WEC ENERGY GROUP, INC. 10-K

wec-20241231 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, 2024 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 $ 24.8 billion based upon the reported closing price of such securities as of June 30, 2024. Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date (January 31, 2025): Common Stock, $.01 par value, 317,752,123 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 8, 2025, 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, 2024 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 25 ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS 40 ITEM 1C. CYBERSECURITY 40 ITEM 2. PROPERTIES 41 ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS 45 ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES 45 INFORMATION ABOUT OUR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS 46 PART II 48 ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES 48 ITEM 6. RESERVED 48 ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 49 ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK 96 ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA 97 A. Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 97 B. Consolidated Income Statements 100 C. Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income 101 D. Consolidated Balance Sheets 102 E. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 103 F. Consolidated Statements of Equity 104 G. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 105 Note 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies 105 Note 2 Acquisitions 116 Note 3 Dispositions 119 Note 4 Operating Revenues 120 Note 5 Credit Losses 122 Note 6 Regulatory Assets and Liabilities 124 Note 7 Property, Plant, and Equipment 127 Note 8 Jointly Owned Utility Facilities 128 Note 9 Asset Retirement Obligations 129 Note 10 Goodwill and Intangibles 130 Note 11 Common Equity 131 Note 12 Preferred Stock 134 Note 13 Short-Term Debt and Lines of Credit 135 Note 14 Long-Term Debt 136 Note 15 Leases 140 Note 16 Income Taxes 144 2024 Form 10-K i WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Note 17 Fair Value Measurements 146 Note 18 Derivative Instruments 147 Note 19 Guarantees 148 Note 20 Employee Benefits 149 Note 21 Investment in Transmission Affiliates 154 Note 22 Segment Information 155 Note 23 Variable Interest Entities 159 Note 24 Commitments and Contingencies 161 Note 25 Supplemental Cash Flow Information 167 Note 26 Regulatory Environment 168 Note 27 Other Income, Net 173 Note 28 New Accounting Pronouncements 173 ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE 175 ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES 175 ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION 175 ITEM 9C. DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS 175 PART III 176 ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE OF THE REGISTRANT 176 ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION 176 ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS 176 ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE 177 ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES 177 PART IV 178 ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES 178 ITEM 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY 183 SCHEDULE I — CONDENSED PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 184 A. Income Statements 184 B. Statements of Comprehensive Income 185 C. Balance Sheets 186 D. Statements of Cash Flows 187 E. Notes to Parent Company Financial Statements 188 SCHEDULE II — VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS 191 SIGNATURES 192 2024 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 Delilah I Delilah Solar Energy LLC Hardin III Hardin Solar III Energy Center LLC Integrys Integrys Holding, Inc. Jayhawk Jayhawk Wind, LLC Maple Flats Maple Flats Solar Energy Center 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 Energy Holding III WEC Infrastructure Energy Holding III 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 CBP United States Customs and Border Protection Agency DOC United States Department of Commerce DOE United States Department of Energy 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 2024 Form 10-K iii WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents SEC Securities and Exchange Commission USITC United States International Trade Commission WDNR Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources 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 CRL Combustine Residual Leachate CWA Clean Water Act ELG Steam Electric Effluent Limitation Guidelines FGD Flue Gas Desulfurization GHG Greenhouse Gas MATS Mercury and Air Toxics Standards NAAQS National Ambient Air Quality Standards NOV Notice of Violation NOx Nitrogen Oxide PCB Polychlorinated Biphenyl PM Particulate Matter SO 2 Sulfur Dioxide WPDES Wisconsin Pollutant Discharge Elimination System 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 2024A Junior Notes WEC Energy Group, Inc.'s Series 2024A 6.69% Fixed-to-Fixed Reset Rate Junior Subordinated Notes Due June 15, 2055 2024B Junior Notes WEC Energy Group, Inc.'s Series 2024B 6.74% Fixed-to-Fixed Reset Rate Junior Subordinated Notes Due June 15, 2055 2027 Notes WEC Energy Group, Inc. 4.375% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2027 2029 Notes WEC Energy Group, Inc. 4.375% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2029 AD Antidumping AI Artificial Intelligence 2024 Form 10-K iv WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents 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 Badger Hollow Wind Badger Hollow Wind Energy Generation Facility CABO Clean and Affordable Buildings Ordinance CAO Chief Administrative Officer CEO Chief Executive Officer CFR Code of Federal Regulations Chicago, IL-IN-WI Chicago, Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin CODM Chief Operating Decision Maker Columbia Columbia Energy Center Compensation Committee Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors CSIRT Cybersecurity Incident Response Team CVD Countervailing Duty D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit Darien Darien Solar Park Dawn Harvest Dawn Harvest Solar Energy Center DER Distributed Energy Resource DRER Dedicated Renewable Energy Resource EDA Equity Distribution Agreement Edgewater Edgewater Generating Station 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 ETB Environmental Trust Bond EV Electric Vehicle Exchange Act Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended Forward Wind Forward Wind Energy Center FTR Financial Transmission Right GCRM Gas Cost Recovery Mechanism Good Oak Good Oak Solar Generation Facility Gristmill Gristmill Solar Generation Facility 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 LDC Local Natural Gas Distribution Company LMP Locational Marginal Price LNG Liquefied Natural Gas 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 2024 Form 10-K v WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents PPA Power Purchase Agreement PTC Production Tax Credit PUHCA 2005 Public Utility Holding Company Act of 2005 Pulliam J. P. Pulliam Generating Station 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 REC Renewable Energy Certificate Red Barn Red Barn Wind Park Renegade Renegade Solar Energy Center RICE Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engine RNG Renewable Natural Gas ROE Return on Equity Rothschild Rothschild Biomass Cogeneration Plant RTC Renewable Thermal Credit RTO Regional Transmission Organization S&P Standard & Poor's Saratoga Saratoga Solar Electric Generation and BESS Facility SIP State Implementation Plan SMP Safety Modernization Program 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 Two Creeks Two Creeks Solar Park UEA Uncollectible Expense Adjustment UFLPA Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act Ursa Ursa Solar Electric Generation Facility VAPP Valley Power Plant Weston Weston Generating Station West Riverside West Riverside Energy Center Whitetail Whitetail Wind Energy Generation Facility Whitewater Whitewater Cogeneration Facility WPL Wisconsin Power and Light Company WRO Withhold Release Order 2024 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 capital 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, electric grid reliability, 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 including continued economic growth, customer growth and declines, commodity prices, energy conservation efforts, and continued adoption of distributed generation by customers or co-location of generation near data centers; • 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 or upcoming 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 and uncertainty regarding the interpretation of regulations or permit conditions by regulatory agencies, including as a result of the transition to a new presidential administration, 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, tariffs, and other factors; 2024 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; • Risks inherent in electric generation and distribution and natural gas transportation, distribution, and storage activities, including leaks, accidental explosions, mechanical problems, fires, discharges or releases of toxic or hazardous substances or gases, and risks related to the ability to obtain adequate insurance to cover such events; • 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, significant increases in demand, 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 or international conflicts, including those in Ukraine, Israel, and other 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; 2024 Form 10-K 2 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents • Risks involved in developing and implementing AI, including data privacy concerns or other legal liability, new or enhanced governmental or regulatory scrutiny or regulations governing the use of AI, the ability to meet expectations or requirements relating to adoption or implementation of AI technology, or other complications related to the use of AI; • 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, pricing differentials between the facilities' point of interconnection and our required delivery location, the ability to replace expiring PPAs under acceptable terms, rights to property on which our projects are located but we do not own, the availability of reliable interconnection and electricity grids, the performance and quality of the wind turbine and solar panel components and availability of replacement parts, and exposure to the rules and procedures of the power markets in which these facilities are located; • The risk associated with the values of goodwill and other long-lived assets, including intangible assets, and equity method investments and their possible impairment; • 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. 2024 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, 2024, 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. 2024 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, 2024, 2023, and 2022, 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 2024, retail revenues accounted for 93.4% of total electric operating revenues, wholesale revenues accounted for 2.1% of total electric operating revenues, and resale revenues accounted for 3.6% 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 relatively flat weather-normalized retail electric sales in 2024, compared with 2023. We currently forecast retail electric sales volumes, excluding the Tilden mine located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, to increase 0.7% for 2025, assuming normal weather. Customers Year Ended December 31 (in thousands) 2024 2023 2022 Electric customers – end of year Residential 1,499.4 1,487.9 1,471.4 Small commercial and industrial 180.8 179.0 176.9 Large commercial and industrial 0.8 0.8 0.9 Wholesale and other 1.7 1.6 1.6 Total electric customers – end of year 1,682.7 1,669.3 1,650.8 Steam customers – end of year 0.4 0.4 0.4 2024 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 manufacturing, 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 2025: Estimate (1) Actual 2025 2024 2023 2022 Company-owned generation: Coal 25.7 % 29.4 % 29.0 % 29.4 % Natural gas: Combined cycle 25.4 % 27.2 % 28.7 % 27.2 % Steam turbine 0.5 % 1.0 % 0.9 % 1.0 % Natural gas/oil peaking units 6.3 % 7.2 % 5.5 % 3.7 % Renewables (2) 8.5 % 6.5 % 5.5 % 5.8 % Total company-owned generation 66.4 % 71.3 % 69.6 % 67.1 % Power purchase contracts: Nuclear 20.4 % 20.3 % 20.1 % 19.8 % Natural gas — % — % — % 2.2 % Renewables (2) 1.7 % 1.9 % 2.0 % 1.9 % Other 0.1 % — % 0.1 % 0.2 % Total power purchase contracts 22.2 % 22.2 % 22.2 % 24.1 % Purchased power from MISO 11.4 % 6.5 % 8.2 % 8.8 % Total purchased power 33.6 % 28.7 % 30.4 % 32.9 % 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 2024 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 8,158 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 2024, our electric generation fleet has achieved a 56% reduction in carbon emissions from the 2005 baseline. We expect to achieve these goals by continuing to make operating 2024 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 and plan to co-fire with natural gas at Weston Unit 4. By the end of 2030, we expect to use coal as a backup fuel only and to be in a position to eliminate coal as an energy source by the end of 2032. Creating a Sustainable Future Our capital plan includes the retirement of older, fossil-fueled generation, to be replaced with zero-carbon-emitting renewables and reliable, efficient natural gas-fired generation. The retirements are intended to address compliance with the EPA Clean Air rules as well as 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 reliable, efficient natural gas generation discussed in more detail below should better balance our supply with our demand, while helping to address compliance and maintaining reliable, affordable energy for our customers. We have already retired nearly 2,500 MWs of fossil-fueled generation since the beginning of 2018, which includes the retirement of OCPP Units 5 and 6 in May 2024, the 2019 retirement of the PIPP, and the 2018 retirements of the Pleasant Prairie power plant, the Pulliam power plant, and the jointly-owned Edgewater Unit 4 generating unit. See Note 6, Regulatory Assets and Liabilities, for more information related to these power plant retirements. We expect to retire approximately 1,200 MWs of additional coal-fired generation by the end of 2031, which includes the planned retirements of OCPP Units 7 and 8, the jointly-owned Columbia Units 1 and 2 while investigating conversion of at least one unit to natural gas, and 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 our capital 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 greenhouse 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. Wind In September 2024, WE and WPS, along with an unaffiliated utility, filed a request with the PSCW to acquire and construct Badger Hollow Wind and to acquire Whitetail, two utility-scale wind-powered electric generating facilities. If approved, Badger Hollow Wind will be located in Iowa and Grant counties, Wisconsin, and Whitetail will be located in Grant County, Wisconsin. Once fully constructed, WE and WPS will collectively own 100 MWs of wind generation of Badger Hollow Wind and 60 MWs of wind generation of Whitetail. If approved, the construction of both of these projects is expected to be completed in 2027. Solar and Battery Storage In December 2024, the construction of the solar portion of Paris located in Kenosha County, Wisconsin was completed, and the facility became commercially operational. Paris is owned by WE, WPS, and an unaffiliated utility, with WE and WPS collectively owning 180 MWs of solar generation. WE and WPS will collectively own 99 MWs of battery storage of this project, with construction expected to be completed in 2025. 2024 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 868 MWs of additional renewable generation and 244 MWs of battery storage, including the following: • In October 2024, WE and WPS, along with an unaffiliated utility, filed a request with the PSCW to acquire and construct Good Oak and Gristmill, two utility-scale solar-powered electric generating facilities. If approved, both Good Oak and Gristmill will be located in Columbia County, Wisconsin. Once fully constructed, WE and WPS will collectively own 88 MWs of solar generation of Good Oak and 60 MWs of solar generation of Gristmill. If approved, the construction for both projects is expected to be completed in 2028. • In September 2024, WE and WPS, along with an unaffiliated utility, filed a request with the PSCW to acquire Dawn Harvest, a utility-scale solar-powered electric generating facility with a battery energy storage system. If approved, the project will be located in Rock County, Wisconsin and once fully constructed, WE and WPS will collectively own 135 MWs of solar generation and WE will own 50 MWs of battery storage of this project. If approved, the construction is expected to be completed in 2028. • In September 2024, WE and WPS, along with an unaffiliated utility, filed a request with the PSCW to acquire Saratoga, a utility-scale solar-powered electric generating facility with a battery energy storage system, and Ursa, a utility-scale solar-powered electric generating facility. If approved, Saratoga will be located in Wood County, Wisconsin and Ursa will be located in Columbia County, Wisconsin. Once fully constructed, WE and WPS will collectively own 135 MWs of solar generation and 45 MWs of battery storage of Saratoga and 180 MWs of solar generation of Ursa. If approved, the Ursa construction is expected to be completed in 2027, and the Saratoga construction is expected to be completed in 2028. • 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 with a battery energy storage system . If approved, the project will be located in Columbia County, Wisconsin and once fully constructed, WE and WPS will collectively own 2 70 MWs of solar generation and 149 MWs of battery storage of this project . If approved, the construction of the solar and battery storage is expected to be completed in 2027. We have also received approvals from the PSCW to invest in 595 MWs of renewable generation and 217 MWs of battery storage currently under construction, including the following: • In April 2024, UMERC received MPSC approval to acquire and construct Renegade, a utility-scale solar-powered electric generating facility. The project will be located in Delta and Marquette counties, 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. • 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 with a battery energy storage system. The project will be located in Dane County, Wisconsin and once fully constructed, WE and WPS will collectively own 270 MWs of solar generation and 149 MWs of battery storage of this project. The construction of the solar portion and battery storage is expected to be completed in 2026 and 2027, respectively. • 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 with a battery energy storage system. 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 and 68 MWs of battery storage of this project. The construction of the solar portion and battery storage is expected to be completed in 2025 and 2026, respectively . Natural Gas-Fired Generation In May 2024, WE completed the acquisition of an add itional 100 MWs o f West Riverside's nameplate capacity, in the second of two option exercises. West Riverside is a commercially operational dual fueled combined cycle generation facility in Beloit, Wisconsin and is operated by an unaffiliated utility. 2024 Form 10-K 8 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents In April 2024, WE filed requests with the PSCW for the following projects: • Adding seven natural gas-fired RICE units near the Paris Generating Station. The new RICE units would be fueled with natural gas and capable of producing approximately 128 MWs. • Building five natural gas-fired combustion turbines capable of producing approximately 1,100 MWs, which would be located at the existing OCPP site. 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: 17.7% summer (June – August); 25.2% fall (September – November); 49.4% winter (December – February); and 40.8% 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, 2025, through May 31, 2026. 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: 2024 2023 2022 Coal $ 25.38 $ 25.80 $ 25.37 Natural gas combined cycle 20.52 30.41 42.11 Natural gas/oil peaking units 42.41 56.41 90.22 Biomass 81.33 87.73 78.42 Purchased power 57.39 53.90 58.78 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. 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 2024 Form 10-K 9 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents 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 2025, 100% of our total projected coal requirements of 4.3 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 2025 4,446 (1) 2026 1,400 2027 — (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 2025 through 2029. 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 manufacturing, 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. 2024 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, 2024, 2023, and 2022, see Note 1(d), Operating Revenues, and Note 4, Operating Revenues. Natural Gas Sales Forecast Our combined Wisconsin service territories experienced slightly lower weather-normalized retail natural gas deliveries (excluding natural gas deliveries for electric generation) in 2024 as compared to 2023. We currently forecast retail natural gas delivery volumes to grow 1.9% in 2025, assuming normal weather. Customers Year Ended December 31 (in thousands) 2024 2023 2022 Customers – end of year Residential 1,391.7 1,381.7 1,365.5 Commercial and industrial 135.7 134.8 132.8 Transportation 3.5 3.5 3.5 Total customers 1,530.9 1,520.0 1,501.8 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 We have long-term firm capacity contracts with interstate pipelines that access supply from a variety of natural gas producing areas. 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 contract with interstate pipeline companies, as well as other service providers, to purchase firm transportation and storage services under varied-length long-term contracts. We believe that having diverse capacity and storage benefits our customers. 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 37.0 million therms for the 2024 through 2025 heating season. Our Wisconsin segment natural gas utilities' peak daily send-out during 2024 was 25.3 million therms on January 16, 2024. Peak or near-peak demand generally occurs only a few times each year. Natural gas pipeline capacity and storage and natural gas supplies under contract can be resold in secondary markets. 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 facilities located within our distribution system. These facilities are typically utilized during extreme demand conditions to ensure reliable supply to our customers. WE and WG completed construction of LNG facilities that were placed into service in November 2023 and February 2024, respectively, which 2024 Form 10-K 11 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents together provide approximately 2.0 Bcf of natural gas supply. In addition to its existing facilities, WE has filed a request with the PSCW to construct another LNG facility with a storage capacity of 2.0 Bcf. In addition, the construction of additional LNG facilities in Wisconsin has been proposed as part of the 2025-2029 capital plan and would provide another approximately 4.0 Bcf of natural gas supply. The use of LNG allows us to meet anticipated peak demand without requiring the construction of additional interstate pipeline capacity. 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, 2024, 2023, and 2022, see Note 1(d), Operating Revenues, and Note 4, Operating Revenues. Customers Year Ended December 31 (in thousands) 2024 2023 2022 Customers – end of year Residential 929.0 922.9 910.9 Commercial and industrial 71.0 71.3 71.1 Transportation 59.9 62.0 66.4 Total customers 1,059.9 1,056.2 1,048.4 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. 2024 Form 10-K 12 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Pipeline Capacity and Storage We have long-term firm capacity contracts with interstate pipelines that access supply from a variety of natural gas producing areas. 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. 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 25.3 million therms for the 2024 through 2025 heating season. Our Illinois utilities' peak daily send-out during 2024 was 19.6 million therms on January 14, 2024. Peak or near-peak demand generally occurs only a few times each year. Natural gas pipeline capacity and storage and natural gas supplies under contract can be resold in secondary markets. 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. 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 planned 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 had a proceeding to determine the optimal method of pipeline replacement and a prudent investment level. The ICC conducted a limited-scope rehearing related to 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. On May 30, 2024, the ICC issued a written order on the rehearing. The order approved $28.5 million of additional spending for emergency work. On June 7, 2024, PGL filed a petition with the Illinois Appellate Court for review of the November 16, 2023 and May 30, 2024 orders, including the disallowance of SMP capital investments needed to meet safety and reliability requirements. Although the ICC ordered PGL to complete safety and reliability work in 2024, it denied the recovery of these costs. 2024 Form 10-K 13 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents In accordance with the November 16, 2023 rate order, the ICC initiated the SMP proceeding in January 2024. On February 20, 2025, the ICC issued an order setting expectations for PGL's prospective operations under its SMP. The ICC directed us to focus on replacing all cast and ductile iron pipe that has a diameter under 36 inches by January 1, 2035. The ICC also indicated that failure to comply with this directive could subject us to civil penalties under Illinois statute. We are evaluating the impact of this order on our operations and capital plan. For information on regulatory proceedings related to the SMP, 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 – 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 real estate, education, wholesale distributors, restaurants, and metals manufacturing. 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, 2024, 2023, and 2022, see Note 1(d), Operating Revenues, and Note 4, Operating Revenues. Customers Year Ended December 31 (in thousands) 2024 2023 2022 Customers – end of year Residential 383.7 379.3 375.4 Commercial and industrial 37.2 36.8 36.4 Transportation 19.4 19.5 19.7 Total customers 440.3 435.6 431.5 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 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. 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 9.6 million therms for the 2024 through 2025 heating season. Our other states utilities' peak daily send-out during 2024 was 7.5 million therms on January 15, 2024. Peak or near-peak demand generally occurs only a few times each year. Natural gas pipeline capacity and storage and natural gas supplies under contract can be resold in secondary markets. 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. 2024 Form 10-K 14 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents 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 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 2024, our generating plants performed as expected during the most demanding periods of the year, 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. 2024 Form 10-K 15 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents 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 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 electrification initiatives in certain of our Illinois service territories, 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 - Chicago Decarbonization Efforts. 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 also continue to focus on methane emission reductions by improving our natural gas distribution systems. 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 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 and in 2023, we began transporting the output of local dairy farms onto our natural gas distribution systems in Wisconsin. The RNG supplied will directly replace higher-emission methane from natural gas that would have entered our pipes. We currently have contracts in place for 2.1 Bcf of RNG. In addition, subject to regulatory approval, we expect to procure RTCs. 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, 2024, our ownership interest in ATC was approximately 60%. In addition, as of December 31, 2024, 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. 2024 Form 10-K 16 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents 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). As part of our carbon emission reduction goals, we have started implementing co-firing with natural gas at the ERGS coal-fired units. For information on our carbon emission reduction goals, see Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Corporate Developments. 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, 2024, 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 81.6% December 2019 Blooming Grove 90.0% December 2020 Tatanka Ridge 85.6% January 2021 Jayhawk 90.0% December 2021 Thunderhead 90.0% November 2022 Samson I (1) 90.0% May 2022 Sapphire Sky 90.0% February 2023 Maple Flats 90.0% November 2024 Delilah I 90.0% December 2024 (1) Although Samson I was commercially operational in May 2022, WECI didn't complete the purchase of its initial 80.0% ownership interest in this solar facility until February 2023. WECI completed the acquisition of an additional 10.0% 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, Sapphire Sky, Maple Flats, and Delilah I have offtake agreements with creditworthy counterparties for the sale of all of the energy they produce over periods 2024 Form 10-K 17 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents 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, Sapphire Sky, Maple Flats, and Delilah I 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 from these three facilities in proportion to its ownership interests. WECI recognizes PTCs as power is generated over a period of 10 years following commercial operation. Under the IRA transferability option, WEC Energy Group sold substantially all of its 2023 generated PTCs, including those generated by WECI, to a third party. In addition, WEC Energy Group has entered into agreements to sell substantially all of its 2024 generated PTCs and the majority of the PTCs expected to be generated in 2025, including PTCs generated by WECI, to third parties. See Note 1(q), Income Taxes, for more information about the impact of these sales. See Note 25, Supplemental Cash Flow Information, for more information on proceeds received in 2024 and 2023 related to the sale of PTCs. In February 2025, WECI completed the acquisition of a 90.0% ownership interest in Hardin III, a 250 MW solar generating facility located in Hardin County, Ohio. The project has an offtake agreement for all of the energy to be produced by the facility for a period of 15 years from the date of commercial operation. Hardin III qualifies for PTCs and is included in the non-utility energy infrastructure segment. 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 solar generating facilities 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. 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. 2024 Form 10-K 18 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents 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 United States Army Corps of Engineers; the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. 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: 2024 2023 2022 (in millions) Amount Percent Amount Percent Amount Percent Electric Wisconsin $ 4,496.0 91.3 % $ 4,548.8 90.8 % $ 4,360.9 87.7 % Michigan 141.1 2.9 % 141.4 2.8 % 185.9 3.7 % FERC – Wholesale 284.5 5.8 % 320.6 6.4 % 425.0 8.6 % Total electric 4,921.6 100.0 % 5,010.8 100.0 % 4,971.8 100.0 % Natural Gas Wisconsin 1,405.4 40.6 % 1,610.5 43.6 % 1,983.0 44.1 % Illinois 1,602.4 46.3 % 1,557.8 42.2 % 1,890.9 42.0 % Minnesota 290.5 8.4 % 348.4 9.4 % 400.7 8.9 % Michigan 162.8 4.7 % 175.3 4.8 % 223.5 5.0 % Total natural gas 3,461.1 100.0 % 3,692.0 100.0 % 4,498.1 100.0 % Total utility operating revenues $ 8,382.7 $ 8,702.8 $ 9,469.9 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. 2024 Form 10-K 19 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents The table below reflects the various state commissions that regulated each of our utilities' retail rates during 2024, along with the approved ROE and capital structure for each utility during 2024. 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) (1) MPSC 10.1% 55.3% UMERC – Electric (former WPS customers) (1) MPSC 10.2% 52.94% PGL – Natural gas ICC 9.38% 50.79% NSG – Natural gas (2) ICC 9.67% / 9.38% 51.58% / 52.58% MERC – Natural gas (3) MPUC 9.65% 53.0% MGU – Natural gas (4) MPSC 9.80% 51.0% (1) Effective January 1, 2025, UMERC's electric base rates for non-mine customers reflect a 9.86% authorized ROE and an average common equity component of 50.0%. See Note 26, Regulatory Environment, for more information. (2) Effective February 1, 2024, NSG's 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. (3) MERC's final rates approved by the MPUC in November 2023 were retroactive to January 1, 2023. See Note 26, Regulatory Environment, for more information. (4) Effective January 1, 2025, MGU's base rates reflect a 9.86% authorized ROE and an average common equity component of 50.0%. 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 2024 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. 2024 Form 10-K 20 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents 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. 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, 2024, through May 31, 2025. 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, has sufficient generation capacity resources to meet their respective planning reserve margins for the period between June 1, 2024 and May 31, 2025. 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 help avoid 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). 2024 Form 10-K 21 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents 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. 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 PHMSA 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 reporting and licensing with the DOE 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 attract, retain, and develop talented personnel and keep our employees safe, healthy, and engaged. 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, succession planning, training and employee development, and safety and health. The Board of Directors 2024 Form 10-K 22 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents 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. The Compensation Committee reviews recruiting and development programs and priorities, receives updates on key talent, and assesses workforce composition across the organization. Workforce As of December 31, 2024, we had the following number of employees, including those represented under union agreements: Total Employees Union Employees WE 2,497 1,923 WPS 1,180 850 WG 387 270 PGL 1,213 847 NSG 144 108 MERC 199 38 MGU 142 92 WBS 1,255 — Total employees 7,017 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. Engagement We are committed to ensuring a fair workplace and an engaged workforce. Our commitment is a core strategic competency and an integral part of our culture, with longstanding programs for individual development, reinforcement of our core values, and a recruitment strategy that is focused on building a deep talent pipeline to support our business needs. During 2024, we demonstrated this commitment through training and development of employees at all levels of the organization, our comprehensive merit review and succession planning processes, and a range of community partnerships. In addition, we have a number of initiatives that promote workforce contributions and participation and ensure our companies are attractive employers for persons of all backgrounds. These initiatives include nine business resource groups (voluntary, employee-led groups organized around a particular shared background or interest), mentoring programs, and education and training for all employees in order to develop and support inclusive teams. We are committed to a workplace free from bias and harassment. We also support external leadership and educational programs that support, train, and promote individuals 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. 2024 Form 10-K 23 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents 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. 2024 Form 10-K 24 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; 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 its November 2023 final rate orders for PGL and NSG, the ICC disallowed certain previously incurred capital costs, which resulted in PGL and NSG recording impairment losses in the fourth quarter of 2023, and caused PGL to pause spending on its SMP. After a limited rehearing, the ICC issued a written order in May 2024 approving additional spending for emergency work related to SMP projects. PGL and NSG have appealed the orders to the Illinois Appellate Court. On February 20, 2025, the ICC issued an order setting expectations for PGL's prospective operations under its SMP. The ICC directed us to focus on replacing all cast and ductile iron pipe that has a diameter under 36 inches by January 1, 2035. The ICC also indicated that failure to comply with this directive could subject us to civil penalties under Illinois statute. As a result of these proceedings and order, the recovery of existing and future investments in capital expenditures and our natural gas infrastructure in Illinois is uncertain and future capital plans may be impacted. Prior to its expiration in December 2023, the QIP rider provided PGL with recovery of, and a return on, qualifying natural gas infrastructure investments that were placed in service between regulatory rate reviews. Due to the expiration of the QIP rider, PGL included the costs of necessary infrastructure improvements related to the SMP in its rate case, thereby subjecting the recovery of these costs to regulatory lag. In its August 2024 final order on PGL's 2016 annual reconciliation, the ICC disallowed certain capital costs, which resulted in PGL recording a pre-tax charge to income during the third quarter of 2024 related to the disallowance and the previously recognized return on these investments. 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 2017 through 2023, will be deemed recoverable by the ICC. The risk of costs being deemed 2024 Form 10-K 25 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents 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. 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 new environmental regulations, which include regulations that govern the emission of NOx, ozone, fine particulates, and other air pollutants under the CAA through the NAAQS, climate change, other air quality regulations, and water quality regulations. For example, in 2024, the EPA revised the effluent guidelines for steam electric generating plants, published a final rule lowering the PM limit under the MATS, lowered the primary (health-based) annual PM 2.5 NAAQS, published the Greenhouse Gas Power Plant Rule for fossil-fired steam generating units, issued a final Mandatory Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule, and finalized a rule for CCR that applies to landfills, historic fill sites, and projects where CCR was placed at a power plant site. Some of these rules could be challenged or reviewed by agencies under the new presidential administration, which creates additional uncertainty. As a result of these potential 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. Certain of our service territories in Wisconsin are located in areas determined to be in "serious" nonattainment status under the EPA's ozone standard. This nonattainment status could affect future permitting activities for our facilities, including additional costs associated with more strenuous emission control requirements or the need to purchase emission reduction credits. In addition, economic growth in these areas may be constrained by the inability to obtain the required permits, limiting investment and expansion over the coming years, including our ability to execute on our capital plan. 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 nearly 2,500 MWs of fossil-fueled generation since the beginning of 2018. We expect to retire approximately 1,200 MWs of additional coal-fired generation by the end of 2031, and plan to replace a portion of the retired capacity by building and owning zero-carbon-emitting renewable and reliable, efficient natural gas generation facilities. We have also started implementing co-firing with natural gas at certain of our coal-fired units and are evaluating the conversion 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 2024 Form 10-K 26 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents 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. 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 has been significant attention to issues concerning climate change as well as activism from certain stakeholders, including institutional investors and other sources of financing, to accelerate the transition to lower and limit GHG emissions. The EPA and some states have adopted and are implementing 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. Costs associated with such legislation, regulation, and emission reduction goals could be significant within our electric and natural gas operations. New or additional GHG regulations, 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 our capital plan, which could lead to a possible loss on abandonment and reduced revenues. 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 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 have a goal to eliminate coal as an energy source by the end of 2032. 2024 Form 10-K 27 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents 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 focus on methane emission reductions by improving our natural gas 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, the ability to procure RTCs, legislative and regulatory support for renewable generation, the ability to maintain reliability with demand growth, 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. There can be no guarantee that we will achieve our targets. 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 relatively 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. Any reductions or eliminations of tax credits or other governmental incentives that promote renewable energy generating facilities, including the repeal or amendment of portions of the IRA and the executive order issued by the new presidential administration, could make it less conducive for the development and operation of renewable energy facilities. 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 also 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 2024 Form 10-K 28 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents 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. 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 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 which 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 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 and transmission, 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; 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. 2024 Form 10-K 29 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. The growth of data centers and development of associated technology may make it more difficult to accurately forecast customer demand or to recover additional costs. 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. In addition, elimination or reduced financial support of programs that provide energy assistance to our customers, including the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, could impact the demand for energy and/or adversely impact our liquidity. 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, as well as damage to wind and solar generation facilities, or other operating equipment. This could result in us incurring significant restoration costs at our utilities and/or at WECI, 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 2024 Form 10-K 30 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents 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. 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 storms, including derecho events, with high winds, lightning, and hail, floods, drought, wild fires, 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. 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 expectations or to adequately address the risks and external pressures may impact our reputation and affect our ability to achieve favorable outcomes in future rate cases or our results of operations. The new presidential administration's efforts to roll back certain climate and diversity, equity, and inclusion policies and programs may conflict with the expectations of our customers, regulators, and investors, creating additional uncertainty as we look to balance our stakeholders' competing priorities, and could lead to litigation and government investigations. 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. 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 or international conflicts, including the conflicts involving 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 result in domestic and global supply chain disruptions that delay the delivery, or result 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 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. In addition, the imposition of new tariffs, or other changes in United States trade policy, could trigger retaliatory actions by affected countries. A “trade war” of this nature or other governmental action related to tariffs or international trade agreements or policies has the potential to result in or exacerbate global supply chain disruptions and/or inflation, which could result in an adverse impact on our business operations, financial condition, and/or capital plan. 2024 Form 10-K 31 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents 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 and natural gas generating facilities as part of our capital plan and our goal to be net carbon neutral by 2050. In addition, we continue 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 and could delay 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; inflation; tariffs; the impact of public health crises; 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. Efforts to pause approvals related to wind development could threaten our ability to execute our capital plan. Other renewable energy sources, including solar developments, could also be at risk. In addition, regulators, in a future rate proceeding, may alter the timing or amount of certain costs for which recovery is allowed, such as was the case in the ICC's November 2023 rate orders for PGL and NSG. Our subsidiaries sometimes incur significant engineering, design, and equipment 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. We may not be allowed to recover these penalties and other costs incurred in customer rates, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. In addition, if any construction work or investments have already been recorded as an asset, an impairment may need to be recorded. Despite mitigation efforts we have undertaken, we may still experience significant losses or delayed recovery of these costs. 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. All of our 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. Cybersecurity 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 2024 Form 10-K 32 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents 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. 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 adopt or successfully implement new technology could adversely affect our operations. Cybersecurity threats, including those leveraging AI, continue to increase, and the security measures and preventative actions we take to reduce the risk of cybersecurity incidents and protect our systems against unauthorized access to secured data and systems may be insufficient to safeguard against all security breaches. The failure of any of these 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. Adoption of AI technologies could adversely affect our business, reputation, or financial results. We are using AI primarily through services provided by our third party vendors. In addition, we are exploring the use of AI, including generative AI, and its ability to enhance the services we offer. There are significant risks involved in developing and deploying AI, and there can be no assurance that the use of AI will enhance our services or be beneficial to our business, including with respect to the efficiency and resiliency of our systems. Our AI-related efforts may give rise to risks related to accuracy, bias, discrimination, intellectual property infringement or misappropriation, data privacy, and cybersecurity, among others. In addition, the adoption of AI may subject us to new or enhanced governmental or regulatory scrutiny, laws, rules, directives, or regulations governing the use of AI, as well as litigation, ethical concerns, negative customer perceptions as to automation and AI, legal liability or other complications that could adversely affect our business, reputation, or financial results. We may not be able to recover our investments in AI technology through our regulatory proceedings. Similarly, as AI continues to evolve, we may not be able to adopt and implement AI as quickly as our customers or communities desire or regulators may require. AI is a relatively new and rapidly evolving technology, and we are unable to predict all of the risks that may result from our and our vendors' adoption of AI initiatives. 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 2024 Form 10-K 33 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents cells, and related energy storage devices, have technologically improved and have become more cost competitive than they were in the past. Recent legislation, including the IRA and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, has promoted 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. 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. In addition, regulatory support of co-locating generation near data centers could impact our generation planning and its related cost recovery and could cause our generation to be less cost effective. We also 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 generate and distribute electricity and transport, distribute, and store natural gas, which involves numerous risks that may result in accidents and other operating risks and costs. Inherent in electric generation and distribution and natural gas transportation, distribution, and storage activities are a variety of hazards and operational risks, such as leaks, accidental explosions, mechanical problems, fires, discharges or releases of toxic or hazardous substances or gases, and other environmental risks, 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 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 2023 PGL and NSG rate cases, as well as the ICC's decision in PGL's 2016 QIP rider reconciliation proceeding, 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 based 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. Actual conditions at these sites, however, may not conform to the results of these studies. Our renewable sites may experience performance issues and production shutdowns as a result of the quality of the wind turbine and solar panel components used in construction, as well as due to the availability of replacement parts. In addition, 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 systems used to collect electricity from turbines or panels. Sites also may experience production shutdowns or delayed restoration of production during 2024 Form 10-K 34 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents 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 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. Projects may be located on property or 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 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 third parties, and the rights of our operating subsidiaries to use the property could be lost or curtailed, which could have an adverse effect on our business and financial conditions. 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 profitable operation of the facility. 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. 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. 2024 Form 10-K 35 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents 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 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 credit and 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 2024 Form 10-K 36 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents 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. 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 or future financings, decrease funding sources, limit the availability of adequate credit support for our operations, and trigger collateral requirements in various contracts. The fluctuation in demand for certain commodities and their respective 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. Our electric utilities also burn coal at certain of their electric generation facilities. We may be obligated to pay for coal deliveries under our contracts even if our coal-fired generating facilities do not operate enough to fully utilize the amounts of coal covered by the contracts. 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 the demand for commodities and their respective prices could result in: • Higher working capital requirements, particularly related to natural gas inventory, accounts receivable, and cash collateral postings; 2024 Form 10-K 37 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents • Reduced profitability to the extent that lower revenues, higher fuel costs, 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, public health crises, and supplier financial hardship as a result of decreased demand for coal. 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 2024 Form 10-K 38 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents 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 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, including our clean energy 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, which 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, 2024, 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. 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. 2024 Form 10-K 39 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS None. 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 25 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 27 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 DOE 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 2024 Form 10-K 40 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents 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. 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." 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. 2024 Form 10-K 41 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents A. REGULATED Electric Facilities The following table summarizes information on our electric generation facilities, including owned and jointly owned facilities, as of December 31, 2024: Name Location Fuel Number of Generating Units Capacity In MW (1) Natural gas-fired plants PWGS Port Washington, WI Natural Gas 2 1,220 (3) Fox Energy Center Wrightstown, WI Natural Gas 3 581 Paris Union Grove, WI Natural Gas/Oil 4 360 Concord Generating Station Watertown, WI Natural Gas/Oil 4 357 VAPP Milwaukee, WI Natural Gas 2 268 Germantown Power Plant Germantown, WI Natural Gas/Oil 5 255 Whitewater Whitewater, WI Natural Gas/Oil 1 235 West Riverside Beloit, WI Natural Gas 1 191 (2) De Pere Energy Center De Pere, WI Natural Gas/Oil 1 168 West Marinette Power Plant Marinette, WI Natural Gas 3 159 Weston Rothschild, WI Natural Gas 7 130 F.D. Kuester Generating Station Negaunee, MI Natural Gas 7 128 Pulliam Green Bay, WI Natural Gas 1 85 A.J. Mihm Generating Station Baraga, MI Natural Gas 3 55 Total natural gas-fired plants 44 4,192 Coal-fired plants ERGS Oak Creek, WI Coal 2 1,083 (2) (3) Weston Rothschild, WI Coal 2 708 (2) (7) OCPP Oak Creek, WI Coal 2 599 (7) Columbia Portage, WI Coal 2 308 (2) (7) Total coal-fired plants 8 2,698 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 Park 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 Paris Kenosha County, WI Solar 53 180 (2) 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) DER Facilities (5 in number) Wisconsin Solar 15 38 (8) Solar Now Wisconsin Solar 29 30 (9) Total solar facilities 226 548 Other renewable facilities Hydro plants (30 in number) WI and MI Hydro 80 96 (4) (5) Rothschild Rothschild, WI Biomass 1 44 (6) Total other renewable facilities 81 140 Total electric generation facilities 737 8,158 (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 2025 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 2024 Form 10-K 42 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents 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 1,200 MWs of additional coal-fired generation, which includes the planned retirements of OCPP Units 7-8, the jointly-owned Columbia Units 1-2 while investigating conversion of at least one unit to natural gas, and Weston Unit 3. (8) DER facilities are distribution system interconnected solar projects that are typically 5-10 MWs each. (9) See the Corporate Developments section for more information on the Solar Now program. As of December 31, 2024, we operated approximately 35,300 miles of overhead distribution lines and approximately 37,100 miles of underground distribution cable, as well as approximately 420 electric distribution substations and approximately 640,100 line transformers. Natural Gas Facilities At December 31, 2024, our natural gas properties were located in Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan, and consisted of the following: • Approximately 47,000 miles of natural gas distribution mains, • Approximately 1,300 miles of natural gas transmission mains, • Approximately 2.4 million natural gas lateral services, • Approximately 510 natural gas distribution and transmission gate stations, • Approximately 67.0 Bcf of working gas capacities in underground natural gas storage fields: ◦ Bluewater, 27.6 Bcf of fields located in southeastern Michigan, ◦ Manlove, a 36.5 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, • Two 1.0 Bcf LNG plants 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 273,600 Dth per day. Our natural gas distribution and gas storage systems included distribution 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 services occupy private property, we have in some, but not all instances, obtained consents, permits, or easements for these 2024 Form 10-K 43 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents 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, 2024, 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 and four solar generating facilities. For more information on recent renewable facility acquisitions, see Note 2, Acquisitions. The following table summarizes information on WECI's renewable generating facilities as of December 31, 2024: Name Location Ownership Percentage (%) (1) Number of Generating Units Nameplate Capacity In MW (2) Renewable generating facilities Delilah I Lamar, Franklin, Hopkins and Red River Counties, Texas 90.0 % 410 300.0 Thunderhead Antelope and Wheeler Counties, Nebraska 90.0 % 108 299.3 Blooming Grove McLean County, Illinois 90.0 % 94 260.9 Sapphire Sky McLean County, Illinois 90.0 % 64 259.8 Maple Flats Clay County, Illinois 90.0 % 343 250.0 Samson I Lamar, Franklin, Hopkins and Red River Counties, Texas 90.0 % 340 250.0 Upstream Antelope County, Nebraska 90.0 % 81 202.5 Jayhawk Bourbon and Crawford Counties, Kansas 90.0 % 70 197.4 Tatanka Ridge Deuel County, South Dakota 85.6 % 56 154.8 Bishop Hill III Henry County, Illinois 90.0 % 53 132.1 Coyote Ridge Brookings County, South Dakota 81.6 % 39 97.4 Total renewable generating facilities 1,658 2,404.2 (1) Invenergy Services 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. In February 2025, WECI completed the acquisition of a 90% ownership interest in Hardin III, a 250 MW wind generating facility in Hardin County, Ohio. 2024 Form 10-K 44 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS In addition to those legal proceedings discussed in Note 24, Commitments and Contingencies, and Note 26, Regulatory Environment, 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. ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES Not applicable. 2024 Form 10-K 45 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 52. • WEC Business Services (a centralized service company of WEC Energy Group) – Assistant Corporate Secretary since January 2025. Vice President and Deputy General Counsel since August 2021. Director-Legal Services – Corporate and Finance from June 2015 through July 2021. • WE — Assistant Corporate Secretary since January 2025. Robert M. Garvin. Age 58. • 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 55. • WEC Energy Group — Controller since October 2015. Vice President since June 2015. • WE — Vice President and Controller since October 2015. Assistant Corporate Secretary from January 2020 to December 2024. Michael W. Hooper . Age 51. • WEC Business Services (a centralized service company of WEC Energy Group) — Director since April 2024. • WE — President since April 2024. • NiSource, Inc. — Senior Vice President and President, NIPSCO from May 2020 to March 2024. Senior Vice President, Regulatory, Legislative Affairs and Strategy from 2018 to 2020. NiSource is a public utility holding company whose operating subsidiaries provide natural gas and electric service to customers across Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. NIPSCO is a public natural gas and electric utility company in Indiana. Margaret C. Kelsey. Age 60. • 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. Daniel P. Krueger. Age 59. • WEC Business Services (a centralized service company of WEC Energy Group) — Executive Vice President - Infrastructure and Generation Planning since October 2023. Executive Vice President from January 2019 to October 2023. Scott J. Lauber. Age 59. • WEC Energy Group — President and Chief Executive Officer since February 2022. Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer from June 2020 to January 2022. Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from October 2019 to June 2020. Director since February 2022. • WE — Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer since February 2022. President from January 2022 to April 2024. Executive Vice President from June 2020 to December 2021. Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from October 2019 to June 2020. Director since April 2016. Xia Liu. Age 55. • 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. 2024 Form 10-K 46 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents William Mastoris. Age 61. • WEC Business Services (a centralized service company of WEC Energy Group) – Vice President since June 2024. Executive Vice President – Customer Service and Operations from December 2021 to June 2024. Vice President – Supply Chain and Fleet from January 2019 through November 2021. Director from November 2021 to December 2024. • WE – Executive Vice President – Customer Service and Operations from December 2021 to June 2024. Director from November 2021 to June 2024. Molly A. Mulroy. Age 49. • 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 43. • WEC Energy Group — Vice President and Treasurer since October 2019. • WE — Vice President and Treasurer since October 2019. Mary Beth Straka. Age 60. • 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. 2024 Form 10-K 47 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, 2025, based upon the number of WEC Energy Group shareholder accounts (including accounts in our stock purchase and dividend reinvestment plan), we had approximately 34,000 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 2024 Form 10-K 48 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 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 capital plan includes the retirement of older, fossil-fueled generation, to be replaced with zero-carbon-emitting renewables and reliable, efficient natural gas-fired generation. The retirements are intended to address compliance with the EPA Clean Air rules as well as 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 reliable, efficient natural gas generation should better balance our supply with our demand, while helping to address compliance and 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 and plan to co-fire with natural gas at Weston Unit 4. By the end of 2030, we expect to use coal as a backup fuel only and to be in a position to eliminate coal as an energy source by the end of 2032. We have already retired nearly 2,500 MWs of fossil-fueled generation since the beginning of 2018, which includes the retirement of OCPP Units 5 and 6 in May 2024, the 2019 retirement of the PIPP, and the 2018 retirements of the Pleasant Prairie power plant, the Pulliam power plant, and the jointly-owned Edgewater Unit 4 generating unit. We expect to retire approximately 1,200 MWs of additional coal-fired generation by the end of 2031, which includes the planned retirements of OCPP Units 7 and 8, the jointly-owned Columbia Units 1 and 2, and Weston Unit 3. For more information on the retirement of OCPP Units 5 and 6, see Note 6, Regulatory Assets and Liabilities. 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 $9.1 billion from 2025-2029 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: • 2,900 MWs of utility-scale solar; • 900 MWs of wind; and • 565 MWs of battery storage. 2024 Form 10-K 49 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents We also plan on investing in a combination of clean, natural gas-fired generation, including: • 1,100 MWs of combustion turbines to be constructed at our OCPP site (we plan on constructing a new natural gas lateral pipeline to support this generation); with • An additional 675 MWs of combustion turbines planned; and • 128 MWs of RICE natural gas-fueled generation to be constructed in Kenosha County; with • An additional 114 MWs of RICE natural gas-fueled generation planned. In May 2024, WE completed the acquisition of an additional 100 MWs of West Riverside's nameplate capacity, a commercially operational dual fueled combined cycle generation facility in Beloit, Wisconsin operated by an unaffiliated utility. See Note 2, Acquisitions, for more information. For more details on the projects discussed above, 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 29 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. Under this program, WE has signed up seven customers for a total of 59 MWs of generation capacity. 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. We proposed modifications to these pilot programs, which were approved by the PSCW and implemented on January 1, 2025. 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 focus on methane emission reductions 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 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 and in 2023, we began transporting the output of local dairy farms onto our natural gas distribution systems in Wisconsin. The RNG supplied will directly replace higher-emission methane from natural gas that would have entered our pipes. We currently have contracts in place for 2.1 Bcf of RNG. In addition, subject to regulatory approval and market conditions, we expect to procure RTCs. In December 2023, we started a pilot program with Electric Power Research Institute and CMBlu Energy, a Germany-based designer and manufacturer of an organic solid flow battery, to test this new form of long-duration energy storage on the U.S. electric grid at our VAPP. 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 pilot activities to continue into 2025. Reliability We have made significant reliability-related investments in recent years, and in accordance with our capital plan, expect to continue strengthening and modernizing our generation fleet, as well as our electric and natural gas distribution networks to further improve reliability. 2024 Form 10-K 50 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Below are a few examples of reliability projects that are proposed, currently underway, or recently completed. • WE and WG have completed the construction of their respective LNG facilities. Each facility provides 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 in November 2023 and the WG LNG facility was commercially operational in February 2024. • In April 2024, WE filed a request with the PSCW to construct an LNG facility with a storage capacity of two Bcf, which would be located on the OCPP site. In addition, the construction of additional LNG facilities in Wisconsin has been proposed as part of the 2025-2029 capital plan and would provide another approximately four Bcf of natural gas supply. The LNG facilities are expected to reduce the likelihood of constraints on our natural gas distribution system during the highest demand days of winter. • 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 PGL to pause spending on the SMP until the ICC completed a proceeding to determine the optimal method for replacing aging natural gas infrastructure and a prudent investment level. The ICC granted PGL a limited-scope rehearing related to 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. On May 30, 2024, the ICC issued a written order on the rehearing, approving $28.5 million of additional spending for emergency work, which represents a $1.6 million increase to PGL's annual revenue requirement. On February 20, 2025, the ICC issued an order setting expectations for PGL's prospective operations under its SMP. For more information, see Note 26, Regulatory Environment, and Factors Affecting Results, Liquidity, and Capital Resources - Regulatory, Legislative, and Legal Matters - Future Illinois Proceedings. • Our utilities continue to upgrade their electric and natural gas distribution systems to enhance reliability and storm hardening. We expect to spend approximately $4.5 billion from 2025 to 2029 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 our capital 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. Our planned investment focus from 2025 to 2029 is in our regulated utilities and our investment in ATC. We expect total capital expenditures for our regulated utility businesses to be approximately $24.4 billion from 2025 to 2029. In addition, we currently forecast that our share of ATC's projected capital expenditures over the next five years will be approximately $3.2 billion. In February 2025, we invested approximately $405.9 million in our non-utility energy infrastructure business with the acquisition of Hardin III. Specific projects included in the $28.0 billion capital plan are discussed in more detail below under Liquidity and Capital Resources – Cash Requirements – Significant Capital Projects. Also, see Note 2, Acquisitions, for additional information on the acquisition of Hardin III and other recent and pending transactions. See Note 3, Disposition, for more information on the disposal of real estate. 2024 Form 10-K 51 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents 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. 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, 2024 with the year ended December 31, 2023, and for the year ended December 31, 2023 with the year ended December 31, 2022. Consolidated Earnings The following table compares our consolidated results, including favorable or better, "B," and unfavorable or worse, "W," variances: Year Ended December 31 B (W) B (W) (in millions, except per share data) 2024 2023 2022 2024 vs 2023 2023 vs 2022 Wisconsin $ 863.1 $ 851.3 $ 758.4 $ 11.8 $ 92.9 Illinois 252.1 140.0 226.9 112.1 (86.9) Other states 54.5 48.1 39.7 6.4 8.4 Electric transmission 141.0 119.1 129.5 21.9 (10.4) Non-utility energy infrastructure 380.8 336.0 324.4 44.8 11.6 Corporate and other (164.3) (162.8) (70.8) (1.5) (92.0) Net income attributed to common shareholders $ 1,527.2 $ 1,331.7 $ 1,408.1 $ 195.5 $ (76.4) Diluted earnings per share $ 4.83 $ 4.22 $ 4.45 $ 0.61 $ (0.23) 2024 Compared with 2023 Earnings increased $195.5 million during 2024, compared with 2023. The significant factors impacting the $195.5 million increase in earnings were: • A $112.1 million increase in net income attributed to common shareholders at the Illinois segment, primarily due to a $178.9 million impairment recorded in 2023 associated with the ICC's disallowance of certain incurred capital costs in its November 2023 rate orders for PGL and NSG. An increase in margins related to the impacts of the November 2023 rate orders, 2024 Form 10-K 52 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents effective December 1, 2023 for PGL, and February 1, 2024 for NSG, also contributed to the higher net income. SMP costs that were previously being recovered under PGL's QIP rider are now included in PGL's base rates. Partially offsetting these increases were higher property and revenue taxes, depreciation and amortization, and natural gas distribution and maintenance costs, along with a $25.3 million pre-tax charge to income related to the ICC's disallowance of certain capital costs in PGL's 2016 rider QIP reconciliation. See Note 26, Regulatory Environment, for more information on the PGL and NSG rate orders and the ICC's disallowance. • A $44.8 million increase in net income attributed to common shareholders at the non-utility energy infrastructure segment, driven by higher operating income at WECI and an increase in PTCs from our non-utility renewable generating facilities in 2024. • A $21.9 million increase in net income attributed to common shareholders at the electric transmission segment, driven by higher equity earnings from ATC primarily due to the positive impact of a FERC order issued in October 2024 addressing complaints related to ATC's ROE. For information on this FERC order, see Factors Affecting Results, Liquidity, and Capital Resources – Regulatory, Legislative, and Legal Matters – American Transmission Company Allowed Return on Equity Complaints. Continued capital investment by ATC also contributed to the year-over-year increase in equity earnings. • An $11.8 million increase in net income attributed to common shareholders at the Wisconsin segment, driven by an increase in margins due to the impact of the Wisconsin limited rate case re-openers approved by the PSCW, effective January 1, 2024, and a positive impact from collections of fuel and purchased power costs. These increases were partially offset by higher operating expenses, primarily driven by higher depreciation and amortization. See Note 26, Regulatory Environment, for more information on the limited rate case re-openers. 2023 Compared with 2022 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 a $178.9 million pre-tax 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 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 former QIP rider, also partially offset the net increase in operating expenses. • 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 in our 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K. 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 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 margins due to lower sales volumes, and higher operating expenses, including increases in expenses related to transmission, depreciation and amortization, and regulatory amortizations. 2024 Form 10-K 53 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents • 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 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 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 utility segments to net income attributed to common shareholders. The discussions include financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP, as well as utility margin, which is not a measure of financial performance under GAAP. Utility margin (operating revenues less fuel and purchased power costs and cost of natural gas sold) is a non-GAAP financial measure because it excludes certain operation and maintenance expenses applicable to revenues, as well as depreciation and amortization and property and revenue taxes. We believe that utility margin provides 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 utility margin internally when assessing the operating performance of our utility segments as these measures exclude the majority of revenue fluctuations caused by changes in these expenses. Similarly, the presentation of utility margin herein is intended to provide supplemental information for investors regarding our operating performance. Our utility margin may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Furthermore, this measure is not intended to replace gross margin as determined in accordance with GAAP as an indicator of operating performance. Each of our three utility segment discussions below include a table that provides the calculation of both gross margin as determined in accordance with GAAP and utility margin, as well as a reconciliation between the two measures. 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, 2024 was $863.1 million, representing an $11.8 million, or 1.4%, increase over the prior year. The higher earnings were driven by an increase in margins due to the impact of the Wisconsin limited rate case re-openers approved by the PSCW, effective January 1, 2024, and a positive impact from collections of fuel and purchased power costs. These increases were partially offset by higher operating expenses, primarily driven by higher depreciation and amortization. See Note 26, Regulatory Environment, for more information on the limited rate case re-openers. 2024 Form 10-K 54 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents 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 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 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 B (W) B (W) (in millions) 2024 2023 2022 2024 vs 2023 2023 vs 2022 Operating revenues $ 6,330.5 $ 6,625.9 $ 6,960.5 $ (295.4) $ (334.6) Operating expenses Cost of sales (1) 2,117.6 2,510.6 3,208.8 393.0 698.2 Other operation and maintenance 1,547.9 1,531.3 1,351.3 (16.6) (180.0) Depreciation and amortization 919.9 851.5 754.7 (68.4) (96.8) Property and revenue taxes 169.6 179.2 182.6 9.6 3.4 Operating income 1,575.5 1,553.3 1,463.1 22.2 90.2 Other income, net 146.6 137.6 99.9 9.0 37.7 Interest expense 637.3 601.0 555.9 (36.3) (45.1) Income before income taxes 1,084.8 1,089.9 1,007.1 (5.1) 82.8 Income tax expense 220.5 237.4 247.5 16.9 10.1 Preferred stock dividends of subsidiary 1.2 1.2 1.2 — — Net income attributed to common shareholders $ 863.1 $ 851.3 $ 758.4 $ 11.8 $ 92.9 (1) Cost of sales includes fuel and purchased power and cost of natural gas sold. The following table shows a breakdown of other operation and maintenance: Year Ended December 31 B (W) B (W) (in millions) 2024 2023 2022 2024 vs 2023 2023 vs 2022 Operation and maintenance not included in line items below $ 659.6 $ 635.1 $ 655.8 $ (24.5) $ 20.7 Transmission (1) 543.3 540.4 430.9 (2.9) (109.5) Regulatory amortizations and other pass through expenses (2) 215.9 208.2 145.5 (7.7) (62.7) We Power (3) 131.4 141.4 108.1 10.0 (33.3) Earnings sharing mechanisms (4) (4.3) 5.6 (13.5) 9.9 (19.1) Other 2.0 0.6 24.5 (1.4) 23.9 Total other operation and maintenance $ 1,547.9 $ 1,531.3 $ 1,351.3 $ (16.6) $ (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 2024, 2023, and 2022, $565.3 million, $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 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. 2024 Form 10-K 55 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents (3) Represents costs associated with the We Power generation units, including operating and maintenance costs recognized by WE. During 2024, 2023, and 2022, $115.8 million, $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 2024, earnings sharing was reduced by the impact of the deferral of amounts collected in rates related to Badger Hollow II prior to its in-service date, which was delayed, as approved by the PSCW in the Wisconsin limited rate case reopener effective January 1, 2024. Additionally, in 2022, earnings sharing was reduced by amortization related to 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 B (W) B (W) Electric Sales Volumes (MWh - in thousands) 2024 2023 2022 2024 vs 2023 2023 vs 2022 Customer class Residential 11,025.3 10,966.8 11,372.6 58.5 (405.8) Small commercial and industrial (1) 12,815.8 12,729.9 12,867.1 85.9 (137.2) Large commercial and industrial (1) 11,966.7 11,992.8 12,181.6 (26.1) (188.8) Other 125.1 128.6 139.0 (3.5) (10.4) Total retail (1) 35,932.9 35,818.1 36,560.3 114.8 (742.2) Wholesale 1,648.2 1,821.8 2,444.7 (173.6) (622.9) Resale 5,863.1 6,015.5 3,962.8 (152.4) 2,052.7 Total sales in MWh (1) 43,444.2 43,655.4 42,967.8 (211.2) 687.6 (1) Includes distribution sales for customers who have purchased power from an alternative electric supplier in Michigan. Year Ended December 31 B (W) B (W) Natural Gas Sales Volumes (Therms - in millions) 2024 2023 2022 2024 vs 2023 2023 vs 2022 Customer class Residential 968.5 1,014.8 1,189.6 (46.3) (174.8) Commercial and industrial 625.2 660.1 746.6 (34.9) (86.5) Total retail 1,593.7 1,674.9 1,936.2 (81.2) (261.3) Transportation 1,316.5 1,321.6 1,438.1 (5.1) (116.5) Total sales in therms 2,910.2 2,996.5 3,374.3 (86.3) (377.8) Year Ended December 31 B (W) B (W) Weather (Degree Days) 2024 2023 2022 2024 vs 2023 2023 vs 2022 WE and WG (1) Heating (6,461 Normal) 5,190 5,409 6,369 (4.0) % (15.1) % Cooling (790 Normal) 831 876 944 (5.1) % (7.2) % WPS (2) Heating (7,329 Normal) 6,015 6,544 7,387 (8.1) % (11.4) % Cooling (554 Normal) 608 596 718 2.0 % (17.0) % UMERC (3) Heating (8,369 Normal) 7,190 7,539 8,643 (4.6) % (12.8) % Cooling (345 Normal) 317 315 358 0.6 % (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. 2024 Form 10-K 56 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents (3) Normal degree days are based on a 20-year moving average of monthly temperatures from the Iron Mountain, Michigan weather station. Gross Margin GAAP and Utility Margin Non-GAAP The following table summarizes our Wisconsin segment gross margin (GAAP) and reconciles gross margin (GAAP) to utility margin (non-GAAP). See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" above for additional information regarding gross margin (GAAP) and utility margin (non-GAAP). Year Ended December 31 B (W) B (W) (in millions) 2024 2023 2022 2024 vs 2023 2023 vs 2022 Electric revenues $ 4,921.6 $ 5,010.8 $ 4,971.8 $ (89.2) $ 39.0 Natural gas revenues 1,408.9 1,615.1 1,988.7 (206.2) (373.6) Operating revenues 6,330.5 6,625.9 6,960.5 (295.4) (334.6) Operating expenses Fuel and purchased power (1,455.7) (1,615.9) (1,881.4) 160.2 265.5 Cost of natural gas sold (661.9) (894.7) (1,327.4) 232.8 432.7 Other operation and maintenance (1) (1,095.1) (1,133.8) (978.2) 38.7 (155.6) Depreciation and amortization (919.9) (851.5) (754.7) (68.4) (96.8) Property and revenue taxes (169.6) (179.2) (182.6) 9.6 3.4 Gross margin (GAAP) 2,028.3 1,950.8 1,836.2 77.5 114.6 Other operation and maintenance (1) 1,095.1 1,133.8 978.2 (38.7) 155.6 Depreciation and amortization 919.9 851.5 754.7 68.4 96.8 Property and revenue taxes 169.6 179.2 182.6 (9.6) (3.4) Utility margin (non-GAAP) $ 4,212.9 $ 4,115.3 $ 3,751.7 $ 97.6 $ 363.6 (1) Operating and maintenance expenses deemed to be directly attributable to our revenue-producing activities include plant operating and maintenance expenses related to our generating units; costs associated with the We Power generating units; and transmission, distribution and customer service expenses. These expenses are included in the above table to calculate gross margin as defined under GAAP. 2024 Compared with 2023 Gross margin (GAAP) at the Wisconsin segment increased $77.5 million during 2024, compared to 2023 and utility margin (non-GAAP) increased $97.6 million during 2024, compared to 2023. Both measures were driven by: • A $48.7 million increase in margins related to the impact of the Wisconsin limited rate case re-openers approved by the PSCW, effective January 1, 2024. • A $38.5 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 above or below the 2% is generally deferred for future recovery or refund to customers. • A $9.1 million increase in revenues primarily related to third-party use of our assets. These increases in margins were partially offset by a $3.6 million decrease in margins related to lower retail sales volumes, driven by the impact of warmer winter weather during 2024, compared with 2023. As measured by heating degree days, 2024 was 4.0% and 8.1% warmer than 2023 in the Milwaukee area and Green Bay area, respectively. Additionally, the smaller increase in gross margin (GAAP) as compared with the increase in utility margin (non-GAAP), was driven by the following items that are further described in Other Operating Expenses below: • A $68.4 million increase in depreciation and amortization; and 2024 Form 10-K 57 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents • A $10.5 million increase in electric and natural gas distribution expenses. These increases were partially offset by: • A $34.9 million decrease in other operation and maintenance related to our power plants; • A $10.0 million decrease in other operation and maintenance expense related to the We Power leases; • A $10.0 million decrease in expense related to the settlement of certain items in our rate orders; and • A $9.6 million decrease in property and revenue taxes. Other Operating Expenses (includes other operation and maintenance, depreciation and amortization, and property and revenue taxes) Other operating expenses at the Wisconsin segment increased $75.4 million during 2024, compared with 2023. The significant factors impacting the increase in other operating expenses were: • A $68.4 million increase in depreciation and amortization expense, driven by assets being placed into service as we continue to execute on our capital plan. • A $24.9 million increase in benefit costs, primarily driven by higher stock-based compensation expense. • A $22.1 million decrease in pre-tax gains on the sales of land, primarily related to the land sale at the site of our former Pleasant Prairie power plant in 2023. See Note 3, Dispositions, for more information. • A $10.9 million increase in expenses associated with legal matters. • A $10.5 million increase in electric and natural gas distribution expenses, primarily driven by storm restoration and higher costs to maintain the distribution systems. • A $7.7 million increase in regulatory amortizations and other pass through expenses, as discussed in the notes under the other operation and maintenance table above. These increases in other operating expenses were partially offset by: • A $34.9 million decrease in other operating and maintenance related to our power plants, driven by the resolution of certain items as a result of the December 2024 Wisconsin rate orders approved by the PSCW, as well as lower severance expense during 2024. • A $10.0 million decrease 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 $10.0 million decrease in expense, driven by the resolution of certain items as a result of the December 2024 Wisconsin rate order approved by the PSCW, as well as the October 2024 UMERC rate order approved by the MPSC. • A $9.9 million decrease 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. • A $9.6 million decrease in property and revenue taxes driven by a favorable adjustment related to a sales tax audit at WE. Other Income, Net Other income, net at the Wisconsin segment increased $9.0 million during 2024, compared with 2023, driven by higher interest income primarily due to interest earned on amounts due from ATC for the construction of transmission infrastructure upgrades needed for new generation projects. We are required to initially fund these expenditures, and ATC reimburses us when the new 2024 Form 10-K 58 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents generation is placed in service. See Note 21, Investment in Transmission Affiliates, for more information. Higher interest income on cash balances also contributed to the increase. Interest Expense Interest expense at the Wisconsin segment increased $36.3 million during 2024, compared with 2023. The increase was primarily due to the impact of WE issuing long-term debt in 2024. See Note 14, Long-Term Debt, for more information. Also contributing to the increase were higher average short-term debt balances and higher average short-term debt interest rates. Income Tax Expense Income tax expense at the Wisconsin segment decreased $16.9 million during 2024, compared with 2023. The decrease was primarily due to a $10.2 million increase in PTCs and lower pre-tax income. See Note 16, Income Taxes, for more information. 2023 Compared with 2022 Gross margin (GAAP) at the Wisconsin segment increased $114.6 million during 2023, compared to 2022 and utility margin (non-GAAP) increased $363.6 million during 2023, compared to 2022. Both measures were driven by: • A $447.1 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 in connection with the acquisition of the Whitewater facility, effective January 1, 2023. These increases in margins were partially offset by: • A $125.3 million decrease in margins related to lower retail sales volumes, 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. Additionally, the smaller increase in gross margin (GAAP) as compared to the increase in utility margin (non-GAAP), was driven by the following items that are further described in Other Operating Expenses below: • A $109.5 million increase in transmission expense; • A $96.8 million increase in depreciation and amortization; • A $33.3 million increase in other operation and maintenance expense related to the We Power leases; and 2024 Form 10-K 59 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents • A $29.4 million increase in other operation and maintenance related to our power plants; partially offset by • A $15.6 million decrease in electric and natural gas distribution expenses. 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 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 expense 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. 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 was amortized over a two-year period. During 2023, WG amortized $4.1 million 2024 Form 10-K 60 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents 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. 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. 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, 2024 was $252.1 million, representing a $112.1 million, or 80.1%, increase from the prior year. The increase was primarily due to a $178.9 million impairment recorded in 2023 associated with the ICC's disallowance of certain incurred capital costs in its November 2023 rate orders for PGL and NSG. An increase in margins related to the impacts of the November 2023 rate orders, effective December 1, 2023 for PGL, and February 1, 2024 for NSG, also contributed to the higher net income. SMP costs that were previously being recovered under PGL's QIP rider are now included in PGL's base rates. Partially offsetting these increases were higher property and revenue taxes, depreciation and amortization, and natural gas distribution and maintenance costs, along with a $25.3 million pre-tax charge to income related to the ICC's disallowance of certain capital costs in PGL's 2016 rider QIP reconciliation. See Note 26, Regulatory Environment, for more information on the PGL and NSG rate orders and the ICC's disallowance. 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 a $178.9 million pre-tax 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 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 former QIP rider, also partially offset the net increase in operating expenses. 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 B (W) B (W) (in millions) 2024 2023 2022 2024 vs 2023 2023 vs 2022 Operating revenues $ 1,602.4 $ 1,557.8 $ 1,890.9 $ 44.6 $ (333.1) Operating expenses Cost of natural gas sold 376.7 443.0 792.5 66.3 349.5 Other operation and maintenance 461.5 397.9 459.2 (63.6) 61.3 Impairment related to ICC disallowances 12.1 178.9 — 166.8 (178.9) Depreciation and amortization 255.4 237.3 230.9 (18.1) (6.4) Property and revenue taxes 59.9 29.9 38.6 (30.0) 8.7 Operating income 436.8 270.8 369.7 166.0 (98.9) Other income, net 7.6 6.7 14.1 0.9 (7.4) Interest expense 94.7 88.9 73.8 (5.8) (15.1) Income before income taxes 349.7 188.6 310.0 161.1 (121.4) Income tax expense 97.6 48.6 83.1 (49.0) 34.5 Net income attributed to common shareholders $ 252.1 $ 140.0 $ 226.9 $ 112.1 $ (86.9) 2024 Form 10-K 61 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents The following table shows a breakdown of other operation and maintenance: Year Ended December 31 B (W) B (W) (in millions) 2024 2023 2022 2024 vs 2023 2023 vs 2022 Operation and maintenance not included in the line items below $ 318.5 $ 303.4 $ 319.4 $ (15.1) $ 16.0 Riders (1) 139.7 94.3 127.2 (45.4) 32.9 Regulatory amortizations (1) 2.3 0.2 (2.4) (2.1) (2.6) Other 1.0 — 15.0 (1.0) 15.0 Total other operation and maintenance $ 461.5 $ 397.9 $ 459.2 $ (63.6) $ 61.3 (1) These riders and regulatory amortizations 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 B (W) B (W) Natural Gas Sales Volumes (Therms - in millions) 2024 2023 2022 2024 vs 2023 2023 vs 2022 Customer Class Residential 745.4 778.1 907.0 (32.7) (128.9) Commercial and industrial 287.7 305.2 353.7 (17.5) (48.5) Total retail 1,033.1 1,083.3 1,260.7 (50.2) (177.4) Transportation 707.8 740.4 839.5 (32.6) (99.1) Total sales in therms 1,740.9 1,823.7 2,100.2 (82.8) (276.5) Year Ended December 31 B (W) B (W) Weather (Degree Days) (1) 2024 2023 2022 2024 vs 2023 2023 vs 2022 Heating (5,944 Normal) 4,848 5,097 6,140 (4.9) % (17.0) % (1) Normal heating degree days are based on a 12-year moving average of monthly temperatures from Chicago's O'Hare Airport. 2024 Form 10-K 62 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Gross Margin GAAP and Utility Margin Non-GAAP The following table summarizes our Illinois segment gross margin (GAAP) and reconciles gross margin (GAAP) to utility margin (non-GAAP). See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" above for additional information regarding gross margin (GAAP) and utility margin (non-GAAP). Year Ended December 31 B (W) B (W) (in millions) 2024 2023 2022 2024 vs 2023 2023 vs 2022 Operating revenues $ 1,602.4 $ 1,557.8 $ 1,890.9 $ 44.6 $ (333.1) Operating expenses Cost of natural gas sold (376.7) (443.0) (792.5) 66.3 349.5 Other operation and maintenance (1) (227.2) (206.2) (255.8) (21.0) 49.6 Depreciation and amortization (255.4) (237.3) (230.9) (18.1) (6.4) Property and revenue taxes (59.9) (29.9) (38.6) (30.0) 8.7 Gross margin (GAAP) 683.2 641.4 573.1 41.8 68.3 Other operation and maintenance (1) 227.2 206.2 255.8 21.0 (49.6) Depreciation and amortization 255.4 237.3 230.9 18.1 6.4 Property and revenue taxes 59.9 29.9 38.6 30.0 (8.7) Utility margin (non-GAAP) $ 1,225.7 $ 1,114.8 $ 1,098.4 $ 110.9 $ 16.4 (1) Operating and maintenance expenses deemed to be directly attributable to our revenue-producing activities include distribution and customer service expenses. These expenses are included in the above table to calculate gross margin as defined under GAAP. 2024 Compared with 2023 Gross margin (GAAP) at the Illinois segment increased $41.8 million during 2024, compared with 2023, and utility margin (non-GAAP) increased $110.9 million during 2024, compared with 2023. Both measures were driven by: • An $84.0 million increase in margins related to the impacts of the PGL and NSG rate orders issued by the ICC, effective December 1, 2023 and February 1, 2024, respectively. PGL’s rate order includes the recovery of costs related to PGL’s SMP in base rates. Previously, these costs were being recovered under its QIP rider. See Note 26, Regulatory Environment, for more information on the rate orders. • A $45.4 million increase in revenues associated with certain riders that are offset in other operation and maintenance and therefore do not have a significant impact on net income. These increases in gross margin (GAAP) and utility margin (non-GAAP) were partially offset by a $12.9 million decrease in revenues driven by an ICC order received in August 2024 related to PGL's 2016 Rider QIP reconciliation prudency review, which requires refunds to ratepayers for amounts previously collected related to the disallowance of certain capital costs. See Factors Affecting Results, Liquidity, and Capital Resources – Regulatory, Legislative, and Legal Matters – Regulatory Recovery and Note 26, Regulatory Environment, for more information on the ICC disallowance. Additionally, the smaller increase in gross margin (GAAP) as compared with the increase in utility margin (non-GAAP), was driven by the following items that are further described in Other Operating Expenses below: • A $30.0 million increase in property and revenue taxes; • An $18.1 million increase in depreciation and amortization; • A $14.6 million increase in natural gas distribution and maintenance costs; and • A $7.3 million increase in customer service expense. 2024 Form 10-K 63 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents 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 decreased $100.5 million, net of the $45.4 million impact of the riders referenced in the table above, during 2024, compared with 2023. The significant factors impacting the decrease 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. • An $11.1 million decrease 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 and Note 26, Regulatory Environment, for more information. These decreases in operating expenses were partially offset by: • A $30.0 million increase in property and revenue taxes, driven by an increase in the invested capital tax. This increase was related to an increase in regulatory amortizations as approved in the PGL and NSG rate orders issued by the ICC, effective December 1, 2023 and February 1, 2024, respectively. • An $18.1 million increase in depreciation and amortization, driven by assets being placed into service as we continue to execute on our capital plan. • A $14.6 million increase in natural gas distribution and maintenance costs, primarily related to maintaining the natural gas infrastructure during 2024, compared with 2023. • A $12.1 million impairment driven by an ICC order received in August 2024 related to the 2016 annual prudency review of PGL's 2016 Rider QIP, which included a disallowance of certain capital costs. See Note 26, Regulatory Environment, for more information on the ICC disallowances. • A $7.3 million increase in customer service expense due to higher call center expense and metering costs. Interest Expense Interest expense at the Illinois segment increased $5.8 million during 2024, compared with 2023, driven by the impact of PGL and NSG issuing long-term debt in November 2023. Income Tax Expense Income tax expense at the Illinois segment increased $49.0 million during 2024, compared with 2023, driven by an increase in pre-tax income. 2023 Compared with 2022 Gross margin (GAAP) at the Illinois segment increased $68.3 million during 2023, compared with 2022, and utility margin (non-GAAP) increased $16.4 million during 2023, compared with 2022. Both measures were 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. These increases in margins were partially offset by a $32.9 million decrease in margins associated with certain riders that are offset in other operation and maintenance and therefore do not have a significant impact on net income. 2024 Form 10-K 64 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents For information on the QIP rider and PGL's recovery of SMP costs after 2023, as well as the pause in spending on the SMP, see Note 26, Regulatory Environment. Additionally, the larger increase in gross margin (GAAP) as compared to the increase in utility margin (non-GAAP), was driven by the following items: • A $43.8 million decrease in natural gas distribution and maintenance costs; • An $8.7 million decrease in property and revenue taxes; and • A $3.7 million decrease in customer service expense, partially offset by • A $6.4 million increase in depreciation and amortization. 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. • 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. 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. 2024 Form 10-K 65 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents 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, 2024 was $54.5 million, representing a $6.4 million, or 13.3%, increase over the prior year. The increase was driven by higher margins due to MGU's rate increase approved by the MPSC that was effective January 1, 2024 and MERC's final rate increase approved by the MPUC in November 2023. See Note 26, Regulatory Environment, for more information. 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 margins due to an interim rate increase at MERC, effective January 1, 2023. This positive impact was partially offset by a decrease in margins due to lower sales volumes and increases in depreciation and amortization and interest expense. 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 B (W) B (W) (in millions) 2024 2023 2022 2024 vs 2023 2023 vs 2022 Operating revenues $ 449.8 $ 519.1 $ 618.5 $ (69.3) $ (99.4) Operating expenses Cost of natural gas sold 198.6 277.2 391.6 78.6 114.4 Other operation and maintenance 93.9 94.5 98.5 0.6 4.0 Depreciation and amortization 47.0 43.3 40.9 (3.7) (2.4) Property and revenue taxes 21.0 24.4 23.3 3.4 (1.1) Operating income 89.3 79.7 64.2 9.6 15.5 Other income, net 0.3 0.6 2.5 (0.3) (1.9) Interest expense 16.4 15.9 13.9 (0.5) (2.0) Income before income taxes 73.2 64.4 52.8 8.8 11.6 Income tax expense 18.7 16.3 13.1 (2.4) (3.2) Net income attributed to common shareholders $ 54.5 $ 48.1 $ 39.7 $ 6.4 $ 8.4 The following table shows a breakdown of other operation and maintenance: Year Ended December 31 B (W) B (W) (in millions) 2024 2023 2022 2024 vs 2023 2023 vs 2022 Operation and maintenance not included in line item below $ 76.8 $ 72.6 $ 77.8 $ (4.2) $ 5.2 Regulatory amortizations and other pass through expenses (1) 17.1 21.9 20.7 4.8 (1.2) Total other operation and maintenance $ 93.9 $ 94.5 $ 98.5 $ 0.6 $ 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. 2024 Form 10-K 66 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 B (W) B (W) Natural Gas Sales Volumes ( Therms - in millions) 2024 2023 2022 2024 vs 2023 2023 vs 2022 Customer Class Residential 285.2 293.8 353.1 (8.6) (59.3) Commercial and industrial 179.9 196.5 227.6 (16.6) (31.1) Total retail 465.1 490.3 580.7 (25.2) (90.4) Transportation 828.5 799.6 794.8 28.9 4.8 Total sales in therms 1,293.6 1,289.9 1,375.5 3.7 (85.6) Year Ended December 31 B (W) B (W) Weather (Degree Days) (1) 2024 2023 2022 2024 vs 2023 2023 vs 2022 MERC Heating (7,993 Normal) 6,792 7,324 8,585 (7.3) % (14.7) % MGU Heating (6,208 Normal) 5,083 5,456 6,277 (6.8) % (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. Gross Margin GAAP and Utility Margin Non-GAAP The following table summarizes our other states segment gross margin (GAAP) and reconciles gross margin (GAAP) to utility margin (non-GAAP). See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" above for additional information regarding gross margin (GAAP) and utility margin (non-GAAP). Year Ended December 31 B (W) B (W) (in millions) 2024 2023 2022 2024 vs 2023 2023 vs 2022 Operating revenues $ 449.8 $ 519.1 $ 618.5 $ (69.3) $ (99.4) Operating expenses Cost of natural gas sold (198.6) (277.2) (391.6) 78.6 114.4 Other operation and maintenance (1) (55.4) (54.2) (55.9) (1.2) 1.7 Depreciation and amortization (47.0) (43.3) (40.9) (3.7) (2.4) Property and revenue taxes (21.0) (24.4) (23.3) 3.4 (1.1) Gross margin (GAAP) 127.8 120.0 106.8 7.8 13.2 Other operation and maintenance (1) 55.4 54.2 55.9 1.2 (1.7) Depreciation and amortization 47.0 43.3 40.9 3.7 2.4 Property and revenue taxes 21.0 24.4 23.3 (3.4) 1.1 Utility margin (non-GAAP) $ 251.2 $ 241.9 $ 226.9 $ 9.3 $ 15.0 (1) Operating and maintenance expenses deemed to be directly attributable to our revenue-producing activities include distribution and customer service expenses. These expenses are included in the above table to calculate gross margin as defined under GAAP. 2024 Form 10-K 67 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents 2024 Compared with 2023 Gross margin (GAAP) increased $7.8 million during 2024, compared to 2023, and utility margin (non-GAAP) increased $9.3 million during 2024, compared to 2023. Both measures were driven by: • A $9.6 million increase related to MGU's rate increase approved by the MPSC that was effective January 1, 2024. • A $2.0 million increase related to MERC's final rate increase approved by the MPUC in November 2023. • A $1.6 million increase related to higher sales volumes, driven by higher transportation sales. These increases were partially offset by: • A $2.3 million decrease related to MGU's energy optimization program, which provides rebates, incentives, and energy efficiency education to customers. • A $1.4 million decrease related to MERC CIP revenue, which was offset in operation and maintenance expense. Rebates and programs are available to residential and commercial customers of MERC through the CIP, which is funded by rate payers using the Conservation Cost Recovery Charge and the Conservation Cost Recovery Adjustment funds that are collected on their monthly billing statements. Additionally, the lower increase in gross margin (GAAP) as compared to the increase in utility margin (non-GAAP), was driven by the following items that are further described in Other Operating Expenses below: • A $3.7 million increase in depreciation and amortization; and • A $1.2 million increase in natural gas operations and customer service expense; partially offset by • A $3.4 million decrease in property and revenue taxes. 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 $0.3 million during 2024, compared with 2023. The significant factors impacting the decrease in operating expenses were: • A $4.2 million decrease in bad debt expense, driven by improvements in MERC's and MGU's loss rates and lower past due account receivable balances due to warmer than normal weather conditions during most of 2024 and low average natural gas prices. • A $3.4 million decrease in property and revenue taxes, driven by the resolution of a use tax audit at MGU. • A $1.4 million decrease in operation and maintenance expense related to MERC's CIP program, which has an offsetting decrease in margins. These decreases in other operating expenses were partially offset by: • A $3.7 million increase in depreciation and amortization related to continued capital investment. • A $2.8 million increase in benefit costs, driven by higher costs related to stock-based compensation and deferred compensation. • A $1.2 million increase in natural gas operations and customer service expense, driven by the timing of various operation and maintenance projects approved in MERC's and MGU's most recent rate orders. 2024 Form 10-K 68 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Interest Expense Interest expense at the other states segment increased $0.5 million during 2024, compared with 2023, due to higher average short-term debt balances and higher average short-term debt interest rates. Also contributing to the increase was the impact of MGU issuing long-term debt in October 2024. Income Tax Expense Income tax expense at the other states segment increased $2.4 million during 2024, compared with 2023, driven by an increase in pre-tax income. 2023 Compared with 2022 Gross margin (GAAP) increased $13.2 million during 2023, compared to 2022, and utility margin (non-GAAP) increased $15.0 million during 2023, compared to 2022. Both measures were driven by a $19.5 million positive impact related to an interim rate increase at MERC that was effective January 1, 2023. See Note 26, Regulatory Environment, for more information. This increase 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. Additionally, the smaller increase in gross margin (GAAP) as compared to the increase in utility margin (non-GAAP), was driven by the following items that are further described in "Other Operating Expenses" below: • A $2.4 million increase in depreciation and amortization; partially offset by • A $1.8 million decrease in natural gas operations and customer service expense. 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, primarily driven by an increase in pre-tax income. 2024 Form 10-K 69 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Electric Transmission Segment Contribution to Net Income Attributed to Common Shareholders Year Ended December 31 B (W) B (W) (in millions) 2024 2023 2022 2024 vs 2023 2023 vs 2022 Equity in earnings of transmission affiliates $ 207.5 $ 177.5 $ 194.7 $ 30.0 $ (17.2) Interest expense 19.4 19.4 19.4 — — Income before income taxes 188.1 158.1 175.3 30.0 (17.2) Income tax expense 47.1 39.0 45.8 (8.1) 6.8 Net income attributed to common shareholders $ 141.0 $ 119.1 $ 129.5 $ 21.9 $ (10.4) 2024 Compared with 2023 Equity in Earnings of Transmission Affiliates Equity in earnings of transmission affiliates increased $30.0 million during 2024, compared with 2023. This increase was primarily driven by a $20.1 million increase in equity earnings due to the impact of a FERC order issued in October 2024 addressing complaints related to ATC's ROE. For information on this FERC order, see Factors Affecting Results, Liquidity, and Capital Resources – Regulatory, Legislative, and Legal Matters – American Transmission Company Allowed Return on Equity Complaints. Continued capital investment by ATC also contributed to the year-over-year increase in equity earnings. Income Tax Expense Income tax expense at the electric transmission segment increased $8.1 million during 2024, compared with 2023, driven by an increase in pre-tax income. 2023 Compared with 2022 Equity in Earnings of Transmission Affiliates Equity in earnings of transmission affiliates decreased $17.2 million during 2023, compared with 2022. This 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 in our 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K. 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. 2024 Form 10-K 70 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Non-Utility Energy Infrastructure Segment Contribution to Net Income Attributed to Common Shareholders Year Ended December 31 B (W) B (W) (in millions) 2024 2023 2022 2024 vs 2023 2023 vs 2022 Operating income $ 393.0 $ 360.7 $ 372.8 $ 32.3 $ (12.1) Other income, net 1.0 — — 1.0 — Interest expense 99.7 94.3 68.9 (5.4) (25.4) Income before income taxes 294.3 266.4 303.9 27.9 (37.5) Income tax benefit (82.4) (68.4) (20.9) 14.0 47.5 Net (income) loss attributed to noncontrolling interests 4.1 1.2 (0.4) 2.9 1.6 Net income attributed to common shareholders $ 380.8 $ 336.0 $ 324.4 $ 44.8 $ 11.6 2024 Compared with 2023 Operating Income Operating income at the non-utility energy infrastructure segment increased $32.3 million during 2024, compared with 2023, driven by these items at WECI: • A $48.4 million positive impact in 2024 related to the receipt of performance payments. • A $3.9 million increase in PPA revenue resulting from increased generation driven by higher wind speeds and lower energy curtailments. These increases in operating income were partially offset by: • A $12.3 million negative impact due to transmission congestion that reduced energy market prices. • A $7.1 million increase in operation and maintenance expenses due primarily to equipment failures at several of our renewable generation facilities. • The recognition of $6.4 million in revenue related to Blooming Grove 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 $3.1 million decrease due to lower amounts recognized for REC sales in 2024 at Blooming Grove driven by lower contracted REC prices overall, as well as timing of REC contract execution. In addition to the above items at WECI, there was an $11.7 million positive impact from We Power due to continued capital investment. Interest Expense Interest expense at the non-utility energy infrastructure segment increased $5.4 million during 2024, compared with 2023, driven by an $8.6 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. The $430.0 million intercompany note payable was redeemed in December 2024, and WECI recorded a $3.5 million loss on early redemption. This intercompany interest expense (including the loss on early redemption) is offset by higher intercompany interest income at the corporate and other segment and is eliminated in consolidation. Also driving an increase in interest expense was the impact of WECI Energy Holding III's issuance of long-term debt in December 2024. Partially offsetting these increases was lower interest expense due to lower principal balances on previously issued long-term debt, as a result of the semi-annual principal payments on long-term debt. 2024 Form 10-K 71 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Income Tax Benefit The income tax benefit at the non-utility energy infrastructure segment increased $14.0 million during 2024, compared with 2023. The increase was primarily due to an increase in PTCs that was related to the acquisition of additional renewable generation facilities, the IRS approved PTC rate increase, and higher production volumes, partially offset by higher pre-tax earnings. 2023 Compared with 2022 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: • The 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: • The 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, a 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. 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. 2024 Form 10-K 72 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Corporate and Other Segment Contribution to Net Income Attributed to Common Shareholders Year Ended December 31 B (W) B (W) (in millions) 2024 2023 2022 2024 vs 2023 2023 vs 2022 Operating loss $ (11.3) $ (26.8) $ (11.7) $ 15.5 $ (15.1) Other income, net 54.4 53.3 14.6 1.1 38.7 Interest expense 310.0 258.1 119.4 (51.9) (138.7) Gain on debt extinguishment (23.1) (0.5) — 22.6 0.5 Loss before income taxes (243.8) (231.1) (116.5) (12.7) (114.6) Income tax benefit (79.5) (68.3) (45.7) 11.2 22.6 Net loss attributed to common shareholders $ (164.3) $ (162.8) $ (70.8) $ (1.5) $ (92.0) 2024 Compared with 2023 Operating Loss The operating loss at the corporate and other segment decreased $15.5 million during 2024, compared with 2023. The lower operating loss was driven by a $16.8 million positive impact from WBS's allocation of its net credits from the non-service components of its net periodic pension and OPEB costs. These net credits are initially recorded in other income, net, but are allocated to our operating segments as an overhead cost, which is recorded through operating expenses. As a result, this positive impact is fully offset in the other income, net line item discussed below. Other Income, Net Other income, net at the corporate and other segment increased $1.1 million during 2024, compared with 2023. The significant factors impacting the increase in other income, net were: • A $14.3 million increase in interest income, driven by an $8.6 million increase in intercompany interest income from WECI, primarily related to its issuance of a $430.0 million long-term intercompany note to WEC Energy Group in April 2023. The $430.0 million intercompany note was redeemed in December 2024, and WEC Energy Group recorded a $3.5 million gain on the redemption. This intercompany interest income is offset by higher intercompany interest expense at our non-utility energy infrastructure segment. Higher interest income on cash balances of $3.5 million also contributed to the increase in other income. • A $5.8 million increase due to net earnings of $2.3 million from our equity method investments in technology and energy-focused investment funds during 2024, compared with net losses of $3.5 million during 2023. These increases in other income, net were partially offset by: • A $16.8 million decrease driven by lower net credits from the non-service components of WBS's net periodic pension and OPEB costs. As discussed above, this negative impact was offset by lower operating expenses as these credits are allocated to our operating segments as an overhead cost. • A $2.0 million decrease due to lower net gains from the investments held in the Integrys rabbi trust. The gains 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. Interest Expense Interest expense at the corporate and other segment increased $51.9 million during 2024, compared with 2023, primarily due to the impact of long-term debt issuances in April and September 2023, as well as May and December 2024. This increase was partially offset by long-term debt maturities and redemptions. See Note 14, Long-Term Debt, for more information. 2024 Form 10-K 73 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Gain on Debt Extinguishments The gain on debt extinguishments increased $22.6 million during 2024, compared with 2023, driven by the early settlement of a portion of both our 5.60% Senior Notes due September 12, 2026 and our 1.80% Senior Notes due October 15, 2030. We also recorded gains on redemptions and repurchases of our 2007 Junior Notes during 2024. Income Tax Benefit The income tax benefit at the corporate and other segment increased $11.2 million during 2024, compared with 2023, driven by the resolution of a tax audit and higher pre-tax loss. 2023 Compared with 2022 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. • 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 $138.7 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. 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. 2024 Form 10-K 74 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents The following discussion and analysis of our Liquidity and Capital Resources includes comparisons of our cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2024 with the year ended December 31, 2023. For a similar discussion that compares our cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2023 with the year ended December 31, 2022, see Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources in Part II of our 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which was filed with the SEC on February 22, 2024. Cash Flows The following table summarizes our cash flows during the years ended December 31: (in millions) 2024 2023 Change in 2024 Over 2023 Cash provided by (used in): Operating activities $ 3,211.8 $ 3,018.4 $ 193.4 Investing activities (3,802.5) (3,558.2) (244.3) Financing activities 467.7 522.8 (55.1) Operating Activities Net cash provided by operating activities increased $193.4 million during 2024, compared with 2023, driven by: • A $215.5 million increase in cash driven by lower amounts of collateral paid to counterparties during 2024, compared with 2023, as well as lower realized losses on derivative instruments recognized during 2024, compared with 2023. • A $205.3 million increase in cash received for income taxes driven by proceeds received during 2024, compared with 2023, related to 2023 and 2024 PTCs that were sold to third parties. • An $83.1 million increase in cash from lower payments for operating and maintenance expenses. During 2024, our payments were lower associated with previous commitments to charitable projects 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 $21.9 million increase in cash related to lower payments for taxes other than income taxes during 2024, compared with 2023. • An $8.9 million increase in cash from lower payments for environmental remediation related to work completed on former manufactured gas plant sites during 2024, compared with 2023. These increases in net cash provided by operating activities were partially offset by: • A $224.8 million decrease in cash from lower overall collections from customers during 2024, compared with 2023. This decrease was driven by the lower per-unit cost of natural gas and lower sales volumes from warmer winter weather during 2024, compared with 2023. • A $132.3 million decrease in cash from higher payments for interest, driven by long-term debt issuances at higher interest rates during 2023 and 2024, higher average short-term debt balances, and higher average short-term debt interest rates during 2024, compared with 2023. Investing Activities Net cash used in investing activities increased $244.3 million during 2024, compared with 2023, driven by: • The acquisition of a 90% ownership interest in Delilah I in December 2024 for $462.5 million, net of cash acquired of $0.6 million. • The acquisition of a 90% ownership interest in Maple Flats in November 2024 for $431.2 million, net of cash acquired of $0.5 million. 2024 Form 10-K 75 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents • A $288.2 million increase in cash paid for capital expenditures during 2024, compared with 2023, which is discussed in more detail below. • A $31.1 million decrease in proceeds received from the sale of assets during 2024, compared with 2023, driven by the sale of land at the site of our former Pleasant Prairie power plant in 2023. See Note 3, Dispositions, for more information. These increases in net cash used in investing activities were partially offset 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. • The acquisition of a 90% ownership interest in Red Barn in April 2023 for $143.8 million. • The acquisition of Whitewater in January 2023 for $76.0 million. • An $18.2 million decrease in capital contributions paid to transmission affiliates during 2024, compared with 2023. See Note 21, Investment in Transmission Affiliates, for more information. 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) 2024 2023 Change in 2024 Over 2023 Wisconsin $ 2,247.1 $ 1,819.3 $ 427.8 Illinois 343.0 489.8 (146.8) Other states 118.3 103.5 14.8 Non-utility energy infrastructure 52.1 54.5 (2.4) Corporate and other 20.6 25.8 (5.2) Total capital expenditures $ 2,781.1 $ 2,492.9 $ 288.2 The increase in cash paid for capital expenditures at the Wisconsin segment during 2024, compared with 2023, was driven by higher payments for WE's electric distribution system, increased capital expenditures for renewable energy projects at WE, WPS, and UMERC, increased capital expenditures for combustion turbines at OCPP, as well as increased capital expenditures for a project to consolidate our electric utility operations technology. These increases in capital expenditures were partially offset by decreased payments for construction of WE's and WG's LNG facilities, which were completed in November 2023 and February 2024, respectively, as well as decreased payments for natural gas-fired generation that was constructed at WPS's existing Weston power plant site, which was completed in July 2023. The decrease in cash paid for expenditures at the Illinois segment during 2024, compared with 2023, was driven by lower payments related to PGL's natural gas distribution system, including SMP. For more information on the factors contributing to this decrease, see Factors Affecting Results, Liquidity, and Capital Resources – Regulatory, Legislative, and Legal Matters – Illinois Proceedings. The increase in cash paid for capital expenditures at the Other States segment during 2024, compared with 2023, was driven by increased payments for MGU's natural gas distribution system. See Liquidity and Capital Resources – Cash Requirements – Significant Capital Projects below for more information. 2024 Form 10-K 76 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Financing Activities Net cash provided by financing activities decreased $55.1 million during 2024, compared with 2023, driven by: • A $1,276.5 million decrease in cash due to $902.8 million of net repayments of commercial paper during 2024, compared with $373.7 million of net borrowings of commercial paper during 2023. • A $1,132.6 million decrease in cash due to higher retirements of long-term debt during 2024, compared with 2023. • A $72.0 million decrease in cash due to higher dividends paid on our common stock during 2024, compared with 2023. In January 2024, our Board of Directors increased our quarterly dividend by $0.055 per share (7.1%) effective with the March 2024 dividend payment. • A $31.7 million decrease in cash due to higher payments for debt extinguishment and issuance costs during 2024, compared with 2023. • The purchase of an additional 10% ownership interest in Samson I in January 2024 for $28.1 million. These decreases in net cash provided by financing activities were partially offset by: • A $2,290.9 million increase in cash due to higher issuances of long-term debt during 2024, compared with 2023. • A $163.4 million increase in cash due to the issuance of common stock during 2024. We did not issue any common stock during 2023. See Note 11, Common Equity, for more information. • A $17.4 million increase in cash proceeds related to an increase in stock options exercised during 2024, compared with 2023. • A $13.4 million increase in cash due to a decrease in common stock purchased during 2024, compared with 2023, to satisfy requirements of our stock-based compensation plans. See Note 11, Common Equity, for more information. 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. 2024 Form 10-K 77 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Significant Capital Projects We have several capital projects and acquisitions 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) 2025 2026 2027 Wisconsin $ 4,202.4 $ 4,410.7 $ 4,873.2 Illinois 373.7 404.8 369.7 Other states 106.5 121.4 123.4 Non-utility energy infrastructure 437.6 23.1 33.8 Corporate and other 17.9 10.2 2.4 Total $ 5,138.1 $ 4,970.2 $ 5,402.5 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 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 located in Kenosha County, Wisconsin. In December 2024, the construction of the solar portion of Paris was completed, with WE and WPS collectively owning 180 MWs of solar generation. WE and WPS will collectively own 99 MWs of battery storage of this project, with construction expected to be completed in 2025. WE's and WPS's combined share of the cost of this project is estimated to be approximately $542 million. • WE and WPS, along with an unaffiliated utility, received PSCW approval to acquire and construct Darien, a utility-scale solar-powered electric generating facility with a battery energy storage system. 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 and 68 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 $567 million, with construction of the solar portion and battery storage expected to be completed in 2025 and 2026, respectively. • WE and WPS, along with an unaffiliated utility, received PSCW approval to acquire Koshkonong, a utility-scale solar-powered electric generating facility with a battery energy storage system. The project will be located in Dane County, Wisconsin and once fully constructed, WE and WPS will collectively own 270 MWs of solar generation and 149 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 $930 million, with construction of the solar portion and battery storage expected to be completed in 2026 and 2027, respectively. • 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 with a battery energy storage system. If approved, the project will be located in Columbia County, Wisconsin and once fully constructed, WE and WPS will collectively own 270 MWs of solar generation and 149 MWs of battery storage of this project. If approved, WE and WPS's combined share of the cost of the project is estimated to be approximately $883 million, with construction of the solar portion and battery storage expected to be completed in 2027. • UMERC received MPSC approval to acquire and construct Renegade, a utility-scale solar-powered electric generating facility. The project will be located in Delta and Marquette counties, 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. 2024 Form 10-K 78 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents • In April 2024, WE filed a request with the PSCW to build five natural gas-fired combustion turbines capable of producing approximately 1,100 MWs, which would be located at the existing OCPP site. If approved, the cost of this project is estimated to be approximately $1.2 billion. • In April 2024, WE filed a request with the PSCW to add seven natural gas-fired RICE units near the Paris Generating Station. The new RICE units would be fueled with natural gas and capable of producing approximately 128 MWs. If approved, the cost of this project is estimated to be approximately $280 million. • In April 2024, WE filed a request with the PSCW to construct the Rochester Lateral, which would supply additional natural gas service to the OCPP site. The natural gas lateral would be built in Kenosha, Racine, and Milwaukee counties. If approved, the cost of this project is estimated to be approximately $200 million. • In April 2024, WE filed a request with the PSCW to construct an LNG facility which would be located on the OCPP site. If approved, the facility would have a storage capacity of two Bcf and the cost of this project is estimated to be approximately $456 million. • In September 2024, WE and WPS, along with an unaffiliated utility, filed a request with the PSCW to acquire Dawn Harvest, a utility-scale solar-powered electric generating facility with a battery energy storage system. If approved, the project will be located in Rock County, Wisconsin and once fully constructed, WE and WPS will collectively own 135 MWs of solar generation and WE will own 50 MWs of battery storage of this project. If approved, WE and WPS's combined share of the cost of this project is estimated to be approximately $409 million, with construction expected to be completed in 2028. • In September 2024, WE and WPS, along with an unaffiliated utility, filed a request with the PSCW to acquire Saratoga, a utility-scale solar-powered electric generating facility with a battery energy storage system, and Ursa, a utility-scale solar-powered electric generating facility. If approved, Saratoga will be located in Wood County, Wisconsin and Ursa will be located in Columbia County, Wisconsin. Once fully constructed, WE and WPS will collectively own 135 MWs of solar generation and 45 MWs of battery storage of Saratoga and 180 MWs of solar generation of Ursa. If approved, WE and WPS's combined share of the cost of Ursa is estimated to be approximately $406 million, with construction expected to be completed in 2027. If approved, WE and WPS's combined share of the cost of Saratoga is estimated to be approximately $406 million, with construction expected to be completed in 2028. • In September 2024, WE and WPS, along with an unaffiliated utility, filed a request with the PSCW to acquire and construct Badger Hollow Wind and to acquire Whitetail, two utility-scale wind-powered electric generating facilities. If approved, Badger Hollow Wind will be located in Iowa and Grant counties, Wisconsin, and Whitetail will be located in Grant County, Wisconsin. Once fully constructed, WE and WPS will collectively own 100 MWs of wind generation of Badger Hollow Wind and 60 MWs of wind generation of Whitetail. If approved, WE and WPS's combined share of the cost of Badger Hollow Wind is estimated to be $320 million, with construction expected to be completed in 2027. If approved, WE and WPS's combined share of the cost of Whitetail is estimated to be approximately $200 million, with construction expected to be completed in 2027. • In October 2024, WE and WPS, along with an unaffiliated utility, filed a request with the PSCW to acquire and construct Good Oak and Gristmill, two utility-scale solar electric generating facilities. If approved, both Good Oak and Gristmill will be located in Columbia County, Wisconsin. Once fully constructed, WE and WPS will collectively own 88 MWs of solar generation of Good Oak and 60 MWs of solar generation of Gristmill. If approved, WE and WPS's combined share of the cost of Good Oak is estimated to be $194 million and the cost of Gristmill is estimated to be approximately $130 million, with construction for both projects expected to be completed in 2028. The construction of additional LNG facilities in Wisconsin has been proposed as part of our capital plan and would provide another approximately four Bcf of natural gas supply at an estimated cost of $940 million. The facilities are expected to reduce the likelihood of constraint s on our natural gas distribution system during the highest demand days of winter. As part of our capital plan, we plan to build additional natural gas-fired combustion turbines capable of producing approximately 675 MWs at an estimated cost of $960 million. In addition, we plan to add natural gas-fired RICE units that would be capable of producing approximately 114 MWs at an estimated cost of $250 million. In connection with several investigations it conducted, the DOC set duties on solar panels and cells imported from four southeast Asian countries. See Factors Affecting Results, Liquidity, and Capital Resources – Regulatory, Legislative, and Legal Matters – United States Department of Commerce Complaints and Factors Affecting Results, Liquidity, and Capital Resources – Regulatory, Legislative, 2024 Form 10-K 79 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents and Legal Matters – Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act for information on the potential impacts to our solar projects as a result of the duties set by the DOC and related USITC and DOC investigations, and CBP actions related to solar panels, respectively. The expected in-service dates and costs identified above already reflect some of these impacts. In November 2023, the ICC ordered PGL to pause spending on its SMP until the ICC had a proceeding to determine the optimal method for replacing aging natural gas infrastructure and a prudent investment level. In accordance with the written order, the ICC initiated the proceeding in January 2024. On February 20, 2025, the ICC issued an order setting expectations for PGL's prospective operations under its SMP. For information on regulatory proceedings related to the SMP, see Note 26, Regulatory Environment, and Factors Affecting Results, Liquidity, and Capital Resources – Regulatory, Legislative, and Legal Matters – Illinois Proceedings. The non-utility energy infrastructure line item in the table above includ es WECI's investment in Hardin III, which closed in February 2025. See Note 2, Acquisitions, for more information on this project. We expect to provide total capital contributions to ATC (not included in the above table) of approximately $445 million from 2025 through 2027. We do not expect to make any contributions to ATC Holdco during that period. WEC's portion of the investment in MISO Tranche 1 is estimated to be approximately $580 million between 2025 and 2029, a portion of which will be funded by ATC's cash from operations. 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 as of December 31, 2024: 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 $ 8,357.6 $ 805.2 $ 1,330.7 $ 1,014.9 $ 5,206.8 Common Stock Dividends On January 16, 2025, our Board of Directors increased our quarterly dividend to $0.8925 per share effective with the first quarter of 2025 dividend payment, an increase of 6.9%. This equates to an annual dividend of $3.57 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. 2024 Form 10-K 80 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents 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 $ 561.3 $ 276.4 $ 197.6 $ 54.7 $ 32.6 We have various finance and operating lease obligations. Our finance lease obligations primarily relate to land leases for our renewable generation 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 2025 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, 2024 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 16, Income Taxes, and Note 24, Commitments and Contingencies, 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. 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, and common equity. Accessing the capital markets allows us to obtain external short-term borrowings, including commercial paper and term loans, and issue intermediate or long-term debt securities, as well as other types of securities. In 2024, we started issuing common equity through a combination of our employee benefit plans and stock purchase and dividend reinvestment plan, as well as through an at-the-market program. 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 for $115.2 million with proceeds from issuing commercial paper. We recorded a $6.4 million gain related to the early settlement. Additionally, in May 2024, we repurchased $19.0 million aggregate principal amount of the $377.9 million outstanding of our 2007 Junior Notes for $18.7 million, plus accrued interest, with proceeds received from issuing commercial paper. We recorded a $0.2 million gain related to the early settlement. In December 2024, we redeemed the remaining $358.9 million outstanding principal at par, plus accrued interest, of our 2007 Junior Notes with the proceeds we received from the issuance of our 2024A Junior Notes and 2024B Junior Notes. 2024 Form 10-K 81 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents In December 2024, pursuant to a tender offer, we repurchased $250.0 million aggregate principal amount of the $600.0 million outstanding of our 5.60% Senior Notes due September 12, 2026 and repurchased $150.0 million aggregate principal amount of the $450.0 million outstanding of our 1.80% Senior Notes due October 15, 2030, for $380.9 million, plus accrued interest, with proceeds received from issuing commercial paper. As a result of the repurchase, we recorded a $16.5 million gain on debt extinguishment. 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 2025, 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, 2024, our current liabilities exceeded our current assets by $1,930.2 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 11, Common Equity, Note 13, Short-Term Debt and Lines of Credit, and Note 14, Long-Term Debt, for more information about our common stock activity, commercial paper, 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, 2024, 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. Capitalization Structure The following table shows our capitalization structure as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, as well as an adjusted capitalization structure that we believe is consistent with how a majority of the rating agencies currently view our Junior Notes: 2024 2023 (in millions) Actual Adjusted (1) Actual Adjusted (2) Common shareholders' equity $ 12,395.0 $ 12,770.0 $ 11,724.2 $ 11,974.2 Preferred stock of subsidiary 30.4 30.4 30.4 30.4 Long-term debt (including current portion) 18,907.1 18,532.1 16,631.1 16,381.1 Short-term debt 1,116.6 1,116.6 2,020.9 2,020.9 Total capitalization $ 32,449.1 $ 32,449.1 $ 30,406.6 $ 30,406.6 Total debt $ 20,023.7 $ 19,648.7 $ 18,652.0 $ 18,402.0 Ratio of debt to total capitalization 61.7 % 60.6 % 61.3 % 60.5 % (1) Included in long-term debt on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2024, was $750.0 million principal amount of WEC Energy Group's 2024 Junior Notes (2024A Junior Notes and 2024B Junior Notes, collectively) due 2055. The adjusted presentation at December 31, 2024 Form 10-K 82 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents 2024 attributes $375.0 million of the Junior Notes to common equity and $375.0 million to long-term debt, similar to how the majority of rating agencies treat them. (2) Included in long-term debt on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2023, was $500.0 million principal amount of the 2007 Junior Notes. The adjusted presentation at December 31, 2023 attributes $250.0 million of the 2007 Junior Notes to common equity and $250.0 million to long-term debt, similar to how the majority of rating agencies treat them. 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 2024 Junior Notes and 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, 2024, 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 11, Common Equity, Note 13, Short-Term Debt and Lines of Credit, and Note 14, Long-Term Debt, 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, 2024. 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, 2024, it could have been required to post $103 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. In June 2024, Moody's changed the rating outlook for PGL to negative from stable as a result of the November 2023 rate order and the May 2024 limited re-hearing. The change in rating outlook has not had, and we do not believe that it will have, a material impact on our ability to access capital markets. Moody's affirmed PGL's ratings including its Aa3 senior secured rating and its P-1 short term rating for commercial paper. See Note 26, Regulatory Environment, for more information on the outcome of the rate order. 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. 2024 Form 10-K 83 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents 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, and 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, 2024, 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. 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 2024 Form 10-K 84 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents 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. See Note 26, Regulatory Environment, for more information regarding recent and pending rate proceedings, orders, and investigations involving our utilities. Uncollectible Expense Adjustment Rider 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 required a $15.4 million and $0.7 million refund to ratepayers at PGL and NSG, respectively. These amounts were refunded over a period of nine months, which began on September 1, 2023. In July 2023, PGL and NSG petitioned the Illinois Appellate Court for review of the ICC order. On November 7, 2024, the Illinois Appellate Court issued an opinion affirming the ICC order and the related disallowance. PGL and NSG petitioned the Illinois Supreme Court on December 12, 2024 seeking review and reversal of the May 2023 order. As of December 31, 2024, there can be no assurance that all costs incurred under the UEA rider during the open reconciliation years, which include 2019 through 2024, will be deemed recoverable by the ICC. The combined annual costs of PGL and NSG included in 2024 Form 10-K 85 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents the rider, which reflect uncollectible write-offs in excess of what is recovered in base rates, have ranged from $10 million to $40 million during these open reconciliation years. Disallowances by the ICC, if any, could be material and have a material adverse impact on our results of operations. Qualifying Infrastructure Plant Rider 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 August 2024, the ICC issued a final order on PGL's 2016 annual reconciliation, which included a disallowance of $14.8 million of certain capital costs. PGL recorded a pre-tax charge to income of $25.3 million during the third quarter of 2024 related to the disallowance and the previously recognized return on and of these investments. The charge was recorded on the income statement as a $12.9 million reduction in revenues for the amounts previously collected from customers, a $12.1 million increase to operating expenses for the impairment of PGL's property, plant, and equipment, and a $0.3 million increase to interest expense related to the amounts due to customers. On October 25, 2024, PGL filed a petition with the Illinois Appellate Court for review of the ICC's August order. In March 2024, PGL filed its 2023 reconciliation with the ICC, which, along with the reconciliations from 2017 through 2022, is still pending. The aggregate capital costs included in the rider during the open reconciliation years, which include 2017 through 2023, along with any previously recognized return on these investments, totaled approximately $2.8 billion as of December 31, 2024. There can be no assurance that all of these costs and the previously recognized returns will be deemed recoverable by the ICC. Further disallowances by the ICC, if any, could be material and have a material adverse impact on our results of operations. 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 completed a proceeding to determine the optimal method for replacing aging natural gas infrastructure and a prudent investment level. In accordance with the written order, the ICC initiated the proceeding in January 2024. On February 20, 2025, the ICC issued an order setting expectations for PGL's prospective operations under its SMP. The ICC directed us to focus on replacing all cast and ductile iron pipe that has a diameter under 36 inches by January 1, 2035. The ICC also indicated that failure to comply with this directive could subject us to civil penalties under Illinois statute. We are evaluating the impact of this order on our operations and capital plan. In March 2024, the ICC initiated a statewide "Future of Gas" proceeding. The goal of this proceeding is 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 includes 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 includes a broad range of stakeholders, including Illinois utilities and other interested parties. The “Future of Gas” proceeding is expected to be completed in 2026. At this time, we cannot predict the ultimate outcome of this proceeding 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 outcome. 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 in January 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. 2024 Form 10-K 86 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents 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. Petitions Before PSCW Regarding Third-Party Financed Distributed Energy Resources In May 2022, a petition was 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 party that filed the petition provides financing to its 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 December 2022, the PSCW granted the petitioner’s request for a declaratory ruling in part, 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, but declining to issue the petitioner’s request for a broader declaratory ruling that the petitioner would not be regulated as a "public utility". Upon appeal, in April 2024, the Dane County Circuit Court reversed the PSCW’s decision, finding that the PSCW erroneously interpreted the definition of "public utility," and the evidence did not support its determination that the lease at issue in the petition did not involve the sale of electricity to the "public" under Wisconsin law. The case was remanded to the PSCW for further review. Although the PSCW issued an order in June 2024 to reopen the docket to consider modifications, the project lease originally at issue was no longer going forward, and so in October 2024 the PSCW issued an order declining to issue any declaratory ruling. Meanwhile, in June 2024, the party that filed the May 2022 PSCW petition appealed the Dane County Circuit Court’s April 2024 decision to the Wisconsin Court of Appeals. That appeal was in briefing when the PSCW issued its October 2024 order, which left the Court of Appeals with no agency decision to review. Based on this and the fact that the underlying project was no longer going forward, a motion to dismiss the appeal was granted by the Court of Appeals in February 2025. At this time we do not expect any material impact on our business 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 have been able to provide the CBP sufficient documentation to meet WRO and UFLPA compliance requirements, and we expect the same will be true for subsequent projects, 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. In January 2025, the Department of Homeland Security announced the addition of several more Chinese businesses to the UFLPA, including five solar supply chain providers. We are working to avoid doing business with these companies and remain in compliance with the UFLPA. United States Department of Commerce Complaints The solar panel industry continues to experience uncertainty resulting from AD and CVD investigations involving four southeast Asian countries including Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia. In August 2023, the DOC issued a final decision regarding an AD/CVD petition filed by a California-based company alleging that Chinese manufacturers were shifting products to the four southeast Asian countries to avoid tariffs required on products imported from China and requesting that the DOC conduct a country-wide inquiry into each country. In its final decision, the DOC determined that circumvention was occurring in each of the four Southeast Asian countries noted above. Duties began to be applied to certain imports of solar cells from Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia after expiration of the 24-month tariff moratorium on June 6, 2024. In addition, in response to its findings, the DOC promulgated new regulations that imposed enhanced duties in certain circumstances, including when the USITC determines there is a reasonable indication the domestic solar industry is materially or potentially injured because of imported products that violate certain fair trade laws. 2024 Form 10-K 87 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents In April 2024, a coalition of several U.S. producers of solar panels filed a petition with the DOC requesting new tariffs on imports from the same four Southeast Asian countries. The group alleged that some Chinese companies had moved their solar operations to avoid penalties implemented after the expiration of the moratorium. In May 2024, in response to the petition, the DOC initiated a new AD/CVD investigation of solar panels from the four southeast Asian countries. In April 2024, the USITC began a preliminary investigation and, in June 2024, issued a preliminary determination that there is a reasonable indication imports of solar panels from the four Southeast Asian countries have caused injury to the U.S. solar industry. Based on the USITC’s preliminary decision, the DOC began an investigation and, in October and November 2024, announced preliminary affirmative determinations in its CVD and AD investigations, respectively, and set preliminary duties on imports from the four southeast Asian countries. The DOC and USITC are expected to make final determinations in the second quarter of 2025, which could result in enhanced duties, including retroactive duties in certain circumstances. The Biden Administration invoked the Defense Production Act to accelerate the production of solar panels in the U.S.; however, final determinations by the DOC and/or USITC may have an adverse impact on the solar industry overall. Additionally, there is uncertainty with respect to how WROs applied to panels under previous complaints would be affected. As a result of these investigations, the solar industry overall has experienced higher costs of materials as well as delays. Some of these impacts have already been reflected in the estimated cost and in-service dates for certain of our solar projects. We are continuing to assess the potential impact from the preliminary determinations on our business and results of operations. Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and Inflation Reduction Act In November 2021, former 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 believe that funding from this Act would support the work we are doing to reduce GHG emissions, increase EV charging, and strengthen and protect the energy grid. Funding in the Act could also help to expand emerging technologies, like hydrogen and carbon management, as we continue the transition to a clean energy future to the benefit of our customers, the communities we serve, and our company. In August 2022, former 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 the IRA transferability option, we entered into an agreement in 2024 to sell substantially all of our 2024 PTCs to a third party. Additionally, in October 2024, we entered into an agreement to sell the majority of our 2025 PTCs to a third party. See Note 1(q), Income Taxes, for more information about the impact of these sales during 2024. 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. In January 2025, pursuant to an executive order issued by the new presidential administration, disbursement of funds under these two Acts was paused until agency heads can determine whether grants, loans contracts, and other disbursements are consistent with the new administration's energy policy. Agency heads must consult with the Office of Management and Budget and the National Economic Council prior to any funding being disbursed. The new policy encourages use of domestic energy sources including oil, natural gas, coal, hydropower, biofuels, critical minerals, and nuclear, promotes consumer choice of goods and appliances, aims to boost American workers and businesses, eliminates the EV mandate, and limits regulations that apply to the energy industry. The executive order did not impact the IRA's provisions for tax credits and the transferability option. 2024 Form 10-K 88 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents 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. The first of these complaints is discussed below. For information on the second complaint, see Factors Affecting Results, Liquidity, and Capital Resources – Regulatory, Legislative, and Legal Matters – American Transmission Company Allowed Return on Equity Complaints in our 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K The base ROEs listed in the ROE complaint section 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. 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. • September 2016 FERC 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 this complaint, November 12, 2013 through February 11, 2015 and September 28, 2016 going forward. • November 2019 FERC 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 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 FERC 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 complaint. Various parties then filed requests to rehear certain parts of the May 2020 Order with the FERC. • November 2020 FERC 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 for FERC Orders Issued Prior to October 2024 – Due to the base ROE changes resulting from the FERC orders issued prior to October 2024, 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 2024 Form 10-K 89 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents completed providing WE, WPS, and UMERC with the net refunds related to the transmission costs they paid during these periods. The refunds were applied to WE's and WPS's PSCW-approved escrow accounting for transmission expense. • August 2022 D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals Opinion – 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 Opinion, 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 a result, ATC recorded a reserve for potential refunds based on a 9.88% base ROE. • October 2024 FERC Order – In response to the August 2022 D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals Opinion, the FERC issued an order on October 17, 2024. The FERC’s October 2024 Order removed the risk premium model from the base ROE methodology and required MISO transmission owners, including ATC, to adopt a 9.98% base ROE for the period covered by the complaint. • Refunds for FERC Order Issued in October 2024 – Prior to the October 2024 FERC order, the base ROE for MISO transmission owners was 10.02% based on the November 2020 FERC order. Since the October 2024 FERC order changed the base ROE to 9.98%, ATC will be providing additional 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 October 17, 2024. Therefore, ATC is expected to provide WE, WPS, and UMERC with refunds related to the transmission costs they paid during these two refund periods. The refunds will be applied to WE’s and WPS’s PSCW-approved escrow accounting for transmission expense. Due to the change between the 9.88% base ROE originally reflected in ATC's reserve and the 9.98% base ROE authorized in the October 2024 FERC Order, ATC reduced its refund liability, which increased our pre-tax equity earnings by $20.1 million during the fourth quarter of 2024. 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 include, but are not limited to, the risks described below. In addition, there is continuing uncertainty over the impact that the ongoing regional and international conflicts, including those in Ukraine, Israel and in other parts of the Middle East, will have on the global economy, supply chains, and fuel prices. 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 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. 2024 Form 10-K 90 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents 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 2024, 2023, and 2022, as measured by degree days, can be found in Results of Operations. Our utility operations (primarily our electric utility operations) and the operations of WECI, can be negatively impacted from storms. High wind conditions, lightning, hail, and flooding from these storms can result in downed wires and poles, as well as damage to wind and solar generation facilities and other operating equipment. This can result in us incurring significant restoration costs at our utilities and at WECI, including lost revenue to customers. Our utilities' rates include a fixed amount for expected storm restoration costs. To the extent actual storm restoration costs are above what is included in these rates, earnings at our utility operations are negatively impacted and it becomes more difficult to achieve our authorized ROEs. Similarly, restoration costs and lost revenue from storms negatively impacts operations and earnings at our non-utility WECI renewable generation facilities. 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, 2024 and 2023, a hypothetical increase in market interest rates of one percentage point would have increased annual interest expense by $11.2 million and $25.2 million in 2024 and 2023, 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 through 2026, as required by the December 2022 and December 2024 rate orders issued by the PSCW. As a result, our Wisconsin utilities defer as a regulatory asset or liability, the difference between actual pension and OPEB costs and those included in rates until recovery or refund is authorized in a future rate proceeding. 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. The fair value of our trust fund assets and expected long-term returns were approximately: (in millions) As of December 31, 2024 Expected Return on Assets in 2025 Pension trust funds $ 2,624.3 6.61 % OPEB trust funds $ 850.0 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. 2024 Form 10-K 91 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents 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. 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 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 – The fluctuation in demand for certain commodities and their respective 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. 2024 Form 10-K 92 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents 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 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, 2024. 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 p