our access to the credit and capital markets could be limited, or our cost of capital significantly increased, due to any of the following risks and uncertainties: • A rating downgrade; • Failure to comply with debt covenants; • An economic downturn or uncertainty; • Prevailing market conditions and rules; • Political tensions, including civil unrest and election volatility; • Concerns over foreign economic conditions; • Changes in tax policy; • Changes in investment criteria of institutional investors or banks, including any policies that would limit or restrict funding for companies with fossil fuel-related investments; • War or the threat of war; and • The overall health and view of the utility and financial institution industries. 2023 Form 10-K 35 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents If any of these risks or uncertainties limit our access to the credit and capital markets or significantly increase our cost of capital, it could limit our ability to implement, or increase the costs of implementing, our business plan, which, in turn, could materially and adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows, and financial condition, and could limit our ability to sustain our current common stock dividend level. A downgrade in our credit ratings could negatively affect our ability to access capital at reasonable costs and/or require the posting of collateral. There are a number of factors that impact our credit ratings, including, but not limited to, capital structure, regulatory environment, the ability to cover liquidity requirements, and other requirements for capital. We could experience a downgrade in ratings if the rating agencies determine that our level of business or financial risk, or that of any of our utilities or the utility industry, has deteriorated. Changes in rating methodologies by the rating agencies could also have a negative impact on credit ratings. Any downgrade by the rating agencies could: • Increase borrowing costs under certain existing credit facilities; • Require the payment of higher interest rates in future financings and possibly reduce the pool of creditors; • Decrease funding sources by limiting our access to the commercial paper market; • Limit the availability of adequate credit support for our operations; and • Trigger collateral requirements in various contracts. Fluctuating commodity prices could negatively impact our operations. Our operating and liquidity requirements are impacted by changes in the forward and current market prices of natural gas, coal, electricity, renewable energy credits, and ancillary services. Our electric utilities burn natural gas in several of their electric generation plants and as a supplemental fuel at several coal-fired plants. In many instances the cost of purchased power is tied to the cost of natural gas. The cost of natural gas may increase because of disruptions in the supply of natural gas due to a curtailment in production or distribution, international market conditions, the demand for natural gas, and the availability of shale gas and potential regulations and/or other government action affecting its accessibility. For Wisconsin retail electric customers, our utilities bear the risk for the recovery of fuel and purchased power costs within a symmetrical 2% fuel tolerance band compared to the forecast of fuel and purchased power costs established in their respective rate structures. Prudently incurred fuel and purchased power costs are recovered dollar-for-dollar from our Michigan retail electric customers and our wholesale electric customers. Our natural gas utilities receive dollar-for-dollar recovery of prudently incurred natural gas costs from their natural gas customers. Changes in commodity prices could result in: • Higher working capital requirements, particularly related to natural gas inventory, accounts receivable, and cash collateral postings; • Reduced profitability to the extent that lower revenues, increased bad debt, and higher interest expense are not recovered through rates; • Higher rates charged to our customers, which could impact our competitive position; • Reduced demand for energy, which could impact revenues and operating expenses; • Reduced growth prospects from renewable energy projects related to lower cost alternative energy sources and a limited number of purchasers of electricity; and • Shutting down of generation facilities if the cost of generation exceeds the market price for electricity. We may not be able to obtain an adequate supply of coal, which could limit our ability to operate our coal-fired facilities. We own and operate several coal-fired electric generating units. Although we generally carry sufficient coal inventory at our generating facilities to protect against an interruption or decline in supply, there can be no assurance that the inventory levels will be adequate. While we have coal supply and transportation contracts in place, we cannot assure that the counterparties to these agreements will be able to fulfill their obligations to supply coal to us or that we will be able to take delivery of all the coal volume contracted for. Coal deliveries may occasionally be restricted because of rail congestion and maintenance, derailments, weather, 2023 Form 10-K 36 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents public health crises, including epidemics and pandemics, and supplier financial hardship. Supplier financial hardship is a result of decreased demand for coal due to increased natural gas and renewable energy generation, the impact of environmental regulations, and environmental concerns related to coal-fired generation. If we are unable to obtain our coal requirements under our coal supply and transportation contracts, we may be required to purchase coal at higher prices or we may be forced to reduce generation at our coal-fired units, which could lead to increased fuel costs. The increase in fuel costs could result in either reduced margins on net sales into the MISO Energy Markets, a reduction in the volume of net sales into the MISO Energy Markets, and/or an increase in net power purchases in the MISO Energy Markets. There is no guarantee that we would be able to fully recover any increased costs in rates or that recovery would not otherwise be delayed, either of which could adversely affect our results of operations and cash flows. Our use of derivative contracts could result in financial losses. We use derivative instruments such as swaps, options, futures, and forwards to manage commodity price exposure. We could recognize financial losses as a result of volatility in the market value of these contracts or if a counterparty fails to perform. These risks are managed through risk management policies, which might not work as planned and cannot entirely eliminate the risks associated with these activities. In addition, although the hedging programs of our utilities must be approved by the various state commissions, derivative contracts entered into for hedging purposes might not offset the underlying exposure being hedged as expected, resulting in financial losses. In the absence of actively quoted market prices and pricing information from external sources, the value of these financial instruments can involve management's judgment or use of estimates. Changes in the underlying assumptions or use of alternative valuation methods could affect the reported fair value of these contracts. Restructuring in the regulated energy industry and competition in the retail and wholesale markets could have a negative impact on our business and revenues. The regulated energy industry continues to experience significant structural changes. Deregulation or other changes in law in the states where we serve our customers could allow third-party suppliers to contract directly with customers for their natural gas and electric supply requirements. In addition, legislation or regulation that supports distributed energy technologies or that allows third party sales from such technologies could result in further competition. This increased competition in the retail and wholesale markets could have a material adverse financial impact on us. Certain jurisdictions in which we operate, including Michigan and Illinois, have adopted retail choice. Under Michigan law, our retail electric customers may choose an alternative electric supplier to provide power supply service. The law limits customer choice to 10% of our Michigan retail load. The iron ore mine located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan is excluded from this cap. When a customer switches to an alternative electric supplier, we continue to provide distribution and customer service functions for the customer. Although Illinois has adopted retail choice, there is currently little or no impact on the net income of our Illinois utilities as they still earn a distribution charge for transporting the natural gas for these customers. It is uncertain whether retail choice might be implemented in Wisconsin or Minnesota. The FERC continues to support the existing RTOs that affect the structure of the wholesale market within these RTOs. In connection with its status as a FERC-approved RTO, MISO implemented bid-based energy markets that are part of the MISO Energy Markets. All market participants, including us, must submit day-ahead and/or real time bids and offers for energy at locations across the MISO region. MISO then calculates the most efficient solution for all of the bids and offers made into the market that day and establishes an LMP that reflects the market price for energy. We are required to follow MISO's instructions when dispatching generating units to support MISO's responsibility for maintaining the stability of the transmission system. MISO also implemented an ancillary services market for operating reserves that schedules energy and ancillary services at the same time as part of the energy market, allowing for more efficient use of generation assets in the MISO Energy Markets. These market designs continue to have the potential to increase the costs of transmission, the costs associated with inefficient generation dispatching, the costs of participation in the MISO Energy Markets, and the costs associated with estimated payment settlements. The FERC rules related to transmission are designed to facilitate competition in the wholesale electricity markets among regulated utilities, non-utility generators, wholesale power marketers, and brokers by providing greater flexibility and more choices to wholesale customers, including initiatives designed to encourage the integration of renewable sources of supply. In addition, along with transactions contemplating physical delivery of energy, financial laws and regulations impact hedging and trading based on futures contracts and derivatives that are traded on various commodities exchanges, as well as over-the-counter. Technology changes in the power and fuel industries also have significant impacts on wholesale transactions and related costs. We currently 2023 Form 10-K 37 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents cannot predict the impact of these and other developments or the effect of changes in levels of wholesale supply and demand, which are driven by factors beyond our control. Volatility in the securities markets, interest rates, changes in assumptions, market conditions, and other factors may impact the performance of our benefit plan holdings and other investment funds. We have significant obligations related to pension and OPEB plans. If we are unable to successfully manage our benefit plan assets and medical costs, our cash flows, financial condition, or results of operations could be adversely impacted. Our cost of providing these plans is dependent upon a number of factors, including actual plan experience, changes made to the plans, and assumptions concerning the future. Types of assumptions include earnings on plan assets, discount rates, the level of interest rates used to measure the required minimum funding levels of the plans, future government regulation, estimated withdrawals by retirees, and our required or voluntary contributions to the plans. Plan assets are subject to market fluctuations and may yield returns that fall below projected return rates. In addition, medical costs for both active and retired employees may increase at a rate that is significantly higher than we currently anticipate. Our funding requirements could be impacted by a decline in the market value of plan assets, changes in interest rates, changes in demographics (including the number of retirements), or changes in life expectancy assumptions. In addition, we maintain rabbi trusts to fund our deferred compensation plans and other investments funds, which from time to time, hold equity and debt investments that are subject to market fluctuations. Decreases in investment performance of these assets could materially adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows, and financial condition. General Risks We have recorded goodwill and other long-lived assets, including intangible assets, that could become impaired. We assess goodwill for impairment on an annual basis or whenever events or circumstances occur that would more than likely indicate that the carrying amount of our reporting unit's net assets exceeds the reporting unit's fair value. At December 31, 2023, our goodwill was $3,052.8 million. Other long-lived assets, including intangible assets, are evaluated for impairment on an annual basis or whenever events or circumstances occur that indicate that an asset's carrying value may not be recoverable. If goodwill or other long-lived assets are deemed to be impaired, we may be required to incur a non-cash charge to earnings that could materially adversely affect our results of operations. See the risk factor titled "Our business is significantly impacted by governmental regulation and oversight" for more information about long-lived assets that were impaired as a result of the ICC's November 2023 rate orders for PGL and NSG. We may be unable to obtain insurance on acceptable terms or at all, and the insurance coverage we do obtain may not provide protection against all significant losses. Our ability to obtain insurance, as well as the cost and coverage of such insurance, could be affected by developments affecting our business; international, national, state, or local events; and the financial condition of insurers and our contractors that are required to acquire and maintain insurance for our benefit. Insurance coverage may not continue to be available at all or at rates or terms similar to those presently available to us. In addition, our insurance may not be sufficient or effective under all circumstances and against all hazards or liabilities to which we may be subject. Any losses for which we are not fully insured or that are not covered by insurance at all could materially adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows, and financial position. ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS None. 2023 Form 10-K 38 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents ITEM 1C. CYBERSECURITY Our Board of Directors is responsible for general oversight of our risk environment and associated management policies and practices. The Board of Directors has delegated to its AOC the responsibility for oversight of our major risk categories and exposures, including with respect to cybersecurity, and management's processes to monitor and control them. The AOC meets regularly throughout the year and receives and reviews various risk management reports about IT/OT cybersecurity, data security, and physical security risk management reports, and discusses these matters with appropriate management and other personnel. The CEO and CAO regularly report to the AOC and the Board of Directors about cybersecurity matters and risks as well as the adequacy and effectiveness of the cybersecurity risk management program. To foster an enterprise-wide approach to risk management, we have established an ERSC chaired by our CEO and comprised of a cross-functional group of senior leaders from across our organization. The ERSC regularly reviews key risk areas and oversees the development and implementation of effective compliance and risk management practices, including the use of internal and external audits. Our Board of Directors and the AOC receive reports regarding the same. Governance of our cybersecurity risk management program is overseen by the ERSC, along with steering committees for information security, operational technology security, third-party vendor security controls, Sarbanes-Oxley security controls, and North American Electric Reliability Corporation Critical Infrastructure Protection compliance. Our CAO is responsible for enterprise-wide information technology services and cybersecurity system strategy. In this capacity, the CAO oversees the cybersecurity risk management program, which is maintained and implemented by the Enterprise Security Director. Our CAO has 24 years of experience at the company, during which time she has held a number of management and leadership positions, including Chief Information Officer, through which she has developed expertise in our IT/OT cybersecurity, data security, and physical security environment and risk profile. The Enterprise Security Director, in collaboration with her team, is responsible for IT/OT cybersecurity, data security, and physical security. The Enterprise Security Director identifies, evaluates, and facilitates mitigation of cyber, data, and physical security risks and reports on cybersecurity matters and risks to the ERSC and the AOC. Our Enterprise Security Director has over 26 years of experience in IT/OT cybersecurity, data security and physical security, and is a certified information system security professional. She is also a member of numerous state and national cybersecurity organizations. Cybersecurity Risk Management Program Our cybersecurity-related risks are managed through monitoring, defense and response tools, audits and assessments of the program’s effectiveness, industry collaboration, and employee training and awareness. Our cybersecurity risk management program utilizes the cybersecurity framework and maturity models from the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the United States Department of Energy to continually assess its maturity. This includes regular internal security audits and vulnerability assessments, as well as regular engagement with third-party security experts for external assessments of our security controls, including technical, physical, and social aspects. To better comprehend the scope and magnitude of any active threats to our industry and nation and their potential impact on our IT/OT systems, we communicate with other utility companies, government agencies, and other sectors of the economy concerning cybersecurity incidents. All employees are required to complete training annually regarding information security and acceptable use of corporate electronic resources. Annual role-based cybersecurity training as well as ongoing participation in a corporate phishing campaign program, is also required of employees and contractors. In addition, as part of the cybersecurity program, we have established controls and procedures to assess the adequacy of controls in place at third-party vendors to protect corporate information, including restricted and confidential restricted information we provide to third-party vendors, their employees, or authorized agents. These third-party vendors are also subject to a background investigation prior to being granted physical or electronic access to the company's private property, or physical access to customer premises on behalf of the company. As part of the cybersecurity program, we have adopted a cybersecurity incident response plan (the “Plan”) designed to identify, evaluate, respond to, and resolve cybersecurity incidents impacting IT/OT systems. Pursuant to the terms of the Plan, we have established a CSIRT Steering Committee which includes, among others, the Chief Financial Officer, CAO, and the Enterprise Security Director. The CSIRT Steering Committee is responsible for overseeing and implementing the Plan in the event of a cybersecurity threat or incident and provides updates regarding the status of the response to senior management, including the CEO, who provide updates and reports regarding cybersecurity incidents to the AOC and/or the Board of Directors at regularly scheduled meetings or more frequently, as needed. 2023 Form 10-K 39 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents In response to an identified cybersecurity incident, or as it deems appropriate, the CSIRT Steering Committee will assemble and oversee a CSIRT, comprised of appropriate personnel and subject matter experts depending on the scope and severity of the incident, relevant or impacted business units and entities, and type of information or systems potentially compromised by the cybersecurity incident. When assembled, the CSIRT is responsible for developing and implementing an overall response strategy to contain, control, and remediate the cybersecurity incident, including securing our affected systems and/or information, mitigating harmful effects of the incident, preventing further compromises, and communicating information to affected parties, regulatory agencies and law enforcement, as necessary. The CSIRT may seek assistance from or engage external support providers including legal counsel, outside technology or forensic experts, investigation service providers, and others, as appropriate, to assist in the response to the incident, based on its nature and scope. Pursuant to the Plan and at the direction of the CAO, the Enterprise Security Director will conduct a post-incident remediation analysis and report findings to the CSIRT Steering Committee. The Plan is tested and reviewed at least annually. We have been subject to attempted cybersecurity attacks from time to time, and will likely continue to be subject to such attempted attacks; however, these prior attacks have not had a material impact on our system or business operations. For information about cybersecurity risks to our business, see Item 1A. Risk Factors and the risk factor titled "Our operations are subject to risks beyond our control, including but not limited to, cybersecurity intrusions, terrorist or other physical attacks, acts of war, or unauthorized access to personally identifiable information." 2023 Form 10-K 40 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents ITEM 2. PROPERTIES We own our principal properties outright. However, the major portion of our electric utility distribution lines, steam utility distribution mains, and natural gas utility distribution mains and services are located on or under streets and highways, on land owned by others, and are generally subject to granted easements, consents, or permits. A. REGULATED Electric Facilities The following table summarizes information on our electric generation facilities, including owned and jointly owned facilities, as of December 31, 2023: Name Location Fuel Number of Generating Units Capacity In MW (1) Natural gas-fired plants PWGS Port Washington, WI Natural Gas 2 1,217 (3) Fox Energy Center Wrightstown, WI Natural Gas 3 581 Concord Watertown, WI Natural Gas/Oil 4 365 Paris Union Grove, WI Natural Gas/Oil 4 361 VAPP Milwaukee, WI Natural Gas 2 275 Germantown Germantown, WI Natural Gas/Oil 5 263 Whitewater Whitewater, WI Natural Gas/Oil 1 243 De Pere Energy Center De Pere, WI Natural Gas/Oil 1 166 West Marinette Marinette, WI Natural Gas 3 158 Weston Rothschild, WI Natural Gas 7 130 F. D. Kuester Negaunee, MI Natural Gas 7 128 West Riverside Beloit, WI Natural Gas 2 85 (2) Pulliam Green Bay, WI Natural Gas 1 82 A. J. Mihm Baraga, MI Natural Gas 3 55 Total natural gas-fired plants 45 4,109 Coal-fired plants OCPP Oak Creek, WI Coal 4 1,103 (7) ERGS Oak Creek, WI Coal 2 1,082 (2) (3) Weston Rothschild, WI Coal 2 713 (2) (7) Columbia Portage, WI Coal 2 312 (2) (7) Total coal-fired plants 10 3,210 Wind facilities Glacier Hills Wind Park Cambria, WI Wind 90 162 Blue Sky Green Field Wind Park Fond du Lac, WI Wind 88 145 Crane Creek Wind Farm Howard County, IA Wind 66 99 Red Barn Grant County, WI Wind 28 82 (2) Forward Wind Fond du Lac County, WI Wind 86 62 (2) Montfort Wind Energy Center Montfort, WI Wind 20 30 Total wind facilities 378 580 Solar facilities Two Creeks Manitowoc County, WI Solar 48 100 (2) Badger Hollow I Iowa County, WI Solar 41 100 (2) Badger Hollow II Iowa County, WI Solar 40 100 (2) Total solar facilities 129 300 Other renewable facilities Hydro plants (30 in number) WI and MI Hydro 80 92 (4) (5) Rothschild Biomass Plant Rothschild, WI Biomass 1 46 (6) Total other renewable facilities 81 138 Total electric generation facilities 643 8,337 2023 Form 10-K 41 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents (1) Capacity for our electric generation facilities, other than wind and solar generating facilities, is based on rated capacity, which is the net power output under average operating conditions with equipment in an average state of repair as of a given month in a given year. Values are primarily based on the net dependable expected capacity ratings for summer 2024 established by tests and may change slightly from year to year. The summer period is the most relevant for capacity planning purposes. This is a result of continually reaching demand peaks in the summer months, primarily due to air conditioning demand. Capacity for wind generating facilities is based on nameplate capacity, which is the amount of energy a turbine should produce at optimal wind speeds. Capacity for solar generating facilities is based on nameplate capacity, which is the maximum output that a generator should produce at continuous full power. (2) Our subsidiaries jointly own these facilities with various other unaffiliated entities. The capacity indicated for each of these units is equal to our subsidiaries' portion of total plant capacity based on its percent of ownership. See Note 8, Jointly Owned Utility Facilities, for more information on our ownership interests. (3) These facilities are part of the Company's non-utility energy infrastructure segment. See B. Non-Utility Energy Infrastructure Segment below. (4) All of our hydroelectric facilities follow FERC guidelines and/or regulations. (5) WRPC owns and operates the Castle Rock and Petenwell units. WPS holds a 50.0% ownership interest in WRPC and is entitled to 50.0% of the total capacity at Castle Rock and Petenwell. WPS's share of capacity for Castle Rock and Petenwell is 7.0 MWs and 10.3 MWs, respectively. (6) WE has a biomass power plant that uses wood waste and wood shavings to produce electric power as well as steam to support the paper mill's operations. Fuel for the power plant is supplied by both the paper mill and through contracts with biomass suppliers. The plant also has the ability to burn natural gas if wood waste and wood shavings are not available. (7) We expect to retire approximately 1,800 MWs of additional fossil-fueled generation by the end of 2031, which includes the planned retirement in 2024-2025 of OCPP Units 5-8, the planned retirement by June 2026 of jointly-owned Columbia Units 1-2, and the planned retirement in 2031 of Weston Unit 3. As of December 31, 2023, we operated approximately 35,500 miles of overhead distribution lines and approximately 36,500 miles of underground distribution cable, as well as approximately 430 electric distribution substations and approximately 523,700 line transformers. Natural Gas Facilities At December 31, 2023, our natural gas properties were located in Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan, and consisted of the following: • Approximately 46,400 miles of natural gas distribution mains, • Approximately 1,700 miles of natural gas transmission mains, • Approximately 2.4 million natural gas lateral services, • Approximately 490 natural gas distribution and transmission gate stations, • Approximately 69.3 Bcf of working gas capacities in underground natural gas storage fields: ◦ Bluewater, 27.6 Bcf of fields located in southeastern Michigan, ◦ Manlove, a 38.8 Bcf field located in central Illinois, ◦ Partello, a 2.9 Bcf field located in southern Michigan, • A 2.0 Bcf LNG plant located in central Illinois, • A 1.0 Bcf LNG plant located in southern Wisconsin, • A peak-shaving facility that can store the equivalent of approximately 80 MDth in liquefied petroleum gas located in Illinois, and • LNG storage plants, located in Wisconsin, with a total send-out capability of 173,600 Dth per day. Our natural gas distribution and gas storage systems included distribution mains and transmission mains connected to the pipeline transmission systems of Alliance Pipeline, ANR Pipeline Company, Centra Pipelines, Consumers Energy, DTE Gas Company, Enbridge Gas Inc., Great Lakes Transmission Company, Guardian Pipeline L.L.C., Interstate Power and Light Company, Kinder Morgan Illinois Pipeline, Midwestern Gas Pipeline Company, Natural Gas Pipeline Company of America, Nicor Gas, Northern Border Pipeline Company, Northern Natural Gas Company, Northwest Gas of Cottonwood County, LLC, Northwestern Energy, Panhandle Gas Transmission, SEMCO, Trunkline Gas Pipeline, Vector Pipeline Company, and Viking Gas Transmission. Our LNG storage plants convert and store, in liquefied form, natural gas received during periods of low consumption. We also own office buildings, natural gas regulating and metering stations, and major service centers, including garage and warehouse facilities, in certain communities we serve. Where distribution lines and services and natural gas distribution mains and 2023 Form 10-K 42 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents services occupy private property, we have in some, but not all instances, obtained consents, permits, or easements for these installations from the apparent owners or those in possession of those properties, generally without an examination of ownership records or title. Steam Facilities As of December 31, 2023, the steam system supplied by the VAPP consisted of approximately 40 miles of both high pressure and low pressure steam piping, approximately four miles of walkable tunnels, and other pressure regulating equipment. General Substantially all of PGL's and NSG's properties are subject to the lien of the respective company's mortgage indenture for the benefit of bondholders. B. NON-UTILITY ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE SEGMENT The non-utility energy infrastructure segment includes We Power, Bluewater, and WECI. We Power and Bluewater are considered non-utility energy infrastructure operations, however, their facilities are shown in the regulated section. We Power owns and leases generating facilities to WE. We Power's share of the ERGS units and both PWGS units are being leased to WE under long-term leases. Bluewater provides natural gas storage and hub services primarily to WE, WPS, and WG. WECI has ownership interests in eight wind generating facilities and one solar generating facility. For more information on recent and pending renewable facility acquisitions, see Note 2, Acquisitions. The following table summarizes information on WECI's renewable generating facilities as of December 31, 2023: Name Location Ownership Percentage (%) (1) Number of Generating Units Nameplate Capacity In MW (2) Renewable generating facilities Thunderhead Antelope and Wheeler Counties, Nebraska 90 % 108 299.3 Blooming Grove McLean County, Illinois 90 % 94 260.9 Sapphire Sky McLean County, Illinois 90 % 64 251.0 Samson I Lamar, Franklin, Hopkins and Red River Counties, Texas 80 % (3) 340 250.0 Upstream Antelope County, Nebraska 90 % 81 202.5 Jayhawk Bourbon and Crawford Counties, Kansas 90 % 70 197.4 Tatanka Ridge Deuel County, South Dakota 85 % 56 154.8 Bishop Hill III Henry County, Illinois 90 % 53 132.1 Coyote Ridge Brookings County, South Dakota 80 % 39 97.4 Total renewable generating facilities 905 1,845.4 (1) Invenergy Wind LLC operates these renewable facilities. (2) Nameplate capacity is the amount of energy a source should produce under optimal conditions, such as optimal wind speeds or solar irradiance. (3) In January 2024, WECI acquired an additional 10% ownership interest in Samson I. 2023 Form 10-K 43 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS The following should be read in conjunction with Note 24, Commitments and Contingencies, and Note 26, Regulatory Environment, in this report for additional information on material legal proceedings and matters related to us and our subsidiaries. In addition to those legal proceedings discussed in Note 24, Commitments and Contingencies, Note 26, Regulatory Environment, and below, we are currently, and from time to time, subject to claims and suits arising in the ordinary course of business. Although the results of these additional legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, management believes, after consultation with legal counsel, that the ultimate resolution of these proceedings will not have a material impact on our financial statements. Employee Retirement Savings Plan Matter In May 2022, a putative class action, Munt, et al. v. WEC Energy Group, Inc., et al., was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin - Milwaukee Division. The plaintiffs allege that WEC Energy Group and others breached their fiduciary duties with respect to the operation and oversight of the Employee Retirement Saving Plan (the “Plan”) in violation of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended. The class is alleged to be participants in the Plan from May 10, 2016 through the date of judgment. The complaint seeks injunctive relief, damages, interest, costs, and attorneys' fees. The Company is vigorously defending against the allegations made in this lawsuit and intends to continue to do so. ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES Not applicable. 2023 Form 10-K 44 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents INFORMATION ABOUT OUR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS The names, ages, and positions of our executive officers are listed below along with their business experience during the past five years. All officers are appointed until their resignation, death, or removal pursuant to our Bylaws. There are no family relationships among these officers, nor is there any agreement or understanding between any officer and any other person pursuant to which the officer was selected. Joshua M. Erickson . Age 51. • WEC Business Services (a centralized service company of WEC Energy Group) – Vice President and Deputy General Counsel since August 2021. Director-Legal Services – Corporate and Finance from June 2015 through July 2021. Robert M. Garvin. Age 57. • WEC Energy Group — Executive Vice President - External Affairs since June 2015. • WEC Business Services (a centralized service company of WEC Energy Group) – Executive Vice President - External Affairs since January 2019. William J. Guc. Age 54. • WEC Energy Group — Controller since October 2015. Vice President since June 2015. • WE — Vice President and Controller since October 2015. Assistant Corporate Secretary since January 2020. Margaret C. Kelsey. Age 59. • WEC Energy Group — Executive Vice President, Corporate Secretary and General Counsel since January 2018. • WE — Executive Vice President, Corporate Secretary and General Counsel since January 2018. Director since January 2018. Gale E. Klappa. Age 73. • WEC Energy Group — Executive Chairman since February 2019. Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer from October 2017 to February 2019, and from May 2004 to May 2016. Non-Executive Chairman of the Board from May 2016 to October 2017. President from April 2003 to August 2013. Director since December 2003. • WE — Director since January 2018, and from December 2003 to May 2016. Chairman of the Board from January 2018 to February 2019, and from May 2004 to May 2016. Chief Executive Officer from January 2018 to February 2019, and from August 2003 to May 2016. President from April 2003 to June 2015. Daniel P. Krueger. Age 58. • WEC Business Services (a centralized service company of WEC Energy Group) — Executive Vice President - WEC Infrastructure since January 2019. Scott J. Lauber. Age 58. • WEC Energy Group — President and Chief Executive Officer since February 1, 2022. Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer from June 2020 to January 31, 2022. Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from October 2019 to June 2020. Senior Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer from February 2019 to October 2019. Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer from October 2018 to February 2019. Director since February 1, 2022. • WE — Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer since February 1, 2022. President since January 1, 2022. Executive Vice President from June 2020 to December 31, 2021. Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from October 2019 to June 2020. Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer from October 2018 to October 2019. Director since April 2016. Xia Liu. Age 54. • WEC Energy Group — Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since June 2020. • WE — Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since June 2020. Director since June 2020. • CenterPoint Energy, Inc. — Senior Advisor from April 2020 to May 2020. Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from April 2019 to April 2020. CenterPoint Energy, Inc. is a public utility holding company whose operating subsidiaries provide electric and natural gas service to customers in parts of the South and Midwest. • Georgia Power Company — Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer from October 2017 to April 2019. Georgia Power Company is a utility subsidiary of The Southern Company that provides electric service to customers throughout Georgia. 2023 Form 10-K 45 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents William Mastoris. Age 60. • WEC Business Services (a centralized service company of WEC Energy Group) – Executive Vice President – Customer Service and Operations since December 2021. Vice President – Supply Chain and Fleet from January 2019 through November 2021. Director since November 2021. • WE – Executive Vice President – Customer Service and Operations since December 2021. Director since November 2021. Molly A. Mulroy. Age 48. • WEC Business Services (a centralized service company of WEC Energy Group) – Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer since August 2021. Vice President and Chief Information Officer from January 2019 through July 2021. Director since November 2021. Anthony L. Reese. Age 42. • WEC Energy Group — Vice President and Treasurer since October 2019. • WE — Vice President and Treasurer since October 2019. • PGL – Controller - Illinois from September 2015 to September 2019. Mary Beth Straka. Age 59. • WEC Energy Group — Senior Vice President - Corporate Communications and Investor Relations since June 2015. Certain executive officers also hold officer and/or director positions at WEC Energy Group's other significant subsidiaries. 2023 Form 10-K 46 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents PART II ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES Number of Common Shareholders As of January 31, 2024, based upon the number of WEC Energy Group shareholder accounts (including accounts in our stock purchase and dividend reinvestment plan), we had approximately 36,000 registered shareholders. Common Stock Listing and Trading Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "WEC." Common Stock Dividends of WEC Energy Group, Inc. We review our dividend policy on a regular basis. Subject to any regulatory restrictions or other limitations on the payment of dividends, future dividends will be at the discretion of the Board of Directors and will depend upon, among other factors, earnings, financial condition, and other requirements. For more information on our dividends, including restrictions on the ability of our subsidiaries to pay us dividends, see Note 11, Common Equity. ITEM 6. RESERVED 2023 Form 10-K 47 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS CORPORATE DEVELOPMENTS Introduction We are a diversified holding company with natural gas and electric utility operations (serving customers in Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, and Minnesota), an approximately 60% equity ownership interest in ATC (a for-profit electric transmission company regulated by FERC and certain state regulatory commissions), and non-utility energy infrastructure operations through We Power (which owns generation assets in Wisconsin that it leases to WE), Bluewater (which owns underground natural gas storage facilities in Michigan), and WECI, which holds ownership interests in several renewable generating facilities. Corporate Strategy Our goal is to continue to build and sustain long-term value for our shareholders and customers by focusing on the fundamentals of our business: environmental stewardship; reliability; operating efficiency; financial discipline; exceptional customer care; and safety. Our capital investment plan for efficiency, sustainability and growth, referred to as our ESG Progress Plan, provides a roadmap for us to achieve this goal. It is an aggressive plan to cut emissions, maintain superior reliability, deliver significant savings for customers, and grow our investment in the future of energy. Throughout our strategic planning process, we take into account important developments, risks and opportunities, including new technologies, customer preferences and affordability, energy resiliency efforts, and sustainability. Creating a Sustainable Future Our ESG Progress Plan includes the retirement of older, fossil-fueled generation, to be replaced with zero-carbon-emitting renewables and clean natural gas-fired generation. The retirements will contribute to meeting our goals to reduce CO 2 emissions from our electric generation. When taken together, the retirements and new investments in renewables and clean generation should better balance our supply with our demand, while maintaining reliable, affordable energy for our customers. We have announced goals to achieve reductions in carbon emissions from our electric generation fleet by 60% by the end of 2025 and by 80% by the end of 2030, both from a 2005 baseline. We expect to achieve these goals by continuing to make operating refinements, retiring less efficient generating units, and executing our capital plan. Over the longer term, the target for our generation fleet is to be net carbon neutral by 2050. As part of our path toward these goals, we have started implementing co-firing with natural gas at the ERGS coal-fired units. By the end of 2030, we expect to use coal as a backup fuel only, and we believe we will be in a position to eliminate coal as an energy source by the end of 2032. We already have retired more than 1,900 MWs of fossil-fueled generation since the beginning of 2018, which included the 2019 retirement of the PIPP as well as the 2018 retirements of the Pleasant Prairie power plant, the Pulliam power plant, and the jointly-owned Edgewater Unit 4 generating units. See Note 6, Regulatory Assets and Liabilities, for more information related to these power plant retirements. We expect to retire approximately 1,800 MWs of additional fossil-fueled generation by the end of 2031, which includes the planned retirement in 2024-2025 of OCPP Units 5-8, the planned retirement by June 2026 of jointly-owned Columbia Units 1 and 2, and the planned retirement in 2031 of Weston Unit 3. See Note 7, Property, Plant, and Equipment, for more information related to planned power plant retirements. In addition to retiring these older, fossil-fueled plants, we expect to invest approximately $7.0 billion from 2024-2028 in regulated renewable energy in Wisconsin. Our plan is to replace a portion of the retired capacity by building and owning zero-carbon-emitting renewable generation facilities that are anticipated to include the following new investments: • 2,700 MWs of utility-scale solar; • 880 MWs of wind; and • 250 MWs of battery storage. 2023 Form 10-K 48 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents We also plan on investing in a combination of clean, natural gas-fired generation, including: • 1,125 MWs of combustion turbines; • 132 MWs of RICE natural gas-fueled generation; and • the purchase of 100 MWs of additional capacity in West Riverside. For more details, see Liquidity and Capital Resources – Cash Requirements – Significant Capital Projects. In December 2018, WE received approval from the PSCW for two renewable energy pilot programs. The Solar Now pilot is expected to add a total of 35 MWs of solar generation to WE's portfolio, allowing non-profit and governmental entities, as well as commercial and industrial customers, to site utility owned solar arrays on their property. Under this program, WE has energized 28 Solar Now projects and currently has another one under construction, together totaling more than 30 MWs. The second program, the DRER pilot, is designed to allow large commercial and industrial customers to access renewable resources that WE would operate. The DRER pilot is intended to help these larger customers meet their sustainability and renewable energy goals, and could add up to 35 MWs of renewables to WE's portfolio. In July 2023, the PSCW approved the Renewable Pathway Pilot, the third renewable energy program. This program allows WE and WPS commercial and industrial customers to subscribe to a portion of a utility-scale, Wisconsin-based renewable energy generating facility for up to 125 MWs at WE and 40 MWs at WPS. In August 2021, the PSCW approved pilot programs for WE and WPS to install and maintain EV charging equipment for customers at their homes or businesses. The programs provide direct benefits to customers by removing cost barriers associated with installing EV equipment. In October 2021, subject to the receipt of any necessary regulatory approvals, we pledged to expand the EV charging network within the service territories of our electric utilities. In doing so, we joined a coalition of utility companies in a unified effort to make EV charging convenient and widely available throughout the Midwest. The coalition we joined is planning to help build and grow EV charging corridors, enabling the general public to safely and efficiently charge their vehicles. We also continue to reduce methane emissions by improving our natural gas distribution system. We set a target across our natural gas distribution operations to achieve net-zero methane emissions by the end of 2030. We plan to achieve our net-zero goal through an effort that includes both continuous operational improvements and equipment upgrades, as well as the use of RNG throughout our natural gas utility systems. In 2022, we received approval from the PSCW for our RNG pilots. We have since signed contracts for RNG for our natural gas distribution business in Wisconsin, which will be transporting the output of local dairy farms onto our gas distribution systems. The RNG supplied will directly replace higher-emission methane from natural gas that would have entered our pipes. These contracts bring us to 1.8 Bcf of RNG planned to enter our systems. RNG began flowing in 2023. In December 2023, we started a pilot program with Electric Power Research Institute and CMBlu Energy, a Germany-based designer and manufacturer, to test a new form of long-duration energy storage on the U.S. electric grid. The program will test battery system performance, including the ability to store and discharge energy for up to twice as long as the typical lithium-ion batteries in use today. We expect the full pilot to be completed in 2024. Reliability We have made significant reliability-related investments in recent years, and in accordance with our ESG Progress Plan, expect to continue strengthening and modernizing our generation fleet, as well as our electric and natural gas distribution networks to further improve reliability. Below are a few examples of reliability projects that are proposed, currently underway, or recently completed. • Included in the capital plan are additional proposed LNG storage facilities providing approximately four Bcf of natural gas supply, which is needed to ensure gas supply for winter reliability. • WE and WG have received approval to each construct their own LNG facility to meet anticipated peak demand. Each facility would provide approximately one Bcf of natural gas supply to meet anticipated peak demand without requiring the construction of additional interstate pipeline capacity. The WE LNG facility was commercially operational at the end of 2023 and the WG LNG facility is targeted for 2024. • Through the SMP, PGL had been working to replace old iron pipes and facilities in Chicago’s natural gas delivery system with modern polyethylene pipes to reinforce the long-term safety and reliability of the system. In November 2023, the ICC ordered 2023 Form 10-K 49 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents PGL to pause spending on the SMP until the ICC completes a proceeding to determine the optimal method for replacing aging natural gas infrastructure and a prudent investment level. The ICC initiated the proceeding on January 31, 2024, and the proceeding is expected to last 12 months. For more information, see Factors Affecting Results, Liquidity, and Capital Resources - Regulatory, Legislative, and Legal Matters - Future Illinois Proceedings. On January 3, 2024, the ICC granted PGL a limited-scope rehearing, which is limited to the authorized spending for the completion of SMP projects that started in 2023 and the authorized spending for emergency repairs needed to ensure the safety and reliability of PGL's delivery system. As a result, PGL has suspended neighborhood work, pending the results of the limited rehearing. See Note 26, Regulatory Environment, for more information. • Our utilities continue to upgrade their electric and natural gas distribution systems to enhance reliability and storm hardening. We expect to spend approximately $3.8 billion from 2024 to 2028 on reliability related projects with continued investment over the next decade. For more details, see Liquidity and Capital Resources – Cash Requirements – Significant Capital Projects. Operating Efficiency We continually look for ways to optimize the operating efficiency of our company and will continue to do so under the ESG Progress Plan. For example, we are making progress on our AMI program, replacing aging meter-reading equipment on both our network and customer property. An integrated system of smart meters, communication networks, and data management programs enables two-way communication between our utilities and our customers. This program reduces the manual effort for disconnects and reconnects and enhances outage management capabilities. We continue to focus on integrating the resources of all our businesses and finding the best and most efficient processes. Financial Discipline A strong adherence to financial discipline is essential to meeting our earnings projections and maintaining a strong balance sheet, stable cash flows, a growing dividend, and quality credit ratings. We follow an asset management strategy that focuses on investing in and acquiring assets consistent with our strategic plans, as well as disposing of assets, including property, plants, equipment, and entire business units, that are no longer strategic to operations, are not performing as intended, or have an unacceptable risk profile. See Note 3, Dispositions, for information on recent transactions. Our planned investment focus from 2024 to 2028 is in our regulated utilities and non-utility energy infrastructure business, as well as our investment in ATC. We expect total capital expenditures for our regulated utility businesses to be approximately $19.5 billion from 2024 to 2028. In addition, we currently forecast that our share of ATC's projected capital expenditures over the next five years will be approximately $3 billion. We expect to invest approximately $1.2 billion in our non-utility energy infrastructure business over the same period, which includes our previously announced investment in Maple Flats and the purchase of an additional 10% ownership interest in Samson I. Specific projects included in the $23.7 billion ESG Progress Plan are discussed in more detail below under Liquidity and Capital Resources – Cash Requirements – Significant Capital Projects. Also, see Note 2, Acquisitions, for information on recent and pending transactions. Exceptional Customer Care Our approach is driven by an intense focus on delivering exceptional customer care every day. We strive to provide the best value for our customers by demonstrating personal responsibility for results, leveraging our capabilities and expertise, and using creative solutions to meet or exceed our customers’ expectations. A multiyear effort is driving a standardized, seamless approach to digital customer service across our companies. We have moved all utilities to a common platform for all customer-facing self-service options. Using common systems and processes reduces costs, provides greater flexibility and enhances the consistent delivery of exceptional service to customers. 2023 Form 10-K 50 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Safety Safety is one of our core values and a critical component of our culture. We are committed to keeping our employees and the public safe through a comprehensive corporate safety program that focuses on employee engagement and elimination of at-risk behaviors. Under our "Target Zero" mission, we have an ultimate goal of zero incidents, accidents, and injuries. Management and union leadership work together to reinforce the Target Zero culture. We set annual goals for safety results as well as measurable leading indicators, in order to raise awareness of at-risk behaviors and situations and guide injury-prevention activities. All employees are encouraged to report unsafe conditions or incidents that could have led to an injury. Injuries and tasks with high levels of risk are assessed, and findings and best practices are shared across our companies. Our corporate safety program provides a forum for addressing employee concerns, training employees and contractors on current safety standards, and recognizing those who demonstrate a safety focus. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS The following discussion and analysis of our Results of Operations includes comparisons of our results for the year ended December 31, 2023 with the year ended December 31, 2022. For a similar discussion that compares our results for the year ended December 31, 2022 with the year ended December 31, 2021, see Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Results of Operations in Part II of our 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which was filed with the SEC on February 23, 2023. Consolidated Earnings The following table compares our consolidated results for the year ended December 31, 2023 with the year ended December 31, 2022, including favorable or better, "B," and unfavorable or worse, "W," variances: Year Ended December 31 (in millions, except per share data) 2023 2022 B (W) Wisconsin $ 851.3 $ 758.4 $ 92.9 Illinois 140.0 226.9 (86.9) Other states 48.1 39.7 8.4 Electric transmission 119.1 129.5 (10.4) Non-utility energy infrastructure 336.0 324.4 11.6 Corporate and other (162.8) (70.8) (92.0) Net income attributed to common shareholders $ 1,331.7 $ 1,408.1 $ (76.4) Diluted earnings per share $ 4.22 $ 4.45 $ (0.23) Earnings decreased $76.4 million during 2023, compared with 2022. The significant factors impacting the $76.4 million decrease in earnings were: • A $92.0 million increase in the net loss attributed to common shareholders at the corporate and other segment, driven by higher interest expense on both long-term and short-term debt. This negative impact was partially offset by net gains from the investments held in the Integrys rabbi trust during 2023, compared with net losses during the same period in 2022. The gains and losses from the investments held in the rabbi trust partially offset the changes in benefit costs related to deferred compensation, which are primarily included in other operation and maintenance expense in our utility segments. See Note 17, Fair Value Measurements, for more information on our investments held in the Integrys rabbi trust. • An $86.9 million decrease in net income attributed to common shareholders at the Illinois segment, driven by higher operating expenses, primarily due to an impairment associated with the ICC's disallowance of certain incurred capital costs in its November 2023 rate orders for PGL and NSG, and the year-over-year impact of a gain recorded in 2022 on the sale of certain real estate by PGL. Partially offsetting these increases in operating expenses were lower natural gas distribution and maintenance costs and a decrease in expenses related to charitable contributions. Higher natural gas margins, due to a positive impact from PGL's rate order, effective December 1, 2023, and continued capital investment in the SMP project in 2023 under PGL's QIP rider, also 2023 Form 10-K 51 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents partially offset the net increase in operating expenses. See Note 26, Regulatory Environment, for more information on the PGL and NSG rate orders. • A $10.4 million decrease in net income attributed to common shareholders at the electric transmission segment, driven by the positive impact in 2022 related to the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals opinion issued in August 2022 addressing complaints related to ATC's ROE. For information on this D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals opinion, see Factors Affecting Results, Liquidity, and Capital Resources – Regulatory, Legislative, and Legal Matters – American Transmission Company Allowed Return on Equity Complaints. These decreases in earnings were partially offset by: • A $92.9 million increase in net income attributed to common shareholders at the Wisconsin segment, driven by an increase in electric and natural gas margins related to the impact of the Wisconsin rate orders approved by the PSCW, effective January 1, 2023, and a positive year-over-year impact from collections of fuel and purchased power costs. These positive impacts were partially offset by a decrease in electric and natural gas margins due to lower sales volumes, and higher operating expenses, including increases in expenses related to transmission, depreciation and amortization, and regulatory amortizations. • An $11.6 million increase in net income attributed to common shareholders at the non-utility energy infrastructure segment, primarily due to an increase in PTCs driven by the acquisition of additional renewable generation facilities in the second half of 2022 and the first quarter of 2023, partially offset by higher interest expense. • An $8.4 million increase in net income attributed to common shareholders at the other states segment, driven by higher natural gas margins due to an interim rate increase at MERC, effective January 1, 2023. See Note 26, Regulatory Environment, for more information. This positive impact was partially offset by a decrease in natural gas margins due to lower sales volumes and increases in depreciation and amortization and interest expense. Non-GAAP Financial Measures The discussions below address the contribution of each of our segments to net income attributed to common shareholders. The discussions include financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP, as well as electric margins and natural gas margins, which are not measures of financial performance under GAAP. Electric margins (electric revenues less fuel and purchased power costs) and natural gas margins (natural gas revenues less cost of natural gas sold) are non-GAAP financial measures because they exclude other operation and maintenance expense, depreciation and amortization, and property and revenue taxes. We believe that electric and natural gas margins provide a useful basis for evaluating utility operations since the majority of prudently incurred fuel and purchased power costs, as well as prudently incurred natural gas costs, are passed through to customers in current rates. As a result, management uses electric and natural gas margins internally when assessing the operating performance of our segments as these measures exclude the majority of revenue fluctuations caused by changes in these expenses. Similarly, the presentation of electric and natural gas margins herein is intended to provide supplemental information for investors regarding our operating performance. Our electric margins and natural gas margins may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Furthermore, these measures are not intended to replace operating income as determined in accordance with GAAP as an indicator of operating performance. The following table shows operating income by segment for our utility operations during years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022: Year Ended December 31 (in millions) 2023 2022 Wisconsin $ 1,553.3 $ 1,463.1 Illinois 270.8 369.7 Other states 79.7 64.2 Each applicable segment discussion below includes a table that provides the calculation of electric margins and natural gas margins, as applicable, along with a reconciliation to the most directly comparable GAAP measure, operating income. 2023 Form 10-K 52 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Wisconsin Segment Contribution to Net Income Attributed to Common Shareholders The Wisconsin segment's contribution to net income attributed to common shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $851.3 million, representing a $92.9 million, or 12.2%, increase over the prior year. The higher earnings were driven by an increase in electric and natural gas margins related to the impact of the Wisconsin rate orders approved by the PSCW, effective January 1, 2023, and a positive year-over-year impact from collections of fuel and purchased power costs. These positive impacts were partially offset by a decrease in electric and natural gas margins due to lower sales volumes, and higher operating expenses, including increases in expenses related to transmission, depreciation and amortization, and regulatory amortizations. Year Ended December 31 (in millions) 2023 2022 B (W) Electric revenues $ 5,010.8 $ 4,971.8 $ 39.0 Fuel and purchased power 1,615.9 1,881.4 265.5 Total electric margins 3,394.9 3,090.4 304.5 Natural gas revenues 1,615.1 1,988.7 (373.6) Cost of natural gas sold 894.7 1,327.4 432.7 Total natural gas margins 720.4 661.3 59.1 Total electric and natural gas margins 4,115.3 3,751.7 363.6 Other operation and maintenance 1,531.3 1,351.3 (180.0) Depreciation and amortization 851.5 754.7 (96.8) Property and revenue taxes 179.2 182.6 3.4 Operating income 1,553.3 1,463.1 90.2 Other income, net 137.6 99.9 37.7 Interest expense 601.0 555.9 (45.1) Income before income taxes 1,089.9 1,007.1 82.8 Income tax expense 237.4 247.5 10.1 Preferred stock dividends of subsidiary 1.2 1.2 — Net income attributed to common shareholders $ 851.3 $ 758.4 $ 92.9 The following table shows a breakdown of other operation and maintenance: Year Ended December 31 (in millions) 2023 2022 B (W) Operation and maintenance not included in line items below $ 635.1 $ 655.8 $ 20.7 Transmission (1) 540.4 430.9 (109.5) Regulatory amortizations and other pass through expenses (2) 208.2 145.5 (62.7) We Power (3) 141.4 108.1 (33.3) Earnings sharing mechanisms (4) 5.6 (13.5) (19.1) Other 0.6 24.5 23.9 Total other operation and maintenance $ 1,531.3 $ 1,351.3 $ (180.0) (1) Represents transmission expense that our electric utilities are authorized to collect in rates. The PSCW has approved escrow accounting for ATC and MISO network transmission expenses for WE and WPS. As a result, WE and WPS defer as a regulatory asset or liability, the difference between actual transmission costs and those included in rates until recovery or refund is authorized in a future rate proceeding. During 2023 and 2022, $520.4 million and $516.7 million, respectively, of costs were billed to our electric utilities by transmission providers. During 2022, WE and WPS amortized $81.0 million of the regulatory liabilities associated with their transmission escrows to offset certain 2022 revenue deficiencies, as approved by the PSCW in order to forego filing for 2022 base rate increases. This amortization drove the lower transmission expense during 2022. (2) Regulatory amortizations and other pass through expenses are substantially offset in margins and therefore do not have a significant impact on net income. Effective January 1, 2023, the PSCW approved escrow accounting for pension and OPEB costs, as well as certain costs associated 2023 Form 10-K 53 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents with our jointly-owned Columbia plant. As a result, our Wisconsin utilities defer as a regulatory asset or liability, the difference between these actual costs and those included in rates until recovery or refund is authorized in a future rate proceeding. (3) Represents costs associated with the We Power generation units, including operating and maintenance costs recognized by WE. During 2023 and 2022, $124.5 million and $121.7 million, respectively, of costs were billed to or incurred by WE related to the We Power generation units, with the difference in costs billed or incurred and expenses recognized, either deferred or deducted from the regulatory asset. (4) Represents operation and maintenance associated with the earnings mechanisms we have in place. In 2022, this amount was reduced by the $21.6 million amortization of certain regulatory liability balances associated with WPS's 2020 earnings sharing mechanism to offset certain 2022 revenue deficiencies, as approved by the PSCW in order to forego filing for 2022 base rate increases. See Note 26, Regulatory Environment, for more information. The following tables provide information on delivered sales volumes by customer class and weather statistics: Year Ended December 31 Electric Sales Volumes (MWh - in thousands) 2023 2022 B (W) Customer class Residential 10,966.8 11,372.6 (405.8) Small commercial and industrial (1) 12,729.9 12,867.1 (137.2) Large commercial and industrial (1) 11,992.8 12,181.6 (188.8) Other 128.6 139.0 (10.4) Total retail (1) 35,818.1 36,560.3 (742.2) Wholesale 1,821.8 2,444.7 (622.9) Resale 6,015.5 3,962.8 2,052.7 Total sales in MWh (1) 43,655.4 42,967.8 687.6 (1) Includes distribution sales for customers who have purchased power from an alternative electric supplier in Michigan. Year Ended December 31 Natural Gas Sales Volumes (Therms - in millions) 2023 2022 B (W) Customer class Residential 1,014.8 1,189.6 (174.8) Commercial and industrial 660.1 746.6 (86.5) Total retail 1,674.9 1,936.2 (261.3) Transportation 1,321.6 1,438.1 (116.5) Total sales in therms 2,996.5 3,374.3 (377.8) Year Ended December 31 Weather (Degree Days) 2023 2022 B (W) WE and WG (1) Heating (6,509 Normal) 5,409 6,369 (15.1) % Cooling (775 Normal) 876 944 (7.2) % WPS (2) Heating (7,354 Normal) 6,544 7,387 (11.4) % Cooling (544 Normal) 596 718 (17.0) % UMERC (3) Heating (8,392 Normal) 7,539 8,643 (12.8) % Cooling (342 Normal) 315 358 (12.0) % (1) Normal degree days are based on a 20-year moving average of monthly temperatures from Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (2) Normal degree days are based on a 20-year moving average of monthly temperatures from the Green Bay, Wisconsin weather station. (3) Normal degree days are based on a 20-year moving average of monthly temperatures from the Iron Mountain, Michigan weather station. 2023 Form 10-K 54 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Electric Revenues Electric revenues increased $39.0 million during 2023, compared with 2022. To the extent that changes in fuel and purchased power costs are passed through to customers, the changes are offset by comparable changes in revenues. See the discussion of electric utility margins below for more information related to the recovery of fuel and purchased power costs and the remaining drivers of the changes in electric revenues. Electric Utility Margins Electric utility margins at the Wisconsin segment increased $304.5 million during 2023, compared with 2022. The significant factors impacting the higher electric utility margins were: • A $330.5 million increase in margins related to the impact of the Wisconsin rate orders approved by the PSCW, effective January 1, 2023. • A $61.6 million year-over-year positive impact from collections of fuel and purchased power costs. Under the Wisconsin fuel rules, the margins of our electric utilities are impacted by under- or over-collections of certain fuel and purchased power costs that are within a 2% price variance from the costs included in rates, and the remaining variance beyond the 2% price variance is generally deferred for future recovery or refund to customers. In 2022, WPS was unable to defer a portion of its under-collected fuel and purchased power costs due to earning an ROE in excess of the PSCW authorized amount. • A $15.7 million increase in margins during 2023, related to the expiration of a capacity purchase contract driven by the acquisition of the Whitewater facility, effective January 1, 2023. These increases in margins were partially offset by: • A $67.9 million decrease in margins related to lower retail electric sales volumes, including steam operations, driven by the impact of unfavorable weather during 2023, compared with 2022. As measured by cooling degree days, 2023 was 7.2% and 17.0% cooler than 2022 in the Milwaukee area and Green Bay area, respectively. As measured by heating degree days, 2023 was 15.1% and 11.4% warmer than 2022 in the Milwaukee area and Green Bay area, respectively. • A $25.1 million decrease in other revenues, primarily related to a FERC order in January 2023 that eliminated reactive power compensation MISO was required to pay to generators, including our electric utilities, as well as lower revenues from third-party use of our assets. The decrease in reactive power revenues is substantially offset by a decrease in transmission expense related to a deferral of these revenues as a component of our transmission escrow, as approved by the PSCW in June 2023 and discussed below. • Lower margins of $8.0 million driven by the expiration of a wholesale contract in May 2022. Natural Gas Revenues Natural gas revenues decreased $373.6 million during 2023, compared with 2022. Because prudently incurred natural gas costs are passed through to our customers in current rates, the changes are offset by comparable changes in revenues. The average per-unit cost of natural gas decreased approximately 25% during 2023, compared with 2022. The remaining drivers of changes in natural gas revenues are described in the discussion of natural gas utility margins below. Natural Gas Utility Margins Natural gas utility margins at the Wisconsin segment increased $59.1 million during 2023, compared with 2022. The most significant factor impacting the higher natural gas utility margins was a $116.6 million increase in margins related to the impact of the Wisconsin rate orders approved by the PSCW, effective January 1, 2023. This increase in margins was partially offset by a $57.4 million decrease in margins from lower sales volumes, driven by the impact of unfavorable weather during 2023, compared with 2022. 2023 Form 10-K 55 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Other Operating Expenses (includes other operation and maintenance, depreciation and amortization, and property and revenue taxes) Other operating expenses at the Wisconsin segment increased $273.4 million during 2023, compared with 2022. The significant factors impacting the increase in other operating expenses were: • A $109.5 million increase in transmission expense as approved in the PSCW's 2023 rate orders, effective January 1, 2023. See the notes under the other operation and maintenance table above for more information. This amount is net of a deferral of $11.9 million approved by the PSCW in June 2023, retroactive to December 1, 2022, in response to a FERC order eliminating reactive power compensation to our utilities, as discussed in electric margins above. • A $96.8 million increase in depreciation and amortization, driven by assets being placed into service as we continue to execute on our capital plan. • A $62.7 million increase in regulatory amortizations and other pass through expenses, as discussed in the notes under the other operation and maintenance table above. • A $33.3 million increase in other operation and maintenance expense related to the We Power leases, as discussed in the notes under the other operation and maintenance table above. • A $29.4 million increase in other operating and maintenance related to our power plants, driven by increases to certain plant-related regulatory assets in 2022 as a result of the December 2022 Wisconsin rate orders as well as operating costs associated with Whitewater, which we purchased in January 2023. These increases were partially offset by lower severance during 2023. • A $19.1 million increase in expense related to the earnings sharing mechanisms in place at our Wisconsin utilities, as discussed in the notes under the other operation and maintenance table above. See Note 26, Regulatory Environment, for more information. These increases in other operating expenses were partially offset by: • A $23.9 million decrease in expense primarily related to lower commitments made in 2023 to fund our charitable foundations. • A $19.1 million increase in pre-tax gains on the sale of land, primarily at the site of our former Pleasant Prairie power plant during 2023. • A $15.6 million decrease in electric and natural gas distribution expenses, driven by lower costs to maintain the distribution system and for storm restoration during 2023, compared with 2022. • A $7.0 million decrease in expenses associated with the settlement of legal claims. Other Income, Net Other income, net at the Wisconsin segment increased $37.7 million during 2023, compared with 2022, driven by higher AFUDC-Equity due to continued capital investment. See Note 27, Other Income, Net, for more information. Interest Expense Interest expense at the Wisconsin segment increased $45.1 million during 2023, compared with 2022. The increase was primarily due to the impact of WE and WPS issuing long-term debt during the third and fourth quarters of 2022, respectively, and higher average short-term debt balances and increased short-term debt interest rates. Also contributing to the increase was the 2022 deferral of $8.2 million of interest expense related to capital investments made by WG since its 2020 rate case, as approved by the PSCW in an order that allowed our Wisconsin utilities to offset certain 2022 revenue deficiencies in order to forego filing for 2022 base rate increases. This deferred interest expense is now being amortized over a two-year period. During 2023, WG amortized $4.1 million of interest expense. See Note 26, Regulatory Environment, for more information. These increases were partially offset by higher AFUDC-Debt due to continued capital investment and lower interest expense on finance lease liabilities, primarily related to the We Power leases, as finance lease liabilities decrease each year as payments are made. 2023 Form 10-K 56 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Income Tax Expense Income tax expense at the Wisconsin segment decreased $10.1 million during 2023, compared with 2022. The decrease was primarily due to a $23.1 million increase in PTCs and a $6.3 million increase in income tax benefits associated with AFUDC-Equity, both driven by continued capital investment. These decreases in income tax expense were partially offset by higher pre-tax income. See Note 16, Income Taxes, for more information. Illinois Segment Contribution to Net Income Attributed to Common Shareholders The Illinois segment's contribution to net income attributed to common shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $140.0 million, representing an $86.9 million, or 38.3%, decrease from the prior year. The decrease was driven by higher operating expenses, primarily due to an impairment associated with the ICC's disallowance of certain incurred capital costs in its November 2023 rate orders for PGL and NSG, and the year-over-year impact of a gain recorded in 2022 on the sale of certain real estate by PGL. Partially offsetting these increases in operating expenses were lower natural gas distribution and maintenance costs and a decrease in expenses related to charitable contributions. Higher natural gas margins, due to a positive impact from PGL's rate order, effective December 1, 2023, and continued capital investment in the SMP project in 2023 under PGL's QIP rider, also partially offset the net increase in operating expenses. See Note 26, Regulatory Environment, for more information on the PGL and NSG rate orders. Since the majority of PGL and NSG customers use natural gas for heating, net income attributed to common shareholders at the Illinois segment is sensitive to weather and is generally higher during the winter months. Year Ended December 31 (in millions) 2023 2022 B (W) Natural gas revenues $ 1,557.8 $ 1,890.9 $ (333.1) Cost of natural gas sold 443.0 792.5 349.5 Total natural gas margins 1,114.8 1,098.4 16.4 Other operation and maintenance 397.9 459.2 61.3 Impairment related to ICC disallowances 178.9 — (178.9) Depreciation and amortization 237.3 230.9 (6.4) Property and revenue taxes 29.9 38.6 8.7 Operating income 270.8 369.7 (98.9) Other income, net 6.7 14.1 (7.4) Interest expense 88.9 73.8 (15.1) Income before income taxes 188.6 310.0 (121.4) Income tax expense 48.6 83.1 34.5 Net income attributed to common shareholders $ 140.0 $ 226.9 $ (86.9) The following table shows a breakdown of other operation and maintenance: Year Ended December 31 (in millions) 2023 2022 B (W) Operation and maintenance not included in the line items below $ 303.4 $ 319.4 $ 16.0 Riders (1) 94.3 127.2 32.9 Regulatory amortizations (1) 0.2 (2.4) (2.6) Other — 15.0 15.0 Total other operation and maintenance $ 397.9 $ 459.2 $ 61.3 (1) These riders and regulatory amortizations are substantially offset in margins and therefore do not have a significant impact on net income. 2023 Form 10-K 57 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents The following tables provide information on delivered sales volumes by customer class and weather statistics: Year Ended December 31 Natural Gas Sales Volumes (Therms - in millions) 2023 2022 B (W) Customer Class Residential 778.1 907.0 (128.9) Commercial and industrial 305.2 353.7 (48.5) Total retail 1,083.3 1,260.7 (177.4) Transportation 740.4 839.5 (99.1) Total sales in therms 1,823.7 2,100.2 (276.5) Year Ended December 31 Weather (Degree Days) (1) 2023 2022 B (W) Heating (6,005 Normal) 5,097 6,140 (17.0) % (1) Normal heating degree days are based on a 12-year moving average of monthly temperatures from Chicago's O'Hare Airport. Natural Gas Revenues Natural gas revenues decreased $333.1 million during 2023, compared with 2022. Because prudently incurred natural gas costs are passed through to our customers in current rates, the changes are offset by comparable changes in revenues. The average per-unit cost of natural gas sold decreased approximately 35% during 2023, compared with 2022. The remaining drivers of changes in natural gas revenues are described in the discussion of margins below. Natural Gas Utility Margins Natural gas utility margins at the Illinois segment, net of the $32.9 million impact of the riders referenced in the table above, increased $49.3 million during 2023, compared with 2022. The increase in margins was primarily driven by: • A $29.5 million increase in margins related to the impact of the PGL rate order issued by the ICC, effective December 1, 2023. • A $23.9 million increase in revenues at PGL due to continued capital investment in the SMP project under the QIP rider. PGL recovered the costs related to the SMP through a surcharge on customer bills pursuant to the QIP rider, which was in effect for most of 2023. For information on PGL's rate order, the QIP rider, PGL's plan to recover SMP costs after 2023, and the pause in spending on the SMP, see Note 26, Regulatory Environment. Other Operating Expenses (includes other operation and maintenance, impairment related to ICC disallowances, depreciation and amortization, and property and revenue taxes) Other operating expenses at the Illinois segment increased $148.2 million, net of the $32.9 million impact of the riders referenced in the table above, during 2023, compared with 2022. The significant factors impacting the increase in other operating expenses were: • A $178.9 million impairment associated with the ICC orders received in November 2023 related to PGL's and NSG's rate reviews, which included the disallowance of previously incurred capital costs at PGL and NSG, in the amount of $177.2 million and $1.7 million, respectively. See Note 26, Regulatory Environment, for more information on the ICC disallowances. • A $54.5 million pre-tax gain on the sale of certain real estate in Chicago during 2022. See Note 3, Dispositions, for more information. • An $11.1 million increase in expense driven by an ICC order received in May 2023 related to an annual prudency review of PGL's and NSG's UEA riders, which required refunds to ratepayers starting in September 2023. See Factors Affecting Results, Liquidity, and Capital Resources – Regulatory, Legislative, and Legal Matters – Regulatory Recovery for more information. 2023 Form 10-K 58 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents These increases in operating expenses were partially offset by: • A $43.8 million decrease in natural gas distribution and maintenance costs, primarily related to maintaining the natural gas infrastructure during 2023, compared with 2022. • A $25.0 million decrease in expenses related to contributions to charitable projects supporting our customers and the communities within our service territories during 2023, compared with 2022. • A $9.4 million decrease in expenses associated with the settlement of legal claims during 2022. • An $8.7 million decrease in property and revenue taxes, primarily driven by lower property and use taxes. • A $3.7 million decrease in customer service expense due to lower call center expense and metering costs. • A $3.0 million decrease in benefit costs, primarily due to lower stock-based compensation expense related to plan performance during 2023. Other Income, Net Other income, net at the Illinois segment decreased $7.4 million during 2023, compared with 2022, driven by lower net credits from the non-service components of our net periodic pension and OPEB costs. See Note 20, Employee Benefits, for more information on our benefit costs. Interest Expense Interest expense at the Illinois segment increased $15.1 million during 2023, compared with 2022, driven by higher long-term debt balances related to incremental borrowings in both 2023 and 2022, primarily related to additional capital investment. Also contributing to the increase was higher short-term debt interest rates. Income Tax Expense Income tax expense at the Illinois segment decreased $34.5 million during 2023, compared with 2022, driven by a decrease in pre-tax income. Other States Segment Contribution to Net Income Attributed to Common Shareholders The other states segment's contribution to net income attributed to common shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $48.1 million, representing an $8.4 million, or 21.2%, increase over the prior year. The increase was driven by higher natural gas margins due to an interim rate increase at MERC, effective January 1, 2023. See Note 26, Regulatory Environment, for more information. This positive impact was partially offset by a decrease in natural gas margins due to lower sales volumes and increases in depreciation and amortization and interest expense. 2023 Form 10-K 59 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Since the majority of MERC and MGU customers use natural gas for heating, net income attributed to common shareholders is sensitive to weather and is generally higher during the winter months. Year Ended December 31 (in millions) 2023 2022 B (W) Natural gas revenues $ 519.1 $ 618.5 $ (99.4) Cost of natural gas sold 277.2 391.6 114.4 Total natural gas margins 241.9 226.9 15.0 Other operation and maintenance 94.5 98.5 4.0 Depreciation and amortization 43.3 40.9 (2.4) Property and revenue taxes 24.4 23.3 (1.1) Operating income 79.7 64.2 15.5 Other income, net 0.6 2.5 (1.9) Interest expense 15.9 13.9 (2.0) Income before income taxes 64.4 52.8 11.6 Income tax expense 16.3 13.1 (3.2) Net income attributed to common shareholders $ 48.1 $ 39.7 $ 8.4 The following table shows a breakdown of other operation and maintenance: Year Ended December 31 (in millions) 2023 2022 B (W) Operation and maintenance not included in line item below $ 72.6 $ 77.8 $ 5.2 Regulatory amortizations and other pass through expenses (1) 21.9 20.7 (1.2) Total other operation and maintenance $ 94.5 $ 98.5 $ 4.0 (1) Regulatory amortizations and other pass through expenses are substantially offset in margins and therefore do not have a significant impact on net income. The following tables provide information on delivered sales volumes by customer class and weather statistics: Year Ended December 31 Natural Gas Sales Volumes ( Therms - in millions) 2023 2022 B (W) Customer Class Residential 293.8 353.1 (59.3) Commercial and industrial 196.5 227.6 (31.1) Total retail 490.3 580.7 (90.4) Transportation 799.6 794.8 4.8 Total sales in therms 1,289.9 1,375.5 (85.6) Year Ended December 31 Weather (Degree Days) (1) 2023 2022 B (W) MERC Heating (7,973 Normal) 7,324 8,585 (14.7) % MGU Heating (6,214 Normal) 5,456 6,277 (13.1) % (1) Normal heating degree days for MERC and MGU are based on a 20-year moving average and 15-year moving average, respectively, of monthly temperatures from various weather stations throughout their respective territories. 2023 Form 10-K 60 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Natural Gas Revenues Natural gas revenues decreased $99.4 million during 2023, compared with 2022. Because prudently incurred natural gas costs are passed through to our customers in current rates, the changes are offset by comparable changes in revenues. The average per-unit cost of natural gas sold decreased approximately 17% during 2023, compared with 2022. The remaining drivers of changes in natural gas revenues are described in the discussion of margins below. Natural Gas Utility Margins Natural gas utility margins increased $15.0 million during 2023, compared with 2022, driven by a $19.5 million increase related to an interim rate increase at MERC that was effective January 1, 2023. See Note 26, Regulatory Environment, for more information. This increase in natural gas utility margins was partially offset by a $6.1 million decrease related to lower sales volumes, primarily driven by warmer weather. As measured by heating degree days, 2023 was 14.7% and 13.1% warmer than 2022 at MERC and MGU, respectively. Other Operating Expenses (includes other operation and maintenance, depreciation and amortization, and property and revenue taxes) Other operating expenses at the other states segment decreased $0.5 million during 2023, compared with 2022. The significant factors impacting the decrease in operating expenses were: • A $1.8 million decrease in natural gas operations and customer service expense, driven by fewer operation and maintenance projects at MGU during 2023. • A $1.6 million decrease in benefit costs, primarily due to lower stock-based compensation expense related to plan performance. These decreases in other operating expenses were partially offset by a $2.4 million increase in depreciation and amortization related to continued capital investment. Other Income, Net Other income, net at the other states segment decreased $1.9 million during 2023, compared with 2022, driven by lower net credits from the non-service components of our net periodic pension and OPEB costs. See Note 20, Employee Benefits, for more information on our benefit costs. Interest Expense Interest expense at the other states segment increased $2.0 million during 2023, compared with 2022, primarily due to higher short-term debt interest rates. Income Tax Expense Income tax expense at the other states segment increased $3.2 million during 2023, compared with 2022, driven by an increase in pre-tax income. Electric Transmission Segment Contribution to Net Income Attributed to Common Shareholders Year Ended December 31 (in millions) 2023 2022 B (W) Equity in earnings of transmission affiliates $ 177.5 $ 194.7 $ (17.2) Interest expense 19.4 19.4 — Income before income taxes 158.1 175.3 (17.2) Income tax expense 39.0 45.8 6.8 Net income attributed to common shareholders $ 119.1 $ 129.5 $ (10.4) 2023 Form 10-K 61 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Equity in Earnings of Transmission Affiliates Equity in earnings of transmission affiliates decreased $17.2 million during 2023, compared with 2022. The decrease was primarily driven by the $20.5 million positive impact recorded in 2022 related to the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals opinion issued in August 2022 addressing complaints related to ATC's ROE. For information on this D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals opinion, see Factors Affecting Results, Liquidity, and Capital Resources – Regulatory, Legislative, and Legal Matters – American Transmission Company Allowed Return on Equity Complaints. Partially offsetting this negative year-over-year impact was continued capital investment by ATC. Income Tax Expense Income tax expense at the electric transmission segment decreased $6.8 million during 2023, compared with 2022, driven by a decrease in pre-tax income. Non-Utility Energy Infrastructure Segment Contribution to Net Income Attributed to Common Shareholders Year Ended December 31 (in millions) 2023 2022 B (W) Operating income $ 360.7 $ 372.8 $ (12.1) Interest expense 94.3 68.9 (25.4) Income before income taxes 266.4 303.9 (37.5) Income tax benefit (68.4) (20.9) 47.5 Net (income) loss attributed to noncontrolling interests 1.2 (0.4) 1.6 Net income attributed to common shareholders $ 336.0 $ 324.4 $ 11.6 Operating Income Operating income at the non-utility energy infrastructure segment decreased $12.1 million during 2023, compared with 2022, driven by these items at WECI: • Recognition of $15.2 million in revenue related to our Upstream wind park in 2022 that was associated with market settlements received from SPP in February 2021. These settlements were subject to a FERC complaint, so we were not able to recognize them as revenue until the FERC issued an order denying that complaint in 2022. • A $13.4 million positive revenue impact in 2022 from a sharing arrangement with one of our Blooming Grove customers resulting from strong energy prices. These decreases in operating income were partially offset by: • Recognition of $6.4 million in revenue related to our Blooming Grove wind park in 2023 for a capacity payment received from PJM Interconnection that was associated with a December 2022 cold weather event. The capacity payment was subject to a FERC complaint, so we recognized this as revenue in 2023 when FERC issued an order denying that complaint. • A $4.4 million positive impact from Sapphire Sky Wind, a new wind facility acquired in February 2023. In addition to the above items at WECI, there was a $5.4 million positive impact from We Power due to continued capital investment. Interest Expense Interest expense at the non-utility energy infrastructure segment increased $25.4 million during 2023, compared with 2022, driven by a $16.1 million increase in interest expense due to WECI’s issuance of a $430.0 million long-term intercompany note payable to WEC Energy Group in April 2023. This intercompany interest expense is offset by higher intercompany interest income at the corporate and other segment and is eliminated in consolidation. Also driving the increase was the impact of WECI Wind Holding II's issuance of long-term debt in December 2022. 2023 Form 10-K 62 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Income Tax Benefit The income tax benefit at the non-utility energy infrastructure segment increased $47.5 million during 2023, compared with 2022. The increase was primarily due to a $37.5 million increase in PTCs in 2023, driven by the acquisition of additional renewable generation facilities in the second half of 2022 and in the first quarter of 2023. Also contributing to the favorable income tax variance were lower pre-tax earnings during 2023, compared with 2022. Corporate and Other Segment Contribution to Net Income Attributed to Common Shareholders Year Ended December 31 (in millions) 2023 2022 B (W) Operating loss $ (26.8) $ (11.7) $ (15.1) Other income, net 53.3 14.6 38.7 Interest expense 257.6 119.4 (138.2) Loss before income taxes (231.1) (116.5) (114.6) Income tax benefit (68.3) (45.7) 22.6 Net loss attributed to common shareholders $ (162.8) $ (70.8) $ (92.0) Operating Loss The operating loss at the corporate and other segment increased $15.1 million during 2023, compared with 2022, driven by the year-over-year impact from the 2022 resolution of a previously recorded liability as certain outstanding matters reached a favorable outcome. Lower operating income at Wispark also contributed to the higher operating loss, driven by the 2022 positive impact from a payment on a note receivable that was previously written off due to uncertainty regarding its collectability and lower gains related to the sale of land and other assets. Other Income, Net Other income, net at the corporate and other segment increased $38.7 million during 2023, compared with 2022. The significant factors impacting the increase in other income, net were: • A $13.7 million net gain from the investments held in the Integrys rabbi trust during 2023, compared with a $12.6 million net loss during 2022. The gains and losses from the investments held in the rabbi trust partially offset the changes in benefit costs related to deferred compensation, which are primarily included in other operation and maintenance expense in our utility segments. See Note 17, Fair Value Measurements, for more information on our investments held in the Integrys rabbi trust. • An $18.3 million increase in intercompany interest income, driven by WECI's issuance of a $430.0 million long-term intercompany note to WEC Energy Group in April 2023 and higher interest rates on short-term borrowings to subsidiaries in our operating segments. This intercompany interest income is offset by higher intercompany interest expense in our operating segments and is eliminated in consolidation. These increases in other income, net were partially offset by a $3.5 million net loss from our equity method investments in technology and energy-focused investment funds during 2023, compared with $6.5 million of net earnings during 2022. Interest Expense Interest expense at the corporate and other segment increased $138.2 million during 2023, compared with 2022, primarily due to the impact of long-term debt issuances in September 2022, January 2023, and April 2023. Also driving the increase in interest expense was higher average short-term debt balances and increased short-term debt interest rates. 2023 Form 10-K 63 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Income Tax Benefit The income tax benefit at the corporate and other segment increased $22.6 million during 2023, compared with 2022, driven by a higher pre-tax loss. This increase in the income tax benefit was partially offset by a $5.9 million decrease in excess tax benefits recognized related to stock option exercises. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES Overview We expect to maintain adequate liquidity to meet our cash requirements for operation of our businesses and implementation of our corporate strategy through internal generation of cash from operations and access to the capital markets. The following discussion and analysis of our Liquidity and Capital Resources includes comparisons of our cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2023 with the year ended December 31, 2022. For a similar discussion that compares our cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2022 with the year ended December 31, 2021, see Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources in Part II of our 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which was filed with the SEC on February 23, 2023. Cash Flows The following table summarizes our cash flows during the years ended December 31: (in millions) 2023 2022 Change in 2023 Over 2022 Cash provided by (used in): Operating activities $ 3,018.4 $ 2,060.7 $ 957.7 Investing activities (3,558.2) (2,642.4) (915.8) Financing activities 522.8 676.4 (153.6) Operating Activities Net cash provided by operating activities increased $957.7 million during 2023, compared with 2022, driven by: • A $1.54 billion increase in cash from lower payments for fuel and purchased power at our generation plants, as well as lower natural gas costs related to natural gas sold to our customers during 2023, compared with 2022, primarily driven by a decrease in the price of natural gas. • A $111.3 million increase in cash related to $58.9 million of cash received for income taxes during 2023, compared with $52.4 million of cash paid for income taxes during 2022. The increase in cash received for income taxes was driven by proceeds received in 2023 related to PTCs that were sold to a third party. • A $24.1 million increase in cash related to higher distributions received from ATC during 2023, compared with 2022. These increases in net cash provided by operating activities were partially offset by: • A $403.7 million decrease in cash driven by collateral paid to counterparties during 2023, compared with collateral received from counterparties during 2022, as well as realized losses on derivative instruments recognized during 2023, compared with realized gains recognized during 2022. • A $168.2 million decrease in cash from higher payments for interest, driven by long-term debt issuances during the last four months of 2022 and early 2023, higher average short-term debt balances, and higher interest rates during 2023, compared with 2022. 2023 Form 10-K 64 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents • A $127.9 million decrease in cash from higher payments for operating and maintenance expenses. During 2023, our payments were higher associated with previous commitments to charitable projects, transmission costs, and operation and maintenance related to our We Power and Wisconsin generation units, as well as due to the timing of payments for accounts payable. • A $22.1 million decrease in cash related to higher payments for environmental remediation related to work completed on former manufactured gas plant sites during 2023, compared with 2022. Investing Activities Net cash used in investing activities increased $915.8 million during 2023, compared with 2022, driven by: • The acquisition of a 90% ownership interest in Sapphire Sky in February 2023 for $442.6 million, net of cash acquired of $0.3 million. • The acquisition of an 80% ownership interest in Samson I in February 2023 for $257.3 million, net of cash acquired of $5.2 million. • A $178.0 million increase in cash paid for capital expenditures during 2023, compared with 2022, which is discussed in more detail below. • The acquisition of a 90% ownership interest in Red Barn in April 2023 for $143.8 million. • The acquisition of a 13.8% ownership interest in West Riverside in June 2023 for $95.3 million. See Note 8, Jointly Owned Utility Facilities, for more information. • The acquisition of Whitewater in January 2023 for $76.0 million. • A decrease of $39.1 million in insurance proceeds received during 2023, compared with 2022. In 2022, we received insurance proceeds for property damage related to the PSB water damage claim. See Note 7, Property, Plant, and Equipment, for more information. • A $36.2 million decrease in proceeds received from the sale of assets during 2023, compared with 2022. See Note 3, Dispositions, for more information. • An $18.2 million increase in capital contributions paid to transmission affiliates during 2023, compared with 2022. See Note 21, Investment in Transmission Affiliates, for more information. • A $10.1 million decrease in cash received for the reimbursement of ATC's construction costs during 2023, compared with 2022. See Note 21, Investment in Transmission Affiliates, for more information. These increases in net cash used in investing activities were partially offset by the acquisition of a 90% ownership interest in Thunderhead in September 2022 for $382.0 million. For more information on our acquisitions, see Note 2, Acquisitions. Capital Expenditures Capital expenditures by segment for the years ended December 31 were as follows: Reportable Segment (in millions) 2023 2022 Change in 2023 Over 2022 Wisconsin $ 1,819.3 $ 1,610.8 $ 208.5 Illinois 489.8 484.9 4.9 Other states 103.5 101.1 2.4 Non-utility energy infrastructure 54.5 101.8 (47.3) Corporate and other 25.8 16.3 9.5 Total capital expenditures $ 2,492.9 $ 2,314.9 $ 178.0 2023 Form 10-K 65 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents The increase in cash paid for capital expenditures at the Wisconsin segment during 2023, compared with 2022, was driven by higher payments related to renewable energy projects, upgrades to WE's and WPS's electric and natural gas distribution systems, and construction of WE's and WG's LNG facilities. These increases were partially offset by lower payments for capital expenditures related to the natural gas-fired generation constructed at WPS's Weston power plant site. The decrease in cash paid for capital expenditures at the non-utility energy infrastructure segment during 2023, compared with 2022, was primarily driven by lower payments for capital expenditures related to wastewater treatment system modifications for We Power's ERGS units. See Note 24, Commitments and Contingencies, for more information. See Liquidity and Capital Resources – Cash Requirements – Significant Capital Projects below for more information. Financing Activities Net cash provided by financing activities decreased $153.6 million during 2023, compared with 2022, driven by: • A $913.3 million decrease in cash due to higher retirements of long-term debt during 2023, compared with 2022. • A $66.3 million decrease in cash due to higher dividends paid on our common stock during 2023, compared with 2022. In January 2023, our Board of Directors increased our quarterly dividend by $0.0525 per share (7.2%) effective with the March 2023 dividend payment. • A $27.3 million decrease in cash proceeds related to fewer stock options exercised during 2023, compared with 2022. These decreases in net cash provided by financing activities were partially offset by: • A $626.3 million increase in cash due to $373.7 million of net borrowings of commercial paper during 2023, compared with $252.6 million of net repayments of commercial paper during 2022. • A $170.7 million increase in cash due to higher issuances of long-term debt during 2023, compared with 2022. • A $52.6 million increase in cash due to a decrease in common stock purchased during 2023, compared with 2022, to satisfy requirements of our stock-based compensation plans. Significant Financing Activities For more information on our financing activities, see Note 13, Short-Term Debt and Lines of Credit, and Note 14, Long-Term Debt. Cash Requirements We require funds to support and grow our businesses. Our significant cash requirements primarily consist of capital and investment expenditures, payments to retire and pay interest on long-term debt, the payment of common stock dividends to our shareholders, and the funding of our ongoing operations. Our significant cash requirements are discussed in further detail below. 2023 Form 10-K 66 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Significant Capital Projects We have several capital projects that will require significant capital expenditures over the next three years and beyond. All projected capital requirements are subject to periodic review and may vary significantly from estimates, depending on a number of factors. These factors include environmental requirements, regulatory restraints and requirements, changes in tax laws and regulations, acquisition and development opportunities, market volatility, economic trends, supply chain disruptions, inflation, and interest rates. Our estimated capital expenditures and acquisitions for the next three years are reflected below. These amounts include anticipated expenditures for environmental compliance and certain remediation issues. For a discussion of certain environmental matters affecting us, see Note 24, Commitments and Contingencies. (in millions) 2024 2025 2026 Wisconsin $ 2,636.6 $ 3,153.5 $ 3,583.8 Illinois 428.9 392.5 501.3 Other states 123.5 104.1 109.9 Non-utility energy infrastructure 919.6 315.8 29.8 Corporate and other 21.9 14.0 2.0 Total $ 4,130.5 $ 3,979.9 $ 4,226.8 Our utilities continue to upgrade their electric and natural gas distribution systems to enhance reliability. These upgrades include addressing our aging infrastructure, system hardening, and the AMI program. AMI is an integrated system of smart meters, communication networks, and data management systems that enable two-way communication between utilities and customers. We are committed to investing in solar, wind, battery storage, and clean natural gas-fired generation. Below are examples of projects that are proposed or currently underway. • WE and WPS, along with an unaffiliated utility, received PSCW approval to acquire and construct Paris, a utility-scale solar-powered electric generating facility with a battery energy storage system. The project will be located in Kenosha County, Wisconsin and once fully constructed, WE and WPS will collectively own 180 MWs of solar generation and 99 MWs of battery storage of this project. WE's and WPS's combined share of the cost of this project is estimated to be approximately $542 million, with construction of the solar portion and battery storage expected to be completed in 2024 and 2025, respectively. • WE and WPS, along with an unaffiliated utility, received PSCW approval to acquire and construct Darien, a utility-scale solar-powered electric generating facility. The project will be located in Rock and Walworth counties, Wisconsin and once fully constructed, WE and WPS will collectively own 225 MWs of solar generation. WE's and WPS's combined share of the cost of this project is estimated to be approximately $405 million, with construction expected to be completed in 2024. As part of its order, the PSCW approved battery capacity at this project, which is no longer included in the current capital plan. We will continue to evaluate timing, cost, and feasibility of the installation of batteries. • WE and WPS, along with an unaffiliated utility, received PSCW approval to acquire Koshkonong, a utility-scale solar-powered electric generating facility. The project will be located in Dane County, Wisconsin and once fully constructed, WE and WPS will collectively own 270 MWs of solar generation. WE's and WPS's combined share of the cost of this project is estimated to be approximately $486 million, with construction expected to be completed in 2026. As part of its order, the PSCW approved battery capacity at this project, which is no longer included in the current capital plan. We will continue to evaluate timing, cost, and feasibility of the installation of batteries. • In September 2023, WPS filed a request with the PSCW to exercise a second option to acquire an additional 100 MWs of capacity in West Riverside, a combined cycle natural gas plant operated by an unaffiliated utility in Rock County, Wisconsin. In October 2023, WPS filed for approval to assign the second option to purchase West Riverside to WE. If approved, our share of the cost of this ownership interest is expected to be approximately $100 million, with the transaction expected to close in 2024. • WE and WPS plan to enhance fuel flexibility at the coal-fired ERGS units and Weston Unit 4. • In February 2024, WE and WPS, along with an unaffiliated utility, filed a request with the PSCW to acquire and construct High Noon, a utility-scale solar-powered electric generating facility. The project will be located in Columbia County, Wisconsin and once fully constructed, WE and WPS will collectively own 270 MWs of solar generation of this project. If approved, WE and WPS's combined share of the cost of the project is estimated to be approximately $576 million, with construction expected to be 2023 Form 10-K 67 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents completed by the end of 2026. Approval for battery capacity at this project was also requested, which is not included in the current capital plan. We will continue to evaluate the timing, cost, and feasibility of the installation of batteries. • In December 2023, UMERC filed a request with the MPSC to acquire and construct Renegade, a utility-scale solar-powered electric generating facility. The project will be located in Delta County, Michigan and once fully constructed UMERC will own 100 MWs of solar generation. The cost of this project is estimated to be approximately $226 million, with construction expected to be completed by the end of 2026. In August 2023, the DOC issued a ruling in its investigation into whether new tariffs should be imposed on solar panels and cells imported from multiple southeast Asian countries. See Factors Affecting Results, Liquidity, and Capital Resources – Regulatory, Legislative, and Legal Matters – United States Department of Commerce Complaint and Factors Affecting Results, Liquidity, and Capital Resources – Regulatory, Legislative, and Legal Matters – Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act for information on the potential impacts to our solar projects as a result of the DOC ruling and CBP actions related to solar panels, respectively. The expected in-service dates and costs identified above already reflect some of these impacts. The construction of additional LNG facilities has been proposed as part of the 2024-2028 capital plan . The facilities would provide approximately four Bcf of natural gas supply and are expected to reduce the likelihood of constraint s on the natural gas systems during the highest demand days of winter. The total cost of the projects is estimated to be approximately $860 million . During 2023, PGL continued work on the SMP, a project to replace approximately 2,000 miles of Chicago's aging natural gas pipeline infrastructure. In November 2023, the ICC ordered PGL to pause spending on the SMP until the ICC has a proceeding to determine the optimal method of pipeline replacement and a prudent investment level. The ICC initiated the proceeding on January 31, 2024, and the proceeding is expected to last twelve months. For more information, see Factors Affecting Results, Liquidity, and Capital Resources - Regulatory, Legislative, and Legal Matters - Future Illinois Proceedings. On January 3, 2024, the ICC granted PGL a limited-scope rehearing, which includes the authorized spending for the completion of SMP projects that started in 2023 and the authorized spending for emergency repairs needed to ensure the safety and reliability of our delivery system. As a result, PGL has suspended neighborhood work pending the results of the limited hearing. See Note 26, Regulatory Environment, for more information on the SMP. The non-utility energy infrastructure line item in the table above includ es WECI's previously announced investment in Maple Flats and the purchase in January 2024 of an additional 10% ownership interest in Samson I. See Note 2, Acquisitions, for more information on these projects. We expect to provide total capital contributions to ATC (not included in the above table) of approximately $345 million from 2024 through 2026. We do not expect to make any contributions to ATC Holdco during that period. WEC's portion of the cost for MISO Tranche 1 is estimated to be approximately $330 million between 2024 and 2028. Tranche 1 is part of MISO's Long Range Transmission Planning initiative to upgrade the grid so that it can reliably accommodate for the shift in generation to lower-carbon resources. Long-Term Debt A significant amount of cash is required to retire and pay interest on our long-term debt obligations. See Note 14, Long-Term Debt, for more information on our outstanding long-term debt, including a schedule of our long-term debt maturities over the next five years. The following table summarizes our required interest payments on long-term debt (excluding finance lease obligations) as of December 31, 2023: Interest Payments Due by Period (in millions) Total Less Than 1 Year 1-3 Years 3-5 Years More Than 5 Years Interest payments due on long-term debt (1) $ 7,966.6 $ 677.7 $ 1,155.5 $ 899.1 $ 5,234.3 (1) The interest due on our variable rate debt is based on the interest rates that were in effect on December 31, 2023. 2023 Form 10-K 68 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Common Stock Dividends On January 18, 2024, our Board of Directors increased our quarterly dividend to $0.835 per share effective with the first quarter of 2024 dividend payment, an increase of 7%. This equates to an annual dividend of $3.34 per share. In addition, the Board of Directors affirmed our dividend policy that continues to target a dividend payout ratio of 65-70% of earnings. We have been paying consecutive quarterly dividends dating back to 1942 and expect to continue paying quarterly cash dividends in the future. Any payment of future dividends is subject to approval by our Board of Directors and is dependent upon future earnings, capital requirements, and financial and other business conditions. In addition, our ability as a holding company to pay common stock dividends primarily depends on the availability of funds received from our subsidiaries. Various financing arrangements and regulatory requirements impose certain restrictions on the ability of our subsidiaries to transfer funds to us in the form of cash dividends, loans, or advances. We do not believe that these restrictions will materially affect our operations or limit any dividend payments in the foreseeable future. See Note 11, Common Equity, for more information related to these restrictions and our other common stock matters. Other Significant Cash Requirements Our utility and non-utility operations have purchase obligations under various contracts for the procurement of fuel, power, and gas supply, as well as the related storage and transportation. These costs are a significant component of funding our ongoing operations. See Note 24, Commitments and Contingencies, for more information, including our minimum future commitments related to these purchase obligations. In addition to our energy-related purchase obligations, we have commitments for other costs incurred in the normal course of business, including costs related to information technology services, meter reading services, maintenance and other service agreements for certain generating facilities, and various engineering agreements. Our estimated future cash requirements related to these purchase obligations, excluding energy-related obligations, are reflected below. Payments Due by Period (in millions) Total Less Than 1 Year 1-3 Years 3-5 Years More Than 5 Years Purchase orders $ 612.5 $ 280.4 $ 288.8 $ 41.4 $ 1.9 We have various finance and operating lease obligations. Our finance lease obligations primarily relate to power purchase commitments and land leases for our solar projects. Our operating lease obligations are for office space and land. See Note 15, Leases, for more information, including an analysis of our minimum lease payments due in future years. We make contributions to our pension and OPEB plans based upon various factors affecting us, including our liquidity position and tax law changes. See Note 20, Employee Benefits, for our expected contributions in 2024 and our expected pension and OPEB payments for the next 10 years. We expect the majority of these future pension and OPEB payments to be paid from our outside trusts. See Sources of Cash–Investments in Outside Trusts below for more information. In addition to the above, our balance sheet at December 31, 2023 included various other liabilities that, due to the nature of the liabilities, the amount and timing of future payments cannot be determined with certainty. These liabilities include AROs, liabilities for the remediation of manufactured gas plant sites, and liabilities related to the accounting treatment for uncertainty in income taxes. For additional information on these liabilities, see Note 9, Asset Retirement Obligations, Note 24, Commitments and Contingencies, and Note 16, Income Taxes, respectively. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements We are a party to various financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk as a part of our normal course of business, including financial guarantees and letters of credit that support construction projects, commodity contracts, and other payment obligations. We believe that these agreements do not have, and are not reasonably likely to have, a current or future material effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures, or capital resources. See Note 13, Short-Term Debt and Lines of Credit, Note 19, Guarantees, and Note 23, Variable Interest Entities, for more information. 2023 Form 10-K 69 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Sources of Cash Liquidity We anticipate meeting our short-term and long-term cash requirements to operate our businesses and implement our corporate strategy through internal generation of cash from operations and access to the capital markets, which allows us to obtain external short-term borrowings, including commercial paper and term loans, and intermediate or long-term debt securities, as well as other types of securities. In addition, in January 2024, we started issuing common equity through a combination of our employee benefit plans and stock purchase and dividend reinvestment plan. We also anticipate issuing common equity through an at-the-market program in the future. Cash generated from operations is primarily driven by sales of electricity and natural gas to our utility customers, reduced by costs of operations. Our access to the capital markets is critical to our overall strategic plan and allows us to supplement cash flows from operations with external borrowings to manage seasonal variations, working capital needs, commodity price fluctuations, unplanned expenses, and unanticipated events. Subject to market conditions and other factors, we may repurchase our debt securities through open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions and/or other types of transactions. In January and February, 2024, pursuant to a tender offer, we purchased $122.1 million aggregate principal amount of the $500.0 million outstanding of our 2007 Junior Notes. WEC Energy Group, WE, WPS, WG, and PGL maintain bank back-up credit facilities, which provide liquidity support for each company's obligations with respect to commercial paper and for general corporate purposes. We review our bank back-up credit facility needs on an ongoing basis and expect to be able to maintain adequate credit facilities to support our operations. The amount, type, and timing of any financings in 2024, as well as in subsequent years, will be contingent on investment opportunities and our cash requirements and will depend upon prevailing market conditions, regulatory approvals for certain subsidiaries, and other factors. Our regulated utilities plan to maintain capital structures consistent with those approved by their respective regulators. For more information on our utilities approved capital structures, see Item 1. Business – E. Regulation. The issuance of securities by our utility companies is subject to the approval of the applicable state commissions or FERC. Additionally, with respect to the public offering of securities, we, WE, and WPS file registration statements with the SEC under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (1933 Act). The amounts of securities authorized by the appropriate regulatory authorities, as well as the securities registered under the 1933 Act, are closely monitored and appropriate filings are made to ensure flexibility in the capital markets. At December 31, 2023, our current liabilities exceeded our current assets by $2,319.1 million. We do not expect this to have an impact on our liquidity as we currently believe that our cash and cash equivalents, our available capacity under existing revolving credit facilities, cash generated from ongoing operations, and access to the capital markets are adequate to meet our short-term and long-term cash requirements. See Note 13, Short-Term Debt and Lines of Credit, and Note 14, Long-Term Debt, for more information about our credit facilities and debt securities. Investments in Outside Trusts We maintain investments in outside trusts to fund the obligation to provide pension and certain OPEB benefits to current and future retirees. As of December 31, 2023, these trusts had investments of approximately $3.5 billion, consisting of fixed income and equity securities, that are subject to the volatility of the stock market and interest rates. The performance of existing plan assets, long-term discount rates, changes in assumptions, and other factors could affect our future contributions to the plans, our financial position if our accumulated benefit obligation exceeds the fair value of the plan assets, and future results of operations related to changes in pension and OPEB expense and the assumed rate of return. For additional information, see Note 20, Employee Benefits. 2023 Form 10-K 70 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Capitalization Structure The following table shows our capitalization structure as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, as well as an adjusted capitalization structure that we believe is consistent with how a majority of the rating agencies currently view our 2007 Junior Notes: 2023 2022 (in millions) Actual Adjusted Actual Adjusted Common shareholders' equity $ 11,724.2 $ 11,974.2 $ 11,376.9 $ 11,626.9 Preferred stock of subsidiary 30.4 30.4 30.4 30.4 Long-term debt (including current portion) 16,777.0 16,527.0 15,647.4 15,397.4 Short-term debt 2,020.9 2,020.9 1,647.1 1,647.1 Total capitalization $ 30,552.5 $ 30,552.5 $ 28,701.8 $ 28,701.8 Total debt $ 18,797.9 $ 18,547.9 $ 17,294.5 $ 17,044.5 Ratio of debt to total capitalization 61.5 % 60.7 % 60.3 % 59.4 % Included in long-term debt on our balance sheets as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, is $500.0 million principal amount of the 2007 Junior Notes. The adjusted presentation attributes $250.0 million of the 2007 Junior Notes to common shareholders' equity and $250.0 million to long-term debt. In January and February, 2024, pursuant to a tender offer, we purchased $122.1 million aggregate principal amount of the $500.0 million outstanding of our 2007 Junior Notes. The adjusted presentation of our consolidated capitalization structure is included as a complement to our capitalization structure presented in accordance with GAAP. Management evaluates and manages our capitalization structure, including our total debt to total capitalization ratio, using the GAAP calculation as adjusted to reflect the treatment of the 2007 Junior Notes by the majority of rating agencies. Therefore, we believe the non-GAAP adjusted presentation reflecting this treatment is useful and relevant to investors in understanding how management and the rating agencies evaluate our capitalization structure. Debt Covenants Certain of our short-term and long-term debt agreements contain financial covenants that we must satisfy, including debt to capitalization ratios and debt service coverage ratios. At December 31, 2023, we were in compliance with all such covenants related to outstanding short-term and long-term debt. We expect to be in compliance with all such debt covenants for the foreseeable future. See Note 13, Short-Term Debt and Lines of Credit, Note 14, Long-Term Debt, and Note 11, Common Equity, for more information. Credit Rating Risk Cash collateral postings and prepayments made with external parties, including postings related to exchange-traded contracts, and cash collateral posted by external parties were immaterial as of December 31, 2023. From time to time, we may enter into commodity contracts that could require collateral or a termination payment in the event of a credit rating change to below BBB- at S&P Global Ratings, a division of S&P Global Inc., and/or Baa3 at Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. If WE had a sub-investment grade credit rating at December 31, 2023, it could have been required to post $100 million of additional collateral or other assurances pursuant to the terms of a PPA. We also have other commodity contracts that, in the event of a credit rating downgrade, could result in a reduction of our unsecured credit granted by counterparties. In addition, access to capital markets at a reasonable cost is determined in large part by credit quality. Any credit ratings downgrade could impact our ability to access capital markets. On May 2, 2023, S&P Global Inc. affirmed WEC Energy Group’s ratings and revised its outlook to negative from stable, citing weakening financial measures. S&P Global Inc. upgraded WEC Energy Group’s outlook back to stable on November 21, 2023, following their review of our updated five year capital and financing plan. The factors leading to the upgraded outlook included the maintenance of improving financial metrics and the expected reduction in our exposure to coal fired generation through the rest of the decade. The ratings outlooks on our utilities remain stable. 2023 Form 10-K 71 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Subject to other factors affecting the credit markets as a whole, we believe our current ratings should provide a significant degree of flexibility in obtaining funds on competitive terms. However, these security ratings reflect the views of the rating agency only. An explanation of the significance of these ratings may be obtained from the rating agency. Such ratings are not a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold securities. Any rating can be revised upward or downward or withdrawn at any time by a rating agency. FACTORS AFFECTING RESULTS, LIQUIDITY, AND CAPITAL RESOURCES Competitive Markets Electric Utility Industry The FERC supports large RTOs, which directly impacts the structure of the wholesale electric market. Due to the FERC's support of RTOs, MISO uses the MISO Energy Markets to carry out its operations, including the use of LMPs to value electric transmission congestion and losses. Increased competition in the retail and wholesale markets, which may result from restructuring efforts, could have a significant and adverse financial impact on us. Wisconsin Electric utility revenues in Wisconsin are regulated by the PSCW. The PSCW continues to maintain the position that the question of whether to implement electric retail competition in Wisconsin should ultimately be decided by the Wisconsin legislature. No such legislation has been introduced in Wisconsin to date. It is uncertain when, if at all, retail choice might be implemented in Wisconsin. Michigan Michigan has adopted a limited retail choice program. Under Michigan law, our retail customers may choose an alternative electric supplier to provide power supply service. As a result, some of our small retail customers have switched to an alternative electric supplier. At December 31, 2023, Michigan law limited customer choice to 10% of an electric utility's Michigan retail load. Our iron ore mine customer, Tilden, is exempt from this 10% cap based on current law, but Tilden is required under a long-term agreement to purchase electric power from UMERC through March 2039. In addition, certain load increases by facilities already using an alternative electric supplier can still be serviced by their alternative electric supplier, when various conditions exist, even if the cap has already been met. When a customer switches to an alternative electric supplier, we continue to provide distribution and customer service functions for the customer. Natural Gas Utility Industry We offer natural gas transportation services to our customers that elect to purchase natural gas directly from a third-party supplier. Since these transportation customers continue to use our distribution systems to transport natural gas to their facilities, we earn distribution revenues from them. As such, the loss of revenue associated with the cost of natural gas that our transportation customers purchase from third-party suppliers has little impact on our net income, as it is substantially offset by an equal reduction to natural gas costs. Wisconsin Our Wisconsin utilities offer both natural gas transportation service and interruptible natural gas sales to enable customers to better manage their energy costs. Customers continue to switch between firm system supply, interruptible system supply, and transportation service each year as the economics and service options change. Due to the PSCW's previous proceedings on natural gas industry regulation in a competitive environment, the PSCW currently provides all Wisconsin customer classes with competitive markets the option to choose a third-party natural gas supplier. All of our Wisconsin non-residential customer classes have competitive market choices and, therefore, can purchase natural gas directly from either a third-party supplier or their local natural gas utility. Since third-party suppliers can be used in Wisconsin, the PSCW has also adopted standards for transactions between a utility and its natural gas marketing affiliates. We are currently unable to predict the impact, if any, of potential future industry restructuring on our results of operations or financial position. 2023 Form 10-K 72 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Illinois Absent extraordinary circumstances, potential competitors are not allowed to construct competing natural gas distribution systems in the service territories for PGL and NSG. A charter from the State of Illinois gives PGL the right to provide natural gas distribution service in the City of Chicago as a public utility. Further, the "first in the field" and public interest standards limit the ability of potential competitors to operate in an existing utility service territory. In addition, we believe it would be impractical to construct competing duplicate distribution facilities due to the high cost of installation. Since 2002, PGL and NSG have, under ICC-approved tariffs, provided their customers with the option to choose a third-party natural gas supplier. There are no state laws requiring PGL and NSG to make this choice option available to customers, but since this option is currently provided to our Illinois customers under tariff, ICC approval would be needed to withdraw those tariffs. An interstate pipeline may seek to provide transportation service directly to our Illinois end users, which would bypass our natural gas transportation service. However, PGL and NSG have anti-bypass tariffs approved by the ICC, which allow them to negotiate rates with customers that are potential bypass candidates to help ensure that such customers continue to use utility transportation service. Minnesota Natural gas utilities in the state of Minnesota do not have exclusive franchise service territories and, as a matter of law and policy, natural gas utilities may compete for new customers. However, natural gas utilities have customarily avoided competing for existing customers of other utilities, as there would be duplicative utility facilities and/or increased costs to customers. If this approach were to change, it could lead to a greater level of competition amongst utilities to obtain customers and potentially adversely impact our results of operations. MERC offers both natural gas transportation service and interruptible natural gas sales to enable customers to better manage their energy costs. Customers continue to switch between firm system supply, interruptible system supply, and transportation service each year as the economics and service options change. MERC has provided its commercial and industrial customers with the option to choose a third-party natural gas supplier since 2006. We are not required by the MPUC or state law to make this choice option available to customers, but since this option is currently provided to our Minnesota commercial and industrial customers, we would need MPUC approval to eliminate it. Michigan The option to choose a third-party natural gas supplier has been provided to UMERC’s natural gas customers (formerly WPS’s Michigan natural gas customers) since the late 1990s and MGU's customers since 2005. We are not required by the MPSC or state law to make this choice option available to customers, but since this option is currently provided to our Michigan customers, we would need MPSC approval to eliminate it. Regulatory, Legislative, and Legal Matters Regulatory Recovery Our utilities account for their regulated operations in accordance with accounting guidance under the Regulated Operations Topic of the FASB ASC. Our rates are determined by various regulatory commissions. See Item 1. Business – E. Regulation for more information on these commissions. Regulated entities are allowed to defer certain costs that would otherwise be charged to expense if the regulated entity believes the recovery of those costs is probable. We record regulatory assets pursuant to generic and/or specific orders issued by our regulators. Recovery of the deferred costs in future rates is subject to the review and approval by those regulators. We assume the risks and benefits of ultimate recovery of these items in future rates. If the recovery of the deferred costs, including those referenced below, is not approved by our regulators, the costs would be charged to income in the current period. Regulators can impose liabilities on a prospective basis for amounts previously collected from customers and for amounts that are expected to be refunded to customers. We record these items as regulatory liabilities. See Note 6, Regulatory Assets and Liabilities, for more information on our regulatory assets and liabilities. 2023 Form 10-K 73 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents The rates of PGL and NSG include a UEA rider for cost recovery or refund of uncollectible expense based on the difference between actual uncollectible write-offs and the amounts recovered in rates. The UEA rider is subject to an annual reconciliation whereby costs are reviewed for accuracy and prudency by the ICC. In May 2023, the ICC issued a written order on PGL's and NSG's 2018 UEA rider reconciliation. The order requires a $15.4 million and $0.7 million refund to ratepayers at PGL and NSG, respectively. These amounts are being refunded over a period of nine months, which began on September 1, 2023. In June 2023, the ICC denied PGL's and NSG's application requesting a rehearing of the ICC's May 2023 order. In July 2023, PGL and NSG petitioned the Illinois Appellate Court for review of the ICC orders. Their appeal is still pending. In January 2014, the ICC approved PGL's use of the QIP rider as a recovery mechanism for costs incurred related to investments in QIP. This rider, which was in effect until December 1, 2023, continues to be subject to an annual reconciliation whereby costs are reviewed for accuracy and prudency. In March 2023, PGL filed its 2022 reconciliation with the ICC, which, along with the reconciliations from 2016 through 2021, are still pending. In addition, costs incurred during 2023 under the QIP rider are also still subject to reconciliation and review. Annual costs included in PGL's QIP rider have ranged from $192 million to $348 million. As of December 31, 2023, there can be no assurance that all costs incurred under the QIP rider during the open reconciliation years, which include 2016 through 2023, will be deemed recoverable by the ICC. Disallowances by the ICC, if any, could be material and have a material adverse impact on our results of operations. See Note 26, Regulatory Environment, for more information regarding recent and pending rate proceedings, orders, and investigations involving our utilities. Future Illinois Proceedings In the PGL rate order issued by the ICC in November 2023, the ICC ordered PGL to pause spending on its SMP until the ICC completes a proceeding to determine the optimal method for replacing aging natural gas infrastructure and a prudent investment level. The ICC initiated the proceeding on January 31, 2024, and the proceeding is expected to last 12 months. In addition, the ICC ordered staff to develop a plan for a "Future of Gas" proceeding. The goal of this proceeding will be to explore the issues involved with decarbonization of the gas distribution system in Illinois and recommend any future ICC action or legislative changes needed. It will include the formal exploration and consideration of the role of natural gas in the future, including in the context of the state’s environmental and energy policy goals. The proceeding will include a broad range of stakeholders, including Illinois utilities and other interested parties. Once initiated, the “Future of Gas” proceeding is expected to last at least one year. At this time, we cannot predict the ultimate outcome of these proceedings or the resulting impact to our natural gas operations in Illinois. Future natural gas investment opportunities in Illinois could be negatively impacted depending upon the outcomes. See Note 26, Regulatory Environment, for more information regarding the November 2023 ICC rate order. Chicago Decarbonization Efforts The CABO was introduced at a meeting of the Chicago city council held on January 24, 2024. If approved, this ordinance would set an indoor emissions standard that would require zero-to-low-emission energy systems in newly built commercial and residential buildings and major building additions in the city of Chicago. The proposed emission standards would effectively prohibit the use of natural gas in new buildings and homes and require electric heat and appliances. The CABO would not impact existing homes and businesses. In addition, certain buildings and equipment, such as hospitals, commercial kitchens, and back-up generators, would be exempt from the new emission limits. In response to the CABO, a resolution was also introduced that would require the formation of a working group comprised of various subject matter experts to analyze the costs of converting buildings from natural gas to electricity, the costs for additional electric generation capacity needed for future building conversions, and the impact of shifting natural gas system costs from new construction to existing buildings if electrification measures are adopted. If the resolution is passed, this analysis would need to be completed prior to the adoption of any decarbonization initiatives, such as the CABO. If approved by the city council, the CABO is expected to become effective one year after the approval date. PGL's future natural gas operations could be materially adversely impacted if the CABO is passed. 2023 Form 10-K 74 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Petitions Before PSCW Regarding Third-Party Financed Distributed Energy Resources In May 2022, two petitions were filed with the PSCW requesting a declaratory ruling that the owner of a third-party financed DER is not a "public utility" as defined under Wisconsin law and, therefore, is not subject to the PSCW’s jurisdiction under any statute or rule regulating public utilities. The parties that filed the petitions provide financing to their customers for installation of DERs (including solar panels and energy storage) on the customer’s property. A DER is connected to the host customer’s utility meter and is used for the customer’s energy needs. It may also be connected to the grid for distribution. In July 2022, the PSCW found that the specific facts and circumstances merited the opening of a docket for each petition to consider whether to grant all or part of the requested declaratory ruling. In December 2022, the PSCW granted one petitioner’s request for a declaratory ruling, finding that the owner of the third-party financed DER at issue in the petitioner’s brief is not a public utility under Wisconsin law. The ruling was limited to the specific facts and circumstances of the lease presented in that petition. A petition by the WUA to reopen or rehear the case expired without action by the PSCW. The WUA has filed an appeal which is pending consideration by the circuit court. The second petition was denied. Although the finding in the first petition was limited to the specific facts and circumstances of the lease presented in that petition, similar findings or a broader policy position could adversely impact our business operations. Climate and Equitable Jobs Act On September 15, 2021, the state of Illinois signed into law the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act. This legislation includes, among other things, a path for Illinois to move towards 100% clean energy, expanded commitments to energy efficiency and renewable energy, additional consumer protections, and expanded ethics reform. The provisions in this legislation that had the potential to have the most significant financial impact on PGL and NSG related to the new consumer protection requirements. Effective September 15, 2021, the new legislation prohibits utilities from charging customers a fee when they elect to pay for service with a credit card. Utilities are now required to incur these expenses and seek recovery through a rate proceeding or by establishing a recovery mechanism. In December 2021, the ICC approved the use of a TPTFA rider for PGL. The TPTFA rider allowed PGL to recover the costs incurred for these third-party transaction fees prior to them being included in PGL's base rates. Effective December 1, 2023, PGL began recovering these costs through its base rates. See Note 26, Regulatory Environment, for more information on the TPTFA rider. NSG has been recovering costs related to these third-party transaction fees through its base rates since September 15, 2021. In accordance with the new legislation, effective January 1, 2023, natural gas utilities are no longer allowed to charge late payment fees to certain low-income residential customers. As a result of the ICC's November 2023 rate orders, we do not expect this legislation to have a significant impact on our results of operations. Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act The CBP issued a WRO in June 2021, applicable to certain silica-based products originating from the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China (Xinjiang), such as polysilicon, included in the manufacturing of solar panels. In June 2022, the WRO was superseded by the implementation of the UFLPA. The UFLPA establishes a rebuttable presumption that any imports wholly or partially manufactured in Xinjiang are prohibited from entering the United States. While our suppliers were able to provide the CBP sufficient documentation to meet WRO compliance requirements, and we expect the same will be true for UFLPA purposes, we cannot currently predict what, if any, long-term impact the UFLPA will have on the overall supply of solar panels into the United States and whether we will experience any further impacts to the timing and cost of solar projects included in our long-term capital plan. United States Department of Commerce Complaints In February 2022, a California based company filed a petition (Antidumping and Countervailing Duties) with the DOC seeking to impose new tariffs on solar panels and cells imported from multiple countries, including Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia. The petitioners claimed that Chinese solar manufacturers are shifting products to these countries to avoid the tariffs required on products imported from China and requested that the DOC conduct a country-wide inquiry into each of the four countries. After investigation, in December 2022, the DOC announced its preliminary determination that certain companies are circumventing anti-dumping and countervailing duty orders on solar cells and modules from China. 2023 Form 10-K 75 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents In August 2023, the DOC issued its final decision, substantially affirming its preliminary determination that circumvention was occurring in each of the four Southeast Asian countries noted above. In its decision, the DOC affirmed that the Biden Administration’s current 24-month tariff moratorium will remain in effect until June 6, 2024, subject to certain use and installation requirements, at which time tariffs are expected to resume. In December 2023, two U.S. solar manufacturers filed a challenge to this moratorium in the United States Court of International Trade. The Biden Administration also invoked the Defense Production Act to accelerate the production of solar panels in the U.S.; however, the DOC’s ruling may have an adverse impact on the solar industry overall. Additionally, the Biden Administration's actions did not address whether WROs applied to panels under previous complaints would be affected. At this time, we do not expect this final ruling to have a material impact on our results of operations. Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act In November 2021, President Biden signed into law the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which provides for approximately $1.2 trillion of federal spending over a five year period, including approximately $85 billion for investments in power, utilities, and renewables infrastructure across the United States. We expect funding from this Act will support the work we are doing to reduce GHG emissions, increase EV charging, and strengthen and protect the energy grid. Funding in the Act should also help to expand emerging technologies, like hydrogen and carbon management, as we continue the transition to a clean energy future. We believe the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will accelerate investment in projects that will help us meet our net zero emission goals to the benefit of our customers, the communities we serve, and our company. Inflation Reduction Act In August 2022, President Biden signed into law the IRA, which provides for $258 billion in energy-related provisions over a 10-year period. The provisions of the IRA are intended to, among other things, lower gasoline and electricity prices, incentivize domestic clean energy investment, manufacturing, and production, and promote reductions in carbon emissions. We believe that we and our customers can benefit from the IRA’s provisions that extend tax benefits for renewable technologies, increase or restore higher rates for PTCs, add an option to claim PTCs for solar projects, expand qualified ITC facilities to include standalone energy storage, and its provision to allow companies to transfer tax credits generated from renewable projects. Under this new IRA transferability option, we entered into a sales agreement in September 2023 to sell substantially all of our 2023 PTCs to a third party. See Note 1(q), Income Taxes, for more information about the impact of these sales. The IRA also implements a 15% corporate alternative minimum tax and a 1% excise tax on stock repurchases. Although significant regulatory guidance is expected on the tax provisions in the IRA, we currently believe the provisions on alternative minimum tax and stock repurchases will not have a material impact on us. Overall, we believe the IRA will help reduce our cost of investing in projects that will support our commitment to reduce emissions and provide customers affordable, reliable, and clean energy over the longer term. Return on Equity Incentive for Membership in a Transmission Organization The FERC currently allows transmission utilities, including ATC, to increase their ROE by 50 basis points as an incentive for membership in a transmission organization, such as MISO. This incentive was established to stimulate infrastructure development and to support the evolving electric grid. However, a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking was issued by the FERC on April 15, 2021, proposing to limit the 50 basis point increase in ROE to only be available to transmission utilities initially joining a transmission organization for the first three years of membership. If this proposal becomes a final rule, ATC would be required to submit, within 30 days of the final rule's effective date, a compliance filing eliminating the 50 basis point incentive from its tariff. As a result, we estimate that this proposal, if adopted, would reduce our future after-tax equity earnings from ATC by approximately $7 million annually on a prospective basis. The transmission costs WE, WPS, and UMERC are required to pay ATC after the effective date would also be reduced by this proposal. American Transmission Company Allowed Return on Equity Complaints The ROE allowed by the FERC helps determine how much transmission owners, such as ATC, earn on their transmission assets as well as how much consumers pay for those assets. When two complaints were filed arguing the base ROE for MISO transmission owners, including ATC, was too high, the FERC started analyzing the base ROE for these transmission owners. 2023 Form 10-K 76 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents The base ROEs listed in the two ROE complaint sections below do not include the 50 basis point ROE incentive currently provided for membership in a transmission organization. See the Return on Equity Incentive for Membership in a Transmission Organization section above for more information on this incentive. First Return on Equity Complaint In November 2013, a group of MISO industrial customers filed a complaint with the FERC asking that the FERC order a reduction to the base ROE used by MISO transmission owners, including ATC, from 12.2% to 9.15%. Due to this complaint, the FERC and the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals issued the following orders and opinion. The refunds resulting from these orders and opinion are also described below. • Orders Issued by the FERC ◦ September 2016 Order – On September 28, 2016, the FERC issued an order reducing the base ROE for MISO transmission owners to 10.32% for the period covered by the first complaint, November 12, 2013 through February 11, 2015 and September 28, 2016 going forward. ◦ November 2019 Order – On November 21, 2019, the FERC issued another order after directing MISO transmission owners and other stakeholders to provide briefs and comments on a proposed change to the methodology for calculating base ROE. In this order, the FERC expanded its base ROE methodology to include the capital-asset pricing model in addition to the discounted cash flow model to better reflect how investors make their investment decisions. The FERC also rejected the use of the risk premium model as part of its base ROE methodology in this order. The FERC's modified methodology further reduced the base ROE for all MISO transmission owners, including ATC, to 9.88% for the period covered by the first complaint. In response to this FERC decision, requests for the FERC to rehear the November 2019 Order in its entirety were filed by various parties. ◦ May 2020 Order – On May 21, 2020, the FERC issued an order that granted in part and denied in part the requests to rehear the November 2019 Order. In this May 2020 Order, the FERC made additional revisions to its base ROE methodology, including reinstating the use of the risk premium model. The additional revisions made by the FERC increased the base ROE for all MISO transmission owners, including ATC, from the 9.88% authorized in the November 2019 Order to 10.02% for the period covered by the first complaint. Various parties then filed requests to rehear certain parts of the May 2020 Order with the FERC. ◦ November 2020 Order – In response to the rehearing requests filed concerning certain parts of the May 2020 Order, the FERC issued an order in November 2020 that confirmed the ROE previously authorized in its May 2020 Order. ◦ Refunds – Due to the base ROE changes resulting from these FERC orders, ATC was required to provide refunds, with interest, for the 15-month refund period from November 12, 2013 through February 11, 2015 and for the period from September 28, 2016 through November 19, 2020. In January 2022, ATC completed providing WE, WPS, and UMERC with the net refunds related to the transmission costs they paid during the period covered by the first complaint. The refunds were applied to WE's and WPS's PSCW-approved escrow accounting for transmission expense. • Opinion Issued by the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals ◦ August 2022 Decision – Since several petitions for review were filed with the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals concerning this ROE complaint, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals issued an opinion on August 9, 2022, addressing these petitions. In its August 2022 Decision, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled the FERC failed to adequately explain why it reinstated the use of the risk premium model as part of its ROE methodology in its May 2020 Order after previously rejecting the model in its November 2019 Order. Due to this ruling, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals vacated the FERC’s previous orders and remanded the issue of determining an appropriate base ROE for MISO transmission owners back to the FERC for additional proceedings. As of December 31, 2023, the FERC had not provided a ruling in response to the August 2022 Decision issued by the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals. ◦ Refunds – Since the FERC is required to conduct more proceedings, additional refunds could still be required for the 15-month period from November 12, 2013 through February 11, 2015 and for the period from September 28, 2016 until the date of any future order. Therefore, ATC recorded a liability on its financials for these potential refunds, which reduced our equity earnings from ATC by $18.6 million during the third quarter of 2022. The liability recorded by ATC is based on a 9.88% base 2023 Form 10-K 77 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents ROE for the first complaint period. If it is ultimately determined a refund is required for the first complaint period, we would not expect any such refund to have a material impact on our financial statements or results of operations in the future. In addition, WE, WPS, and UMERC would be entitled to receive a portion of the refund from ATC for the benefit of their customers. Second Return on Equity Complaint In February 2015, a second complaint was filed with the FERC requesting a reduction in the base ROE used by MISO transmission owners, including ATC, to 8.67%, with a refund effective date retroactive to February 12, 2015. To resolve this complaint, the following orders and opinion were issued by the FERC and the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals. The orders and opinion discussed below are the same orders and opinion described above in the first complaint section. • Orders Issued by the FERC ◦ November 2019 Order – Similar to the first complaint, the November 2019 Order stated the newly calculated base ROE of 9.88% was also reasonable for the period covered by the second complaint, February 12, 2015 through May 10, 2016. However, in the November 2019 Order, the FERC relied on certain provisions of the Federal Power Act to dismiss the second complaint and to determine refunds were not allowed for this period. ◦ May 2020 Order – In its May 2020 Order, the FERC stated the newly calculated base ROE of 10.02% was also reasonable for the period covered by the second complaint. However, the FERC relied on the same provisions of the Federal Power Act to again dismiss the complaint and to determine refunds were not allowed for this period. In addition, the FERC denied in its May 2020 Order the requests to rehear both the dismissal of the second complaint and the determination that no refunds are allowed for the second complaint period. • Opinion Issued by the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals ◦ August 2022 Decision - The August 2022 Decision issued by the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed both the FERC’s dismissal of the second complaint and the FERC’s finding that no refunds are allowed for the second complaint period. Therefore, during the third quarter of 2022, we reduced the liability previously recorded for the potential refunds related to the second complaint period by $39.1 million, which increased our equity earnings from ATC. Environmental Matters See Note 24, Commitments and Contingencies, for a discussion of certain environmental matters affecting us, including rules and regulations relating to air quality, water quality, and land quality. Market Risks and Other Significant Risks We are exposed to market and other significant risks as a result of the nature of our businesses and the environments in which those businesses operate. These risks, described in further detail below, include but are not limited to: Commodity Costs In the normal course of providing energy, we are subject to market fluctuations in the costs of coal, natural gas, purchased power, and fuel oil used in the delivery of coal. We manage our fuel and natural gas supply costs through a portfolio of short and long-term procurement contracts with various suppliers for the purchase of coal, natural gas, and fuel oil. In addition, we manage the risk of price volatility through natural gas and electric hedging programs. Embedded within our utilities' rates are amounts to recover fuel, natural gas, and purchased power costs. Our utilities have recovery mechanisms in place that generally allow them to recover or refund all or a portion of the changes in prudently incurred fuel, natural gas, and purchased power costs from rate case-approved amounts. See Item 1. Business – E. Regulation for more information on these mechanisms. Higher commodity costs can increase our working capital requirements, result in higher gross receipts taxes, and lead to increased energy efficiency investments by our customers to reduce utility usage and/or fuel substitution. Higher commodity costs combined 2023 Form 10-K 78 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents with slower economic conditions also expose us to greater risks of accounts receivable write-offs as more customers are unable to pay their bills. See Note 5, Credit Losses, for more information on riders and other mechanisms that allow for cost recovery or refund of uncollectible expense. Weather Our utilities' rates are based upon estimated normal temperatures. Our electric utility margins are unfavorably sensitive to below normal temperatures during the summer cooling season and, to some extent, to above normal temperatures during the winter heating season. Our natural gas utility margins are unfavorably sensitive to above normal temperatures during the winter heating season. PGL, NSG, and MERC have decoupling mechanisms in place that help reduce the impacts of weather. Decoupling mechanisms differ by state and allow utilities to recover or refund certain differences between actual and authorized margins. A summary of actual weather information in our utilities' service territories during 2023 and 2022, as measured by degree days, can be found in Results of Operations. Interest Rates We are exposed to interest rate risk resulting from our short-term and long-term borrowings and projected near-term debt financing needs. We manage exposure to interest rate risk by limiting the amount of our variable rate obligations and continually monitoring the effects of market changes on interest rates. When it is advantageous to do so, we enter into long-term fixed rate debt. We may also enter into derivative financial instruments, such as swaps, to mitigate interest rate exposure. Based on the variable rate debt outstanding at December 31, 2023 and 2022, a hypothetical increase in market interest rates of one percentage point would have increased annual interest expense by $25.2 million and $21.4 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively. This sensitivity analysis was performed assuming a constant level of variable rate debt during the period and an immediate increase in interest rates, with no other changes for the remainder of the period. Marketable Securities Return We use various trusts to fund our pension and OPEB obligations. These trusts invest in debt and equity securities. Changes in the market prices of these assets can affect future pension and OPEB expenses. Additionally, future contributions can also be affected by the investment returns on trust fund assets. The financial risks associated with investment returns are mitigated at our Wisconsin utilities through the requirement that WE, WPS, and WG implement escrow accounting treatment for pension and OPEB costs in 2023 and 2024, as required by the December 2022 rate order issued by the PSCW. We also believe that the financial risks associated with investment returns would be partially mitigated at our other utilities through future rate actions by regulators. See Note 26, Regulatory Environment, for more information on 2023 and 2024 rates at our Wisconsin utilities. The fair value of our trust fund assets and expected long-term returns were approximately: (in millions) As of December 31, 2023 Expected Return on Assets in 2024 Pension trust funds $ 2,665.8 6.62 % OPEB trust funds $ 829.6 6.50 % Fiduciary oversight of the pension and OPEB trust fund investments is the responsibility of an Investment Trust Policy Committee. The Committee works with external actuaries and investment consultants on an ongoing basis to establish and monitor investment strategies and target asset allocations. Forecasted cash flows for plan liabilities are regularly updated based on annual valuation results. Target asset allocations are determined utilizing projected benefit payment cash flows and risk analyses of appropriate investments. The targeted asset allocations are intended to reduce risk, provide long-term financial stability for the plans, and maintain funded levels which meet long-term plan obligations while preserving sufficient liquidity for near-term benefit payments. Investment strategies utilize a wide diversification of asset types and qualified external investment managers. We consult with our investment advisors on an annual basis to help us forecast expected long-term returns on plan assets by reviewing actual historical returns and calculating expected total trust returns using the weighted-average of long-term market returns for each of the major target asset categories utilized in the funds. 2023 Form 10-K 79 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Economic Conditions We have electric and natural gas utility operations that serve customers in Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, and Michigan. As such, we are exposed to market risks in the regional Midwest economy. In addition, any economic downturn or disruption of national or international markets could adversely affect the financial condition of our customers and demand for their products, which could affect their demand for our products. Inflation and Supply Chain Disruptions We continue to monitor the impact of inflation and supply chain disruptions. We monitor the costs of medical plans, fuel, transmission access, construction costs, regulatory and environmental compliance costs, and other costs in order to minimize inflationary effects in future years, to the extent possible, through pricing strategies, productivity improvements, and cost reductions. We monitor the global supply chain, and related disruptions, in order to ensure we are able to procure the necessary materials and other resources necessary to both maintain our energy services in a safe and reliable manner and to grow our infrastructure in accordance with our capital plan. For additional information concerning risks related to inflation and supply chain disruptions, see the four risk factors below. • Item 1A. Risk Factors – Risks Related to the Operation of Our Business – Public health crises, including epidemics and pandemics, could adversely affect our business functions, financial condition, liquidity, and results of operations. • Item 1A. Risk Factors – Risks Related to the Operation of Our Business – Our operations and corporate strategy may be adversely affected by supply chain disruptions and inflation. • Item 1A. Risk Factors – Risks Related to the Operation of Our Business – We are actively involved with multiple significant capital projects, which are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could adversely affect project costs and completion of construction projects. • Item 1A. Risk Factors – Risks Related to Economic and Market Volatility – Fluctuating commodity prices could negatively impact our operations. For additional information concerning other risk factors, including market risks, see the Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information at the beginning of this report and Item 1A. Risk Factors. Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates The preparation of financial statements in compliance with GAAP requires the application of accounting policies, as well as the use of estimates, assumptions, and judgments that could have a material impact on our financial statements and related disclosures. Judgments regarding future events may include the likelihood of success of particular projects, legal and regulatory challenges, and anticipated recovery of costs. Actual results may differ significantly from estimated amounts based on varying assumptions. Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. The following is a list of accounting policies and estimates that require management's most difficult, subjective, or complex judgments and may change in subsequent periods. Regulatory Accounting Our utility operations follow the guidance under the Regulated Operations Topic of the FASB ASC (Topic 980). Our financial statements reflect the effects of the ratemaking principles followed by the various jurisdictions regulating us. Certain items that would otherwise be immediately recognized as revenues and expenses are deferred as regulatory assets and regulatory liabilities for future recovery or refund to customers, as authorized by our regulators. Future recovery of regulatory assets, including the timeliness of recovery and our ability to earn a reasonable return, is not assured and is generally subject to review by regulators in rate proceedings for matters such as prudence and reasonableness. Once approved, the regulatory assets and liabilities are amortized into earnings over the rate recovery or refund period. If recovery or refund of costs is not approved or is no longer considered probable, these regulatory assets or liabilities are recognized in current period earnings. Management regularly assesses whether these regulatory assets and liabilities are probable of future recovery or 2023 Form 10-K 80 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents refund by considering factors such as changes in the regulatory environment, earnings from our electric and natural gas utility operations, rate orders issued by our regulators, historical decisions by our regulators regarding regulatory assets and liabilities, and the status of any pending or potential deregulation legislation. The application of the Regulated Operations Topic of the FASB ASC would be discontinued if all or a separable portion of our utility operations no longer met the criteria for application. Our regulatory assets and liabilities would be written off to income as an unusual or infrequently occurring item in the period in which discontinuation occurred. See Note 6, Regulatory Assets and Liabilities, for more information on our regulatory assets and liabilities. Goodwill We completed our annual goodwill impairment tests for all of our reporting units that carried a goodwill balance as of July 1, 2023. No impairments were recorded as a result of these tests. For all of our reporting units, the fair values calculated in step one of the test were greater than their carrying values. The fair values for the reporting units were calculated using a combination of the income approach and the market approach. For the income approach, we used internal forecasts to project cash flows. Any forecast contains a degree of uncertainty, and changes in these cash flows could significantly increase or decrease the calculated fair value of a reporting unit. For our reporting units that are regulated, a fair recovery of and return on costs prudently incurred to serve customers is assumed. An unfavorable outcome in a rate case could cause the fair values of our reporting units to decrease. Key assumptions used in the income approach include ROEs, the long-term growth rates used to determine terminal values at the end of the discrete forecast period, and the discount rates. The discount rate is applied to estimated future cash flows and is one of the most significant assumptions used to determine fair value under the income approach. As interest rates rise, the calculated fair values will decrease. The discount rate is based on the weighted-average cost of capital for each reporting unit, taking into account both the after-tax cost of debt and cost of equity. The terminal year ROE for each utility is driven by its current allowed ROE. The terminal growth rate is based primarily on a combination of historical and forecasted statistics for real gross domestic product and personal income for each utility service area. For the market approach, we used a higher weighting for the guideline public company method than the guideline merged and acquired company method due to a low number of mergers and acquisitions in recent years. The guideline public company method uses financial metrics from similar publicly traded companies to determine fair value. The guideline merged and acquired company method calculates fair value by analyzing the actual prices paid for recent mergers and acquisitions in the industry. We applied multiples derived from these two methods to the appropriate operating metrics for our reporting units to determine fair value. The underlying assumptions and estimates used in the impairment tests were made as of a point in time. Subsequent changes in these assumptions and estimates could change the results of the tests. For all of our reporting units that carried a goodwill balance at July 1, 2023, the fair value exceeded its carrying value by over 50%. Based on these results, our reporting units are not at risk of failing step one of the goodwill impairment test. See Note 10, Goodwill and Intangibles, for more information. Long-Lived Assets In accordance with ASC 980-360, Regulated Operations – Property, Plant, and Equipment, we periodically assess the recoverability of certain long-lived assets when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of those long-lived assets may not be recoverable. Examples of events or changes in circumstances include, but are not limited to, a significant decrease in the market price, a significant change in use, a regulatory decision related to recovery of assets from customers, adverse legal factors or a change in business climate, operating or cash flow losses, or an expectation that the asset might be sold or abandoned. See Note 1(k), Asset Impairment, for our policy on accounting for abandonments and recently completed plant subject to disallowance. Performing an impairment evaluation involves a significant degree of estimation and judgment by management in areas such as identifying circumstances that indicate an impairment may exist, identifying and grouping affected assets, and developing the undiscounted future cash flows. An impairment loss is measured as the excess of the carrying amount of the asset in comparison to the fair value of the asset. The fair value of the asset is assessed using various methods, including recent comparable third-party 2023 Form 10-K 81 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents sales for our nonregulated operations, internally developed discounted cash flow analysis, expected recovery of regulated assets, and analysis from outside advisors. See Note 7, Property, Plant, and Equipment, for more information on our generating units probable of being retired. See Note 6, Regulatory Assets and Liabilities, and Note 26, Regulatory Environment, for more information on our retired generating units, including various approvals we received from the FERC and the PSCW. Pension and Other Postretirement Employee Benefits The costs of providing non-contributory defined pension benefits and OPEB, described in Note 20, Employee Benefits, are dependent upon numerous factors resulting from actual plan experience and assumptions of future experience. Pension and OPEB costs are impacted by actual employee demographics (including age, compensation levels, and employment periods), the level of contributions made to the plans, and earnings on plan assets. Pension and OPEB costs may also be significantly affected by changes in key actuarial assumptions, including anticipated rates of return on plan assets, mortality and discount rates, and expected health care cost trends. Changes made to the plan provisions may also impact current and future pension and OPEB costs. Pension and OPEB plan assets are primarily made up of equity and fixed income investments. Fluctuations in actual equity and fixed income market returns, as well as changes in general interest rates, may result in increased or decreased benefit costs in future periods. Changes in benefit costs are mitigated at our Wisconsin utilities through the requirement that WE, WPS, and WG implement escrow accounting treatment for pension and OPEB costs in 2023 and 2024, as required by the December 2022 rate orders issued by the PSCW. See Note 26, Regulatory Environment, for more information on 2023 and 2024 rates at our Wisconsin utilities. We believe that changes to benefit costs at our other utilities would be recovered or refunded through the ratemaking process. The following table shows how a given change in certain actuarial assumptions would impact the projected benefit obligation and the reported net periodic pension cost (including amounts capitalized to our balance sheets). Each factor below reflects an evaluation of the change based on a change in that assumption only. Actuarial Assumption (in millions, except percentages) Percentage-Point Change in Assumption Impact on Projected Benefit Obligation Impact on 2023 Pension Cost Discount rate (0.5) $ 114.7 $ 5.3 Discount rate 0.5 (106.9) (10.2) Rate of return on plan assets (0.5) N/A 14.1 Rate of return on plan assets 0.5 N/A (14.1) The following table shows how a given change in certain actuarial assumptions would impact the accumulated OPEB obligation and the reported net periodic OPEB cost (including amounts capitalized to our balance sheets). Each factor below reflects an evaluation of the change based on a change in that assumption only. Actuarial Assumption (in millions, except percentages) Percentage-Point Change in Assumption Impact on Postretirement Benefit Obligation Impact on 2023 Postretirement Benefit Cost Discount rate (0.5) $ 22.5 $ 2.2 Discount rate 0.5 (21.4) (1.9) Health care cost trend rate (0.5) (12.4) (2.6) Health care cost trend rate 0.5 13.9 2.9 Rate of return on plan assets (0.5) N/A 4.1 Rate of return on plan assets 0.5 N/A (4.1) The discount rates are selected based on hypothetical bond portfolios consisting of noncallable, high-quality corporate bonds across the full maturity spectrum. From the hypothetical bond portfolios, a single rate is determined that equates the market value of the bonds purchased to the discounted value of the plans' expected future benefit payments. We establish our expected return on assets based on consideration of historical and projected asset class returns, as well as the target allocations of the benefit trust portfolios. The assumed long-term rate of return on pension plan assets was 6.62% in 2023 and 2023 Form 10-K 82 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents 6.88% in 2022 and 2021. The actual rate of return on pension plan assets, net of fees, was 9.23%, (14.03)%, and 9.51%, in 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. In selecting assumed health care cost trend rates, past performance and forecasts of health care costs are considered. For more information on health care cost trend rates and a table showing future payments that we expect to make for our pension and OPEB, see Note 20, Employee Benefits. Unbilled Revenues We record utility operating revenues when energy is delivered to our customers. However, the determination of energy sales to individual customers is based upon the reading of their meters, which occurs on a systematic basis throughout the month. At the end of each month, amounts of energy delivered to customers since the date of their last meter reading are estimated and corresponding unbilled revenues are calculated. Unbilled revenues are estimated each month based upon actual generation and throughput volumes, recorded sales, estimated customer usage by class, weather factors, estimated line losses, and applicable customer rates. Energy demand for the unbilled period or changes in rate mix due to fluctuations in usage patterns of customer classes could impact the accuracy of the unbilled revenue estimate. Total unbilled utility revenues were $473.9 million and $663.1 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The changes in unbilled revenues are primarily due to changes in the cost of natural gas, weather, and customer rates. Income Tax Expense Significant management judgment is required in determining our provision for income taxes, deferred income tax assets and liabilities, the liability for unrecognized tax benefits, and any valuation allowance recorded against deferred income tax assets. The assumptions involved are supported by historical data, reasonable projections, and interpretations of applicable tax laws and regulations across multiple taxing jurisdictions. Significant changes in these assumptions could have a material impact on our financial condition and results of operations. See Note 1(q), Income Taxes, and Note 16, Income Taxes, for a discussion of accounting for income taxes. We are required to estimate income taxes for each of our applicable tax jurisdictions as part of the process of preparing consolidated financial statements. This process involves estimating current income tax liabilities together with assessing temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items, such as depreciation, for income tax and accounting purposes. These differences result in deferred income tax assets and liabilities, which are included within our balance sheets. We also assess the likelihood that our deferred income tax assets will be recovered through future taxable income. To the extent we believe that realization is not likely, we establish a valuation allowance, which is offset by an adjustment to income tax expense in our income statements. Uncertainty associated with the application of tax statutes and regulations, the outcomes of tax audits and appeals, changes in income tax law, enacted tax rates or amounts subject to income tax, and changes in the regulatory treatment of any tax reform benefits requires that judgments and estimates be made in the accrual process and in the calculation of effective tax rates. Only income tax benefits that meet the "more likely than not" recognition threshold may be recognized or continue to be recognized. Unrecognized tax benefits are re-evaluated quarterly and changes are recorded based on new information, including the issuance of relevant guidance by the courts or tax authorities and developments occurring in the examinations of our tax returns. We expect our 2024 annual effective tax rate to be between 11.5% and 12.5%. Our effective tax rate calculations are revised every quarter based on the best available year-end tax assumptions, adjusted in the following year after returns are filed. Tax accrual estimates are trued-up to the actual amounts claimed on the tax returns and further adjusted after examinations by taxing authorities, as needed. ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK See Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Factors Affecting Results, Liquidity, and Capital Resources – Market Risks and Other Significant Risks, as well as Note 1(r), Fair Value Measurements, Note 1(s), Derivative Instruments, and Note 19, Guarantees, for information concerning potential market risks to which we are exposed. 2023 Form 10-K 83 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA A. REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM To the shareholders and the Board of Directors of WEC Energy Group, Inc. Opinion on the Financial Statements We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of WEC Energy Group, Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, equity, and cash flows, for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, and the related notes and the schedules listed in the Index at Item 15 (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 22, 2024, expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Basis for Opinion These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. Critical Audit Matter The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates. Regulatory Assets and Liabilities - Impact of rate regulation on financial statements — Refer to Notes 6 and 26 to the financial statements Critical Audit Matter Description The Company’s regulated utilities are subject to regulation by various state and federal regulatory bodies (collectively the “Commissions”) which have jurisdiction with respect to the rates of electric and gas distribution companies in each respective state. Management has determined the Company meets the requirements under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America to prepare its financial statements applying the Regulated Operations Topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s Accounting Standard Codification. 2023 Form 10-K 84 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Rates are determined and approved in regulatory proceedings based on an analysis of the Company’s costs to provide utility service and a return on, and recovery of, the Company’s investment in the utility business. Current and future regulatory decisions can have an impact on the recovery of costs, the rate of return earned on investment, and the timing and amount of assets to be recovered through rates. The Commissions’ regulation of rates is premised on the full recovery of prudently incurred costs and a reasonable rate of return on invested capital. Certain items that would otherwise be immediately recognized as revenues and expenses are deferred as regulatory assets and regulatory liabilities for future recovery or refund to customers, as authorized by the Company’s regulators. While the Company has indicated it expects to recover costs from customers through regulated rates, there is a risk that the Commissions will not approve: (1) full recovery of the costs of providing utility service, (2) full recovery of all amounts invested in the utility business and a reasonable return on that investment or (3) timely recovery of costs incurred. We identified the impact of rate regulation as a critical audit matter due to the significant judgments made by management to support its assertions about impacted account balances and disclosures and the subjectivity involved in assessing the impact of future regulatory orders on the financial statements. Management judgments include assessing the likelihood of (1) recovery in future rates of incurred costs and/or (2) a refund to customers. Auditing these judgments required specialized knowledge of accounting for rate regulation and the rate setting process due to its inherent complexities. How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit Our audit procedures related to the impact of rate regulation on certain assets and liabilities included the following, among others: • We tested the effectiveness of management’s controls over regulatory assets and liabilities, including management’s controls over the identification of costs recorded as regulatory assets and liabilities and the monitoring and evaluation of regulatory developments that may affect the likelihood of recovering costs in future rates. • We inquired of Company management and independently obtained and read: (1) relevant regulatory orders issued by the Commissions for the Company, (2) Company filings with the Commissions, (3) filings made by intervenors and (4) other publicly available information to assess the likelihood of recovery in future rates or of a future reduction in rates based on precedents of the Commissions’ treatment of similar costs under similar circumstances. To assess completeness, we evaluated the information obtained and compared it to management’s recorded regulatory asset and liability balances. • For regulatory matters in process, we inspected the Company’s filings with the Commissions and the filings with the Commissions by intervenors that may impact the Company’s future rates, for any evidence that might contradict management’s assertions. • We evaluated management’s analysis regarding probability of recovery for regulatory assets or refund or future reduction in rates for regulatory liabilities not yet addressed in a regulatory order to assess management’s assertion that amounts are probable of recovery or a future reduction in rates. • We evaluated the Company’s disclosures related to the impacts of rate regulation, including the balances recorded and regulatory developments. /s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP Milwaukee, Wisconsin February 22, 2024 We have served as the Company's auditor since 2002. 2023 Form 10-K 85 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents A. REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM To the shareholders and the Board of Directors of WEC Energy Group, Inc. Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of WEC Energy Group, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO. We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules as of and for the year ended December 31, 2023, of the Company and our report dated February 22, 2024, expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules. Basis for Opinion The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. /s/DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP Milwaukee, Wisconsin February 22, 2024 2023 Form 10-K 86 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents B. CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS Year Ended December 31 (in millions, except per share amounts) 2023 2022 2021 Operating revenues $ 8,893.0 $ 9,597.4 $ 8,316.0 Operating expenses Cost of sales 3,191.2 4,358.9 3,311.0 Other operation and maintenance 2,100.5 1,938.0 2,005.5 Impairment related to ICC disallowances 178.9 — — Depreciation and amortization 1,264.2 1,122.6 1,074.3 Property and revenue taxes 250.2 253.7 210.3 Total operating expenses 6,985.0 7,673.2 6,601.1 Operating income 1,908.0 1,924.2 1,714.9 Equity in earnings of transmission affiliates 177.5 194.7 158.1 Other income, net 177.7 128.8 133.2 Interest expense 726.9 515.1 471.1 Loss on debt extinguishment — — 36.3 Other expense ( 371.7 ) ( 191.6 ) ( 216.1 ) Income before income taxes 1,536.3 1,732.6 1,498.8 Income tax expense 204.6 322.9 200.3 Net income 1,331.7 1,409.7 1,298.5 Preferred stock dividends of subsidiary 1.2 1.2 1.2 Net (income) loss attributed to noncontrolling interests 1.2 ( 0.4 ) 3.0 Net income attributed to common shareholders $ 1,331.7 $ 1,408.1 $ 1,300.3 Earnings per share Basic $ 4.22 $ 4.46 $ 4.12 Diluted $ 4.22 $ 4.45 $ 4.11 Weighted average common shares outstanding Basic 315.4 315.4 315.4 Diluted 315.9 316.1 316.3 The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements. 2023 Form 10-K 87 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents C. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Year Ended December 31 (in millions) 2023 2022 2021 Net income $ 1,331.7 $ 1,409.7 $ 1,298.5 Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Derivatives accounted for as cash flow hedges Net derivative gain, net of tax — — 0.6 Reclassification of realized net derivative (gain) loss to net income, net of tax ( 0.3 ) ( 0.3 ) 0.9 Cash flow hedges, net ( 0.3 ) ( 0.3 ) 1.5 Defined benefit plans Pension and OPEB adjustments arising during the period, net of tax expense (benefit) of $( 0.2 ), $( 1.3 ), and $ 0.7 , respectively ( 0.6 ) ( 3.5 ) 1.7 Amortization of pension and OPEB costs included in net periodic benefit cost, net of tax — 0.2 0.4 Defined benefit plans, net ( 0.6 ) ( 3.3 ) 2.1 Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax ( 0.9 ) ( 3.6 ) 3.6 Comprehensive income 1,330.8 1,406.1 1,302.1 Preferred stock dividends of subsidiary 1.2 1.2 1.2 Comprehensive (income) loss attributed to noncontrolling interests 1.2 ( 0.4 ) 3.0 Comprehensive income attributed to common shareholders $ 1,330.8 $ 1,404.5 $ 1,303.9 The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements. 2023 Form 10-K 88 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents D. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS At December 31 (in millions, except share and per share amounts) 2023 2022 Assets Current assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 42.9 $ 28.9 Accounts receivable and unbilled revenues, net of reserves of $ 193.5 and $ 199.3 , respectively 1,503.2 1,818.4 Materials, supplies, and inventories 775.2 807.1 Prepaid taxes 173.9 201.8 Other prepayments 76.8 69.8 Other 223.7 261.7 Current assets 2,795.7 3,187.7 Long-term assets Property, plant, and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $ 11,073.1 and $ 10,383.8 , respectively 31,581.5 29,113.8 Regulatory assets (December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 include $ 85.9 and $ 92.4 , respectively, related to WEPCo Environmental Trust) 3,249.8 3,264.6 Equity investment in transmission affiliates 2,005.9 1,909.2 Goodwill 3,052.8 3,052.8 Pension and OPEB assets 870.9 916.7 Other 383.1 427.3 Long-term assets 41,144.0 38,684.4 Total assets $ 43,939.7 $ 41,872.1 Liabilities and Equity Current liabilities Short-term debt $ 2,020.9 $ 1,647.1 Current portion of long-term debt (December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 include $ 9.0 and $ 8.9 , respectively, related to WEPCo Environmental Trust) 1,264.2 881.2 Accounts payable 896.6 1,198.1 Other 933.1 884.6 Current liabilities 5,114.8 4,611.0 Long-term liabilities Long-term debt (December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 include $ 85.3 and $ 94.1 , respectively, related to WEPCo Environmental Trust) 15,512.8 14,766.2 Deferred income taxes 4,918.5 4,625.6 Deferred revenue, net 356.4 370.7 Regulatory liabilities 3,697.7 3,735.5 Intangible liabilities 594.8 335.4 Environmental remediation liabilities 463.7 499.6 AROs 374.2 479.3 Pension and OPEB obligations 176.0 171.6 Other 659.3 660.6 Long-term liabilities 26,753.4 25,644.5 Commitments and contingencies (Note 24) Common shareholders' equity Common stock – $ 0.01 par value; 325,000,000 shares authorized; 315,434,531 shares outstanding 3.2 3.2 Additional paid in capital 4,115.9 4,115.2 Retained earnings 7,612.8 7,265.3 Accumulated other comprehensive loss ( 7.7 ) ( 6.8 ) Common shareholders' equity 11,724.2 11,376.9 Preferred stock of subsidiary 30.4 30.4 Noncontrolling interests 316.9 209.3 Total liabilities and equity $ 43,939.7 $ 41,872.1 The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements. 2023 Form 10-K 89 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents E. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Year Ended December 31 (in millions) 2023 2022 2021 Operating activities Net income $ 1,331.7 $ 1,409.7 $ 1,298.5 Reconciliation to cash provided by operating activities Depreciation and amortization 1,264.2 1,122.6 1,074.3 Deferred income taxes and ITCs, net 219.4 280.1 151.1 Impairment related to ICC disallowances 178.9 — — Contributions and payments related to pension and OPEB plans ( 16.7 ) ( 15.1 ) ( 66.3 ) Equity income in transmission affiliates, net of distributions ( 33.0 ) ( 74.3 ) ( 25.1 ) Net change in transmission regulatory assets and liabilities 19.8 ( 85.8 ) 5.7 Net gain on disposition of assets ( 23.8 ) ( 66.2 ) ( 6.2 ) Change in – Accounts receivable and unbilled revenues, net 340.6 ( 342.1 ) ( 249.2 ) Materials, supplies, and inventories 41.9 ( 171.3 ) ( 107.2 ) Amounts recoverable from customers 17.4 60.0 ( 82.3 ) Collateral on deposit 22.1 ( 108.1 ) 4.6 Other current assets 18.9 ( 27.7 ) 17.6 Accounts payable ( 254.0 ) 121.5 126.9 Other current liabilities 47.5 126.9 ( 17.2 ) Other, net ( 156.5 ) ( 169.5 ) ( 92.5 ) Net cash provided by operating activities 3,018.4 2,060.7 2,032.7 Investing activities Capital expenditures ( 2,492.9 ) ( 2,314.9 ) ( 2,252.8 ) Acquisition of Whitewater ( 76.0 ) — — Acquisition of Sapphire Sky, net of cash acquired of $ 0.3 ( 442.6 ) — — Acquisition of Samson I, net of cash acquired of $ 5.2 ( 257.3 ) — — Acquisition of Red Barn ( 143.8 ) — — Acquisition of West Riverside ( 95.3 ) — — Acquisition of Thunderhead, net of cash acquired of $ 0.5 — ( 382.0 ) — Acquisition of Jayhawk — — ( 119.9 ) Capital contributions to transmission affiliates ( 63.7 ) ( 45.5 ) — Proceeds from the sale of assets 32.8 69.0 21.9 Proceeds from the sale of investments held in rabbi trust 10.4 15.4 18.7 Payments for ATC's construction costs that will be reimbursed ( 19.8 ) ( 24.8 ) ( 7.0 ) Reimbursement for ATC's construction costs 0.1 10.2 — Insurance proceeds received for property damage 2.5 41.6 — Other, net ( 12.6 ) ( 11.4 ) 27.3 Net cash used in investing activities ( 3,558.2 ) ( 2,642.4 ) ( 2,311.8 ) Financing activities Exercise of stock options 6.3 33.6 15.7 Purchase of common stock ( 16.6 ) ( 69.2 ) ( 33.1 ) Dividends paid on common stock ( 984.2 ) ( 917.9 ) ( 854.8 ) Issuance of long-term debt 2,170.0 1,999.3 2,383.8 Retirement of long-term debt ( 1,005.4 ) ( 92.1 ) ( 1,260.4 ) Repayment of short-term loan ( 0.8 ) — ( 340.0 ) Change in commercial paper 373.7 ( 252.6 ) 459.2 Payments for debt extinguishment and issuance costs ( 14.2 ) ( 15.6 ) ( 67.2 ) Other, net ( 6.0 ) ( 9.1 ) ( 9.2 ) Net cash provided by financing activities 522.8 676.4 294.0 Net change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash ( 17.0 ) 94.7 14.9 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of year 182.2 87.5 72.6 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of year $ 165.2 $ 182.2 $ 87.5 The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements. 2023 Form 10-K 90 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents F. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY WEC Energy Group Common Shareholders' Equity Common Stock Additional Paid In Capital Retained Earnings Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Total Common Shareholders' Equity Preferred Stock of Subsidiary Non-controlling Interests Total Equity (in millions, except per share amounts) Balance at December 31, 2020 $ 3.2 $ 4,143.7 $ 6,329.6 $ ( 6.8 ) $ 10,469.7 $ 30.4 $ 162.4 $ 10,662.5 Net income attributed to common shareholders — — 1,300.3 — 1,300.3 — — 1,300.3 Net loss attributed to noncontrolling interests — — — — — — ( 3.0 ) ( 3.0 ) Other comprehensive income — — — 3.6 3.6 — — 3.6 Common stock dividends of $ 2.71 per share — — ( 854.8 ) — ( 854.8 ) — — ( 854.8 ) Exercise of stock options — 15.7 — — 15.7 — — 15.7 Purchase of common stock — ( 33.1 ) — — ( 33.1 ) — — ( 33.1 ) Acquisition of noncontrolling interests — — — — — — 6.3 6.3 Capital contributions from noncontrolling interest — — — — — — 7.6 7.6 Distributions to noncontrolling interests — — — — — — ( 4.1 ) ( 4.1 ) Stock-based compensation and other — 11.8 — — 11.8 — 0.5 12.3 Balance at December 31, 2021 $ 3.2 $ 4,138.1 $ 6,775.1 $ ( 3.2 ) $ 10,913.2 $ 30.4 $ 169.7 $ 11,113.3 Net income attributed to common shareholders — — 1,408.1 — 1,408.1 — — 1,408.1 Net income attributed to noncontrolling interests — — — — — — 0.4 0.4 Other comprehensive loss — — — ( 3.6 ) ( 3.6 ) — — ( 3.6 ) Common stock dividends of $ 2.91 per share — — ( 917.9 ) — ( 917.9 ) — — ( 917.9 ) Exercise of stock options — 33.6 — — 33.6 — — 33.6 Purchase of common stock — ( 69.2 ) — — ( 69.2 ) — — ( 69.2 ) Acquisition of noncontrolling interests — — — — — — 42.5 42.5 Capital contributions from noncontrolling interest — — — — — — 1.1 1.1 Distributions to noncontrolling interests — — — — — — ( 4.3 ) ( 4.3 ) Stock-based compensation and other — 12.7 — — 12.7 — ( 0.1 ) 12.6 Balance at December 31, 2022 $ 3.2 $ 4,115.2 $ 7,265.3 $ ( 6.8 ) $ 11,376.9 $ 30.4 $ 209.3 $ 11,616.6 Net income attributed to common shareholders — — 1,331.7 — 1,331.7 — — 1,331.7 Net loss attributed to noncontrolling interests — — — — — — ( 1.2 ) ( 1.2 ) Other comprehensive loss — — — ( 0.9 ) ( 0.9 ) — — ( 0.9 ) Common stock dividends of $ 3.12 per share — — ( 984.2 ) — ( 984.2 ) — — ( 984.2 ) Exercise of stock options — 6.3 — — 6.3 — — 6.3 Purchase of common stock — ( 16.6 ) — — ( 16.6 ) — — ( 16.6 ) Acquisition of noncontrolling interests — — — — — — 114.9 114.9 Distributions to noncontrolling interests — — — — — — ( 6.0 ) ( 6.0 ) Stock-based compensation and other — 11.0 — — 11.0 — ( 0.1 ) 10.9 Balance at December 31, 2023 $ 3.2 $ 4,115.9 $ 7,612.8 $ ( 7.7 ) $ 11,724.2 $ 30.4 $ 316.9 $ 12,071.5 The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements. 2023 Form 10-K 91 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents G. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTE 1— SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (a) Nature of Operations — WEC Energy Group serves approximately 1.7 million electric customers and 3.0 million natural gas customers, owns approximately 60 % of ATC, and owns majority interests in multiple renewable generating facilities as part of its non-utility energy infrastructure segment. As used in these notes, the term "financial statements" refers to the consolidated financial statements. This includes the income statements, statements of comprehensive income, balance sheets, statements of cash flows, and statements of equity, unless otherwise noted. On our financial statements, we consolidate our majority-owned subsidiaries, which we control, and VIEs, of which we are the primary beneficiary. We reflect noncontrolling interests for the portion of entities that we do not own as a component of consolidated equity separate from the equity attributable to our shareholders. The noncontrolling interests that we reported as equity on our balance sheet as of December 31, 2023 related to the minority interests held by third parties in the renewable generating facilities that are included in our non-utility energy infrastructure segment. Our financial statements include the accounts of WEC Energy Group, a diversified energy holding company, and the accounts of our subsidiaries in the following reportable segments: • Wisconsin segment – Consists of WE, WPS, and WG, which are engaged primarily in the generation of electricity and the distribution of electricity and natural gas in Wisconsin; and UMERC, which generates electricity and distributes electricity and natural gas to customers located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. • Illinois segment – Consists of PGL and NSG, which are engaged primarily in the distribution of natural gas in Illinois. • Other states segment – Consists of MERC and MGU, which are engaged primarily in the distribution of natural gas in Minnesota and Michigan, respectively. • Electric transmission segment – Consists of our approximate 60 % ownership interest in ATC, a for-profit, electric transmission company regulated by the FERC and certain state regulatory commissions, and our approximate 75 % ownership interest in ATC Holdco, which invests in transmission-related projects outside of ATC's traditional footprint. • Non-utility energy infrastructure segment – Consists of We Power, which is principally engaged in the ownership of electric power generating facilities for long-term lease to WE, and Bluewater, which owns underground natural gas storage facilities in Michigan. WECI, which holds our majority interests in multiple renewable generating facilities, is also included in this segment. See Note 2, Acquisitions, for more information on recently acquired WECI renewable generating facilities. • Corporate and other segment – Consists of the WEC Energy Group holding company, the Integrys holding company, the PELLC holding company, Wispark, Wisvest, WECC, and WBS. Investments in companies not controlled by us, but over which we have significant influence regarding the operating and financial policies of the investee, are accounted for using the equity method. We use the cumulative earnings approach for classifying distributions received in the statements of cash flows. Under the cumulative earnings approach, we compare the distributions received to cumulative equity method earnings since inception. Any distributions received up to the amount of cumulative equity earnings are considered a return on investment and classified in operating activities. Any excess distributions are considered a return of investment and classified in investing activities. Our financial statements also reflect our proportionate interests in certain jointly owned utility facilities. See Note 8, Jointly Owned Utility Facilities, for more information. (b) Basis of Presentation — We prepare our financial statements in conformity with GAAP. We make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from these estimates. 2023 Form 10-K 92 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents (c) Cash and Cash Equivalents — Cash and cash equivalents include marketable debt securities with an original maturity of three months or less. (d) Operating Revenues — The following discussion includes our significant accounting policies related to operating revenues. For additional required disclosures on disaggregation of operating revenues, see Note 4, Operating Revenues. Revenues from Contracts with Customers Electric Utility Operating Revenues Electricity sales to residential and commercial and industrial customers are generally accomplished through requirements contracts, which provide for the delivery of as much electricity as the customer needs. These contracts represent discrete deliveries of electricity and consist of one distinct performance obligation satisfied over time, as the electricity is delivered and consumed by the customer simultaneously. For our Wisconsin residential and commercial and industrial customers and the majority of our Michigan residential and commercial and industrial customers, our performance obligation is bundled to consist of both the sale and the delivery of the electric commodity. In our Michigan service territory, a limited number of residential and commercial and industrial customers can purchase the commodity from a third party. In this case, the delivery of the electricity represents our sole performance obligation. The transaction price of the performance obligations for residential and commercial and industrial customers is valued using the rates, charges, terms, and conditions of service included in the tariffs of our regulated electric utilities, which have been approved by state regulators. These rates often have a fixed component customer charge and a usage-based variable component charge. We recognize revenue for the fixed component customer charge monthly using a time-based output method. We recognize revenue for the usage-based variable component charge using an output method based on the quantity of electricity delivered each month. Our retail electric rates in Wisconsin include base amounts for fuel and purchased power costs, which also impact our revenues. The electric fuel rules set by the PSCW allow us to defer, for subsequent rate recovery or refund, under- or over-collections of actual fuel and purchased power costs beyond a 2 % price variance from the costs included in the rates charged to customers. Our electric utilities monitor the deferral of under-collected costs to ensure that it does not cause them to earn a greater ROE than authorized by the PSCW. In contrast, the rates of our Michigan retail electric customers include recovery of fuel and purchased power costs on a one-for-one basis. In addition, the Wisconsin residential tariffs of WE and WPS include a mechanism for cost recovery or refund of uncollectible expense based on the difference between actual uncollectible write-offs and the amounts recovered in rates. Wholesale customers who resell power can choose to either bundle capacity and electricity services together under one contract with a supplier or purchase capacity and electricity separately from multiple suppliers. Furthermore, wholesale customers can choose to have our utilities provide generation to match the customer's load, similar to requirements contracts, or they can purchase specified quantities of electricity and capacity. Contracts with wholesale customers that include capacity bundled with the delivery of electricity contain two performance obligations, as capacity and electricity are often transacted separately in the marketplace at the wholesale level. When recognizing revenue associated with these contracts, the transaction price is allocated to each performance obligation based on its relative standalone selling price. Revenue is recognized as control of each individual component is transferred to the customer. Electricity is the primary product sold by our electric utilities and represents a single performance obligation satisfied over time through discrete deliveries to a customer. Revenue from electricity sales is generally recognized as units are produced and delivered to the customer within the production month. Capacity represents the reservation of an electric generating facility and conveys the ability to call on a plant to produce electricity when needed by the customer. The nature of our performance obligation as it relates to capacity is to stand ready to deliver power. This represents a single performance obligation transferred over time, which generally represents a monthly obligation. Accordingly, capacity revenue is recognized on a monthly basis. The transaction price of the performance obligations for wholesale customers is valued using the rates, charges, terms, and conditions of service, which have been approved by the FERC. These wholesale rates include recovery of fuel and purchased power costs from customers on a one-for-one basis. For the majority of our wholesale customers, the price billed for energy and capacity is a formula-based rate. Formula-based rates initially set a customer's current year rates based on the previous year’s expenses. This is a predetermined formula derived from the utility's costs and a reasonable rate of return. Because these rates are eventually trued up to reflect actual current-year costs, they represent a form of variable consideration in certain circumstances. The variable consideration is estimated and recognized over time as wholesale customers receive and consume the capacity and electricity services. 2023 Form 10-K 93 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents We are an active participant in the MISO Energy Markets, where we bid our generation into the Day Ahead and Real Time markets and procure electricity for our retail and wholesale customers at prices determined by t