ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

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 the 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 We are working to build and sustain long-term value for our shareholders and customers by supporting economic growth in our region while focusing on the fundamentals of our business: reliability, operating efficiency, financial discipline, environmental stewardship, exceptional customer care, and safety. Our capital plan provides a roadmap for us to achieve this goal. It is a plan premised upon maintaining superior reliability, delivering savings for customers, and growing 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. Supporting Economic Growth Within Our Communities Economic growth continues in our Wisconsin service territories. Companies are investing in major projects, including data centers and modern manufacturing facilities. We anticipate electric demand growth in the years ahead from these economic developments. Microsoft has announced plans to invest over $20 billion in data centers in southern Wisconsin over the next several years, and we expect up to 2.6 GWs of load growth in the Milwaukee-to-Chicago corridor through 2030. Additionally, Vantage Data Centers plans to develop a large data center campus in Port Washington that is forecasted to add 1.3 GWs of demand through 2030. This site has the potential to add an incremental 2.2 GWs, for a total of up to 3.5 GWs over time. We are working closely with these large customers to provide power to meet this substantial projected demand. In 2025, we submitted a proposal to the PSCW for new VLC and Bespoke Resources tariffs. The proposed tariffs specifically address the unique needs of VLCs while protecting our other customers and shareholders. See Note 26, Regulatory Environment, for more information on the VLC and Bespoke Resources tariffs. To meet the forecasted electric demand growth in the years ahead, greater capacity will be required to provide affordable, reliable, and clean energy for our communities. Our capital plan addresses that demand with a range of planned investments in natural gas-fired generation, renewables, and battery storage. We plan on investing approximately $5.4 billion from 2026 to 2030 in a combination of efficient natural gas-fired generation, including: • 3,300 MWs of CTs (we plan on constructing a new natural gas lateral pipeline to support the CTs planned at our OCPP site); and • 180 MWs of RICE natural gas-fueled generation. We expect to invest approximately $12.6 billion from 2026 to 2030 in regulated renewable energy in Wisconsin. Our plan is to build and own zero-carbon-emitting renewable generation facilities that are anticipated to include the following investments: • 3,850 MWs of utility-scale solar; • 2,130 MWs of battery storage; and • 555 MWs of wind. For more details on the projects discussed above, see Liquidity and Capital Resources – Cash Requirements – Significant Capital Projects. Our capital plan also reflects the planned retirement of our older, fossil-fueled generation, which we expect to replace with the natural gas-fired generation and zero-carbon-emitting renewables discussed above. These retirements are intended to address compliance with EPA regulations established under the CAA, as well as contribute to meeting our goal to reduce CO 2 emissions from 2025 Form 10-K 47 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents our electric generation. Our long-term goal is to achieve net carbon neutral electric generation by the end of 2050. We expect to achieve this goal by continuing to make operating refinements, retiring less efficient generating units, and executing our capital plan. We expect to use coal only as a backup fuel by the end of 2030 and to be in a position to eliminate coal as an energy source by the end of 2032. As part of our path toward this goal, we have started implementing co-firing with natural gas at the ERGS coal-fired units and at Weston Unit 4. Additionally, we have 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 900 MWs of additional coal-fired generation by the end of 2031, which includes the planned retirements of OCPP Units 7 and 8 and Weston Unit 3. In conjunction with our new capital plan, we and the other co-owners of Columbia Units 1 and 2 currently plan to continue coal operations at these units through at least 2029, and continue to evaluate the conversion of both units to natural gas. See Note 7, Property, Plant, and Equipment, for more information related to Columbia Units 1 and 2 and our planned power plant retirements. When taken together, the retirements and new investments in natural gas generation and renewables should better balance our supply with our demand, while helping to address compliance and maintaining reliable, affordable energy for our customers. We also continue to focus on methane emission reductions by improving and upgrading our natural gas distribution systems and using RNG throughout our natural gas utility systems. In 2023, we began transporting the output of local dairy farms onto our natural gas distribution systems in Wisconsin. The RNG supplied is replacing higher-emission methane from natural gas that would have entered our pipes. We currently have contracts in place for 2.1 Bcf of RNG. 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. Below are a few examples of the projects that are proposed, currently underway, or recently completed. • The PSCW approved WE's request to construct an LNG facility with a storage capacity of two Bcf, which will be located on the OCPP site. In addition, 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. The LNG facilities are expected to reduce the likelihood of constraints on our natural gas distribution system during the highest demand days of winter. • 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 these projects until the ICC completed a proceeding to determine the optimal method for replacing aging natural gas infrastructure and a prudent investment level. In a limited-scope rehearing of this order, PGL was authorized spending for completion of projects that had started in 2023. In February 2025, the ICC issued an order setting expectations for PGL's prospective retirement of its aging natural gas infrastructure. The ICC directed us to focus on retiring all cast and ductile iron pipe that has a diameter of less than 36 inches by January 1, 2035. PGL is working to retire this cast and ductile iron pipe through its PRP. For more information, see Note 26, Regulatory Environment, and Factors Affecting Results, Liquidity, and Capital Resources - Regulatory, Legislative, and Legal Matters - Illinois Proceedings. • Our capital plan includes $2.9 billion of investments in BESSs from 2026 to 2030, which are intended to capture excess power and release it during peak demand or when power is limited due to weather or other unexpected disruptions. • Our utilities continue to upgrade their electric and natural gas distribution systems to enhance reliability and storm hardening. We expect to spend approximately $7.1 billion and $4.7 billion on reliability related to natural gas and electric distribution projects, respectively, from 2026 to 2030, with continued investment over the next decade. For more details, see Liquidity and Capital Resources – Cash Requirements – Significant Capital Projects. 2025 Form 10-K 48 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents 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 advanced metering infrastructure 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 customer connections and enhances outage management capabilities. Through our multiyear Energy Delivery Program, we are planning to implement capabilities and standard processes for customer service, natural gas and electric operations, work management, and field operations. This includes improvements to outage management, geographic information systems, and work and asset management systems, as well as the implementation of new capabilities through advanced distribution management systems. We continue to focus on integrating the resources of all our businesses and improving our business processes to find the best and most efficient processes possible, including evaluating the use of AI tools. We expect these efforts to continue to drive operational efficiency and to put us in a position to effectively support plans for future growth. 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 work to earn allowed rates of return through a focus on cost control and strategic investment. Our planned investment focus from 2026 to 2030 is in our regulated utilities and our investment in ATC. We expect total capital expenditures for our regulated utility businesses to be approximately $33.4 billion from 2026 to 2030. In addition, we currently forecast that our share of ATC's projected capital expenditures over the next five years will be approximately $4.1 billion. For additional information regarding projects included in the $37.5 billion capital plan, see Liquidity and Capital Resources – Cash Requirements – Significant Capital Projects. We follow an asset management strategy that focuses on investing in and acquiring assets consistent with our strategic plans, as well as disposing of assets, including property, plants, equipment, and entire business units, that are no longer strategic to operations, are not performing as intended, or have an unacceptable risk profile. See Note 2, Acquisitions, and Note 3, Disposition, for additional information on our recent and pending transactions. Exceptional Customer Care Our approach is driven by an intense focus on delivering exceptional customer care every day. We strive to provide the best value for our customers by demonstrating personal responsibility for results, leveraging our capabilities and expertise, and using creative solutions to meet or exceed our customers’ expectations. A multiyear effort is driving a standardized, seamless approach to digital customer service across our companies. We have moved all utilities to a common platform for all customer-facing self-service options. Using common systems and processes reduces costs, provides greater flexibility and enhances the consistent delivery of exceptional service to customers. 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. To further protect public safety, we monitor the integrity of our distribution systems, have emergency response and business continuity plans in place, and provide key safety information to customers, contractors, and first responders. 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. 2025 Form 10-K 49 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents 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, 2025 with the year ended December 31, 2024. For a similar discussion that compares our results for the year ended December 31, 2024 with the year ended December 31, 2023, see Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Results of Operations in Part II of our 2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which was filed with the SEC on February 21, 2025. Consolidated Earnings The following table compares our consolidated results, including favorable or better, "B," and unfavorable or worse, "W," variances: Year Ended December 31 (in millions, except per share data) 2025 2024 B (W) Wisconsin $ 1,054.8   $ 863.1  $ 191.7 Illinois 122.1   252.1  (130.0) Other states 60.8   54.5  6.3 Electric transmission 147.6   141.0  6.6 Non-utility energy infrastructure 411.1   380.8  30.3 Corporate and other (238.9) (164.3) (74.6) Net income attributed to common shareholders $ 1,557.5   $ 1,527.2  $ 30.3 Diluted EPS $ 4.81   $ 4.83  $ (0.02) 2025 Compared with 2024 Earnings increased $30.3 million during 2025, compared with 2024. The significant factors impacting the $30.3 million increase in earnings were: • A $191.7 million increase in net income attributed to common shareholders at the Wisconsin segment, driven by higher margins from the impact of the Wisconsin rate orders approved by the PSCW, effective January 1, 2025, higher retail sales volumes, and an increase in certain income tax benefits. These positive impacts were partially offset by higher operating expenses, largely due to increases in depreciation and amortization expense, costs related to our power plants, transmission expense, and expense related to our earnings sharing mechanisms. Lower other income, driven by a negative impact from the non-service components of our net periodic pension and OPEB costs, also partially offset the positive impacts to earnings. See Note 26, Regulatory Environment, for more information on the Wisconsin rate orders. • A $30.3 million increase in net income attributed to common shareholders at the non-utility energy infrastructure segment, driven by an increase in PTCs from our non-utility renewable generating facilities related to the acquisition of additional renewable generation facilities in the fourth quarter of 2024 and the first quarter of 2025. This increase was partially offset by higher interest expense due to the issuance of long-term debt at WECI Energy Holding III in December 2024. These increases in earnings were partially offset by: • A $130.0 million decrease in net income attributed to common shareholders at the Illinois segment, driven by a $205.0 million pre-tax charge to income in 2025 due to PGL and NSG agreeing on the terms of a proposed settlement with the Illinois Attorney General that would resolve all open proceedings related to the UEA and QIP riders. Partially offsetting this decrease was a year-over-year positive impact from a $25.3 million pre-tax charge to income in 2024 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. • A $74.6 million increase in the net loss attributed to common shareholders at the corporate and other segment, driven by higher interest expense in 2025 and the year-over-year impact from the gain on debt extinguishment recorded in 2024. A net loss from 2025 Form 10-K 50 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents our equity method investments in technology and energy-focused investment funds during 2025, compared to net earnings in 2024, also contributed to the higher net loss. 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, 2025 was $1,054.8 million, representing a $191.7 million, or 22.2%, increase over the prior year. The higher earnings were driven by an increase in margins from the impact of the Wisconsin rate orders approved by the PSCW, effective January 1, 2025, higher retail sales volumes, and an increase in certain income tax benefits. These positive impacts were partially offset by higher operating expenses, largely due to increases in depreciation and amortization expense, costs related to our power plants, transmission expense, and expense related to our earnings sharing mechanisms. Lower other income, driven by a negative impact from the non-service components of our net periodic pension and OPEB costs, also partially offset the positive impacts to earnings. See Note 26, Regulatory Environment, for more information on the Wisconsin rate orders. Year Ended December 31 (in millions) 2025 2024 B (W) Operating revenues $ 7,295.5   $ 6,330.5  $ 965.0 Operating expenses Cost of sales (1) 2,546.4   2,117.6  (428.8) Other operation and maintenance 1,737.9   1,547.9  (190.0) Depreciation and amortization 1,008.1   919.9  (88.2) Property and revenue taxes 178.7   169.6  (9.1) Operating income 1,824.4   1,575.5  248.9 Other income, net 96.5   146.6  (50.1) Interest expense 638.7   637.3  (1.4) Income before income taxes 1,282.2   1,084.8  197.4 Income tax expense 226.2   220.5  (5.7) Preferred stock dividends of subsidiary 1.2   1.2  — Net income attributed to common shareholders $ 1,054.8   $ 863.1  $ 191.7 (1)     Cost of sales includes fuel and purchased power and cost of natural gas sold. 2025 Form 10-K 51 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents The following table shows a breakdown of other operation and maintenance: Year Ended December 31 (in millions) 2025 2024 B (W) Operation and maintenance not included in line items below $ 753.9   $ 659.6  $ (94.3) Transmission (1) 584.9   543.3  (41.6) Regulatory amortizations and other pass through expenses  (2) 231.8   215.9  (15.9) We Power (3) 128.7   131.4  2.7 Earnings sharing mechanisms (4) 28.6   (4.3) (32.9) Other 10.0   2.0  (8.0) Total other operation and maintenance $ 1,737.9   $ 1,547.9  $ (190.0) (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 2025 and 2024, $618.5 million and $565.3 million, respectively, of costs were billed to our electric utilities by transmission providers. (2)     Regulatory amortizations and other pass through expenses are substantially offset in margins and therefore do not have a significant impact on net income. (3)     Represents costs associated with the We Power generation units, including operating and maintenance costs recognized by WE. During 2025 and 2024, $125.1 million and $115.8 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. See Note 26, Regulatory Environment, for more information. The following tables provide information on delivered sales volumes by customer class and weather statistics: Year Ended December 31 Electric Sales Volumes (MWh - in thousands) 2025 2024 B (W) Customer class Residential 11,411.0   11,025.3  385.7 Small commercial and industrial (1) 13,019.5   12,815.8  203.7 Large commercial and industrial (1) 12,061.3   11,966.7  94.6 Other 117.7   125.1  (7.4) Total retail (1) 36,609.5   35,932.9  676.6 Wholesale 1,747.3   1,648.2  99.1 Resale 5,702.7   5,863.1  (160.4) Total sales in MWh (1) 44,059.5   43,444.2  615.3 (1)     Includes distribution sales for customers who have purchased power from an alternative electric supplier in Michigan. Year Ended December 31 Natural Gas Sales Volumes (Therms - in millions) 2025 2024 B (W) Customer class Residential 1,125.8   968.5  157.3 Commercial and industrial 737.0   625.2  111.8 Total retail 1,862.8   1,593.7  269.1 Transportation 1,381.2   1,316.5  64.7 Total sales in therms 3,244.0   2,910.2  333.8 2025 Form 10-K 52 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Year Ended December 31 Weather (Degree Days) (1) 2025 2024 B (W) WE and WG Heating (6,351 Normal) 6,641   5,190  28.0  % Cooling (723 Normal) 789   831  (5.1) % WPS Heating (7,210 Normal) 7,217   6,015  20.0  % Cooling (580 Normal) 653   608  7.4  % UMERC Heating (8,242 Normal) 8,201   7,190  14.1  % Cooling (353 Normal) 388   317  22.4  % (1)     Normal degree days are based on a 20-year moving average of monthly temperature readings from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather stations within each company's respective service territories. 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 (in millions) 2025 2024 B (W) Electric revenues $ 5,547.4   $ 4,921.6  $ 625.8 Natural gas revenues 1,748.1   1,408.9  339.2 Operating revenues 7,295.5   6,330.5  965.0 Operating expenses Fuel and purchased power (1,674.9) (1,455.7) (219.2) Cost of natural gas sold (871.5) (661.9) (209.6) Other operation and maintenance (1) (1,223.8) (1,095.1) (128.7) Depreciation and amortization (1,008.1) (919.9) (88.2) Property and revenue taxes (178.7) (169.6) (9.1) Gross margin (GAAP) 2,338.5   2,028.3  310.2 Other operation and maintenance (1) 1,223.8   1,095.1  128.7 Depreciation and amortization 1,008.1   919.9  88.2 Property and revenue taxes 178.7   169.6  9.1 Utility margin (non-GAAP) $ 4,749.1   $ 4,212.9  $ 536.2 (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. Gross margin (GAAP) at the Wisconsin segment increased $310.2 million during 2025, compared with 2024, and utility margin (non-GAAP) increased $536.2 million during 2025, compared with 2024. Both measures were driven by: • A $402.4 million increase in margins driven by the impact of the Wisconsin rate orders approved by the PSCW, effective January 1, 2025. See Note 26, Regulatory Environment, for more information. • A $135.5 million increase in margins related to higher retail sales volumes, driven by the impact of favorable weather during 2025, compared with 2024. As measured by heating degree days, 2025 was 28.0% and 20.0% colder than 2024 in the Milwaukee area and Green Bay area, respectively. As measured by cooling degree days, 2025 was 7.4% warmer than 2024 in the WPS service area. 2025 Form 10-K 53 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents 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: • An $88.2 million increase in depreciation and amortization expense; • A $46.2 million increase in other operating and maintenance related to our power plants; • A $41.6 million increase in transmission expense; • A $32.2 million increase in electric and natural gas distribution expenses; • A $10.0 million increase in expense related to the resolution of certain items in our rate orders; and • A $9.1 million increase in property and revenues 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 $287.3 million during 2025, compared with 2024. The significant factors impacting the increase in other operating expenses were: • An $88.2 million increase in depreciation and amortization expense, driven by assets being placed into service as we continue to execute on our capital plan. • A $46.2 million increase 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 new renewable generation facilities placed in service during 2025. • A $41.6 million increase in transmission expense as approved by the PSCW in our Wisconsin rate orders, effective January 1, 2025. See the notes under the other operation and maintenance table above for more information. • A $32.9 million increase in expense related to the earnings sharing mechanisms in place at our Wisconsin utilities, as discussed in the notes under the other operation and maintenance table above. See Note 26, Regulatory Environment, for more information. • A $32.2 million increase in electric and natural gas distribution expenses, driven by higher costs to maintain the distribution systems. • A $15.9 million increase in regulatory amortizations and other pass through expenses, as discussed in the notes under the other operation and maintenance table above. • A $12.4 million increase in expense driven by higher commitments made in 2025 to fund our charitable foundations. • A $10.0 million increase in expense, driven by the resolution of certain items as a result of the December 2024 Wisconsin rate orders approved by the PSCW, as well as the October 2024 UMERC rate order approved by the MPSC. • A $9.1 million increase in property and revenue taxes during 2025, compared with 2024, driven by a 2024 adjustment related to a sales tax audit at WE. • A $6.2 million increase in environmental costs. These increases in other operating expenses were partially offset by a $12.8 million decrease in benefit costs. Other Income, Net Other income, net at the Wisconsin segment decreased $50.1 million during 2025, compared with 2024, driven by an $83.6 million negative impact from the non-service components of our net periodic pension and OPEB costs. In accordance with our December 2025 Form 10-K 54 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents 2024 PSCW rate orders, in 2025 we began amortizing our pension and OPEB costs that were previously deferred under escrow accounting. During 2025, we amortized $48.4 million of the previously deferred non-service costs as we are now collecting these costs in rates. See Note 20, Employee Benefits, for more information on our benefit costs. This decrease in other income, net was partially offset by a $39.5 million positive impact from higher AFUDC-Equity due to continued capital investment. Interest Expense Interest expense at the Wisconsin segment increased $1.4 million during 2025, compared with 2024. The increase was primarily due to the impact of long-term debt issuances in 2024 and 2025. Partially offsetting this increase was long-term debt maturities for WE, WPS, and WG in 2024 and 2025. See Note 14, Long-Term Debt, for more information. Also offsetting the increase was higher AFUDC-Debt due to continued capital investment, lower average short-term debt balances, and lower average short-term debt interest rates. Income Tax Expense Income tax expense at the Wisconsin segment increased $5.7 million during 2025, compared with 2024, driven by higher pre-tax income. This increase in income tax expense was partially offset by: • A $23.3 million increase in PTCs; and • A $20.4 million increase in the benefit from the flow through of tax repairs in connection with the Wisconsin rate orders approved by the PSCW, effective January 1, 2025. See Note 16, Income Taxes, for more information. Illinois Segment Contribution to Net Income Attributed to Common Shareholders The Illinois segment's contribution to net income attributed to common shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2025 was $122.1 million, representing a $130.0 million, or 51.6%, decrease from the prior year. The decrease was driven by a $205.0 million pre-tax charge to income in 2025 due to PGL and NSG agreeing on the terms of a proposed settlement with the Illinois Attorney General that would resolve all open proceedings related to the UEA and QIP riders. Partially offsetting this decrease was a year-over-year positive impact from a $25.3 million pre-tax charge to income in 2024 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. 2025 Form 10-K 55 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Since the majority of PGL and NSG customers use natural gas for heating, net income attributed to common shareholders at the Illinois segment is sensitive to weather and is generally higher during the winter months. Year Ended December 31 (in millions) 2025 2024 B (W) Operating revenues $ 1,683.6   $ 1,602.4  $ 81.2 Operating expenses Cost of natural gas sold 508.0   376.7  (131.3) Other operation and maintenance 482.2   461.5  (20.7) Impairments 130.0   12.1  (117.9) Depreciation and amortization 259.7   255.4  (4.3) Property and revenue taxes 55.5   59.9  4.4 Operating income 248.2   436.8  (188.6) Other income, net 8.6   7.6  1.0 Interest expense 88.9   94.7  5.8 Income before income taxes 167.9   349.7  (181.8) Income tax expense 45.8   97.6  51.8 Net income attributed to common shareholders $ 122.1   $ 252.1  $ (130.0) The following table shows a breakdown of other operation and maintenance: Year Ended December 31 (in millions) 2025 2024 B (W) Operation and maintenance not included in the line items below $ 323.2   $ 318.5  $ (4.7) Riders (1) 154.2   139.7  (14.5) Regulatory amortizations (1) 2.8   2.3  (0.5) Other 2.0   1.0  (1.0) Total other operation and maintenance $ 482.2   $ 461.5  $ (20.7) (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 Natural Gas Sales Volumes (Therms - in millions) 2025 2024 B (W) Customer Class Residential 855.9   745.4  110.5 Commercial and industrial 317.6   287.7  29.9 Total retail 1,173.5   1,033.1  140.4 Transportation 775.1   707.8  67.3 Total sales in therms 1,948.6   1,740.9  207.7 Year Ended December 31 Weather (Degree Days) (1) 2025 2024 B (W) Heating (5,895 Normal) 5,869   4,848  21.1  % (1)     Normal heating degree days are based on a 12-year moving average of monthly temperature readings from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather stations throughout our Illinois service territories. 2025 Form 10-K 56 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 (in millions) 2025 2024 B (W) Operating revenues $ 1,683.6   $ 1,602.4  $ 81.2 Operating expenses Cost of natural gas sold (508.0) (376.7) (131.3) Other operation and maintenance (1) (233.6) (227.2) (6.4) Depreciation and amortization (259.7) (255.4) (4.3) Property and revenue taxes (55.5) (59.9) 4.4 Gross margin (GAAP) 626.8   683.2  (56.4) Other operation and maintenance (1) 233.6   227.2  6.4 Depreciation and amortization 259.7   255.4  4.3 Property and revenue taxes 55.5   59.9  (4.4) Utility margin (non-GAAP) $ 1,175.6   $ 1,225.7  $ (50.1) (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. Gross margin (GAAP) at the Illinois segment decreased $56.4 million during 2025, compared with 2024, and utility margin (non-GAAP) decreased $50.1 million during 2025, compared with 2024. Both measures were driven by a $75.0 million decrease in revenues due to PGL and NSG agreeing on the terms of a proposed settlement with the Illinois Attorney General that would resolve all open proceedings related to the QIP and UEA riders. See Note 26, Regulatory Environment, for more information. This decrease in gross margin (GAAP) and utility margin (non-GAAP) was partially offset by: • A $14.5 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. • A $12.9 million increase in revenues driven by a disallowance recorded in 2024 related to an ICC order received in August 2024 related to PGL's 2016 Rider QIP reconciliation prudency review, which required refunds to ratepayers for amounts previously collected related to the disallowance of certain capital costs. See Note 26, Regulatory Environment, for more information. • A $2.2 million increase in revenues related to the impact of the NSG rate order issued by the ICC, effective February 1, 2024. Additionally, the larger decrease in gross margin (GAAP) as compared with the decrease in utility margin (non-GAAP), was driven by the following items that are further described in Other Operating Expenses below: • A $4.3 million increase in depreciation and amortization expense; • A $3.7 million increase in costs associated with maintenance at the Manlove Gas Storage Field; and • A partially offsetting $4.4 million decrease in property and revenue taxes. 2025 Form 10-K 57 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Other Operating Expenses (includes other operation and maintenance, impairments, depreciation and amortization, and property and revenue taxes) Other operating expenses at the Illinois segment increased $124.0 million, net of the $14.5 million impact of the riders referenced in the table above, during 2025, compared with 2024. The significant factors impacting the increase in other operating expenses were: • A $130.0 million impairment related to PGL and NSG agreeing on the terms of a proposed settlement with the Illinois Attorney General that would resolve all open proceedings related to the QIP and UEA riders. See Note 26, Regulatory Environment, for more information. • A $7.4 million increase in expense primarily associated with the favorable settlement of a legal claim during 2024. • A $4.3 million increase in depreciation and amortization expense, driven by assets being placed into service as we continue to execute on our capital plan. • A $3.7 million increase in costs associated with maintenance at the Manlove Gas Storage Field. These increases in operating expenses were partially offset by: • A $12.1 million impairment recorded in 2024 related to an ICC order received in August 2024 related to the 2016 annual prudency review of PGL's QIP rider, which included a disallowance of certain capital costs. See Note 26, Regulatory Environment, for more information. • A $4.4 million decrease in property and revenue taxes, driven by the invested capital tax. Interest Expense Interest expense at the Illinois segment decreased $5.8 million during 2025, compared with 2024, due to lower average short-term debt balances, lower average short-term debt interest rates, and the impact of a series of PGL's first mortgage bonds maturing in November 2024. Income Tax Expense Income tax expense at the Illinois segment decreased $51.8 million during 2025, compared with 2024, 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, 2025 was $60.8 million, representing a $6.3 million, or 11.6%, increase over the prior year. The increase was driven by higher margins related to positive impacts from MGU's rate increase that was effective January 1, 2025, MERC's rate increase that was effective March 1, 2024, and an increase in retail sales volumes. These increases in earnings were partially offset by higher operating expenses. See Note 26, Regulatory Environment, for more information on the MGU and MERC rate increases. 2025 Form 10-K 58 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Since the majority of MERC and MGU customers use natural gas for heating, net income attributed to common shareholders is sensitive to weather and is generally higher during the winter months. Year Ended December 31 (in millions) 2025 2024 B (W) Operating revenues $ 527.5   $ 449.8  $ 77.7 Operating expenses Cost of natural gas sold 246.3   198.6  (47.7) Other operation and maintenance 104.6   93.9  (10.7) Depreciation and amortization 49.8   47.0  (2.8) Property and revenue taxes 26.2   21.0  (5.2) Operating income 100.6   89.3  11.3 Other income, net 0.4   0.3  0.1 Interest expense 19.2   16.4  (2.8) Income before income taxes 81.8   73.2  8.6 Income tax expense 21.0   18.7  (2.3) Net income attributed to common shareholders $ 60.8   $ 54.5  $ 6.3 The following table shows a breakdown of other operation and maintenance: Year Ended December 31 (in millions) 2025 2024 B (W) Operation and maintenance not included in line item below $ 81.9   $ 76.8  $ (5.1) Regulatory amortizations and other pass through expenses  (1) 22.7   17.1  (5.6) Total other operation and maintenance $ 104.6   $ 93.9  $ (10.7) (1)     Regulatory amortizations and other pass through expenses are substantially offset in margins and therefore do not have a significant impact on net income. The following tables provide information on delivered sales volumes by customer class and weather statistics: Year Ended December 31 Natural Gas Sales Volumes ( Therms - in millions) 2025 2024 B (W) Customer Class Residential 325.9   285.2  40.7 Commercial and industrial 209.2   179.9  29.3 Total retail 535.1   465.1  70.0 Transportation 759.3   828.5  (69.2) Total sales in therms 1,294.4   1,293.6  0.8 Year Ended December 31 Weather (Degree Days) (1) 2025 2024 B (W) MERC Heating (7,888 Normal) 7,714   6,792  13.6  % MGU Heating (6,095 Normal) 6,126   5,083  20.5  % (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 temperature readings from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather stations throughout their respective service territories. 2025 Form 10-K 59 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents 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 (in millions) 2025 2024 B (W) Operating revenues $ 527.5   $ 449.8  $ 77.7 Operating expenses Cost of natural gas sold (246.3) (198.6) (47.7) Other operation and maintenance (1) (59.0) (55.4) (3.6) Depreciation and amortization (49.8) (47.0) (2.8) Property and revenue taxes (26.2) (21.0) (5.2) Gross margin (GAAP) 146.2   127.8  18.4 Other operation and maintenance (1) 59.0   55.4  3.6 Depreciation and amortization 49.8   47.0  2.8 Property and revenue taxes 26.2   21.0  5.2 Utility margin (non-GAAP) $ 281.2   $ 251.2  $ 30.0 (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. Gross margin (GAAP) increased $18.4 million during 2025, compared to 2024, and utility margin (non-GAAP) increased $30.0 million during 2025, compared to 2024. Both measures were driven by: • A $10.5 million increase related to MGU's rate increase that was effective January 1, 2025, and MERC's rate increase that was effective March 1, 2024. • A $10.3 million increase related to higher sales volumes, driven by colder weather during 2025, compared to 2024. As measured by heating degree days, 2025 was 13.6% and 20.5% colder than 2024 at MERC and MGU, respectively. • A $5.3 million increase 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. • A $3.3 million increase related to MGU's energy optimization program, which provides rebates, incentives, and energy efficiency education to customers. 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 $5.2 million increase in property and revenue taxes; • A $3.6 million increase in natural gas operations and customer service expense; and • A $2.8 million increase in depreciation and amortization. 2025 Form 10-K 60 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Other Operating Expenses (includes other operation and maintenance, depreciation and amortization, and property and revenue taxes) Other operating expenses at the other states segment increased $18.7 million during 2025, compared with 2024. The significant factors impacting the increase in operating expenses were: • A $5.3 million increase in operation and maintenance expense related to MERC's CIP program, which has an offsetting increase in margins. • A $5.2 million increase in property and revenue taxes, driven by the year-over-year impact from a positive resolution of a use tax audit at MGU during 2024. • A $3.6 million increase in natural gas operations and customer service expense, driven by higher metering costs and call center expense at MERC and MGU. • A $2.8 million increase in depreciation and amortization related to continued capital investment. • A $1.4 million increase in bad debt expense, primarily at MERC. MERC's bad debt expense was lower in 2024 due to reserve adjustments related to improved loss rates. Interest Expense Interest expense at the other states segment increased $2.8 million during 2025, compared with 2024, driven by the impact of MERC issuing long-term debt in April 2025 and MGU issuing long-term debt in October 2024 and April 2025. This increase was partially offset by lower average short-term debt interest rates. Income Tax Expense Income tax expense at the other states segment increased $2.3 million during 2025, compared with 2024, driven by an increase in pre-tax income. Electric Transmission Segment Contribution to Net Income Attributed to Common Shareholders Year Ended December 31 (in millions) 2025 2024 B (W) Equity in earnings of transmission affiliates $ 215.8   $ 207.5  $ 8.3 Interest expense 19.3   19.4  0.1 Income before income taxes 196.5   188.1  8.4 Income tax expense 48.9   47.1  (1.8) Net income attributed to common shareholders $ 147.6   $ 141.0  $ 6.6 Equity in Earnings of Transmission Affiliates Equity in earnings of transmission affiliates increased $8.3 million during 2025, compared with 2024. This increase was primarily due to continued capital investment by ATC. A $3.6 million gain related to the sale of an investment at ATC Holdco in March 2025 also contributed to the increase. Partially offsetting these increases was a $20.1 million increase in equity earnings recognized in 2024 related to the impact of a FERC order issued in October 2024 that addressed 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. Income Tax Expense Income tax expense at the electric transmission segment increased $1.8 million during 2025, compared with 2024, driven by an increase in pre-tax income. 2025 Form 10-K 61 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Non-Utility Energy Infrastructure Segment Contribution to Net Income Attributed to Common Shareholders Year Ended December 31 (in millions) 2025 2024 B (W) Operating income $ 405.3   $ 393.0  $ 12.3 Other income, net 2.8   1.0  1.8 Interest expense 123.1   99.7  (23.4) Income before income taxes 285.0   294.3  (9.3) Income tax benefit (122.9) (82.4) 40.5 Net loss attributed to noncontrolling interests 3.2   4.1  (0.9) Net income attributed to common shareholders $ 411.1   $ 380.8  $ 30.3 Operating Income Operating income at the non-utility energy infrastructure segment increased $12.3 million during 2025, compared with 2024, driven by these items at WECI: • A $26.4 million increase in operating income from new investments in several WECI renewable generation facilities made in late 2024 and early 2025. • A $7.5 million positive impact due to lower transmission congestion that increased energy market prices. These increases in operating income were partially offset by: • A $15.9 million impairment loss recorded at Samson I, Delilah I, and Thunderhead related to storm damage. • A $7.9 million increase in operation and maintenance expenses due primarily to a higher number of equipment repairs at our renewable generation facilities. • A $2.2 million negative impact in 2025 related to the receipt of lower performance payments. In addition to the above items at WECI, there was a $4.5 million positive impact from We Power due to continued capital investment. Interest Expense Interest expense at the non-utility energy infrastructure segment increased $23.4 million during 2025, compared with 2024, driven by the impact of WECI Energy Holding III issuing long-term debt in December 2024. Income Tax Benefit The income tax benefit at the non-utility energy infrastructure segment increased $40.5 million during 2025, compared with 2024. The increase was primarily due to an increase in PTCs that was related to the acquisition of additional renewable generation facilities in the fourth quarter of 2024 and the first quarter of 2025, and an IRS approved PTC rate increase, partially offset by lower production volumes. 2025 Form 10-K 62 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Corporate and Other Segment Contribution to Net Income Attributed to Common Shareholders Year Ended December 31 (in millions) 2025 2024 B (W) Operating loss $ (11.5) $ (11.3) $ (0.2) Other income, net 30.6   54.4  (23.8) Interest expense 359.0   310.0  (49.0) Gain on debt extinguishment —   (23.1) (23.1) Loss before income taxes (339.9) (243.8) (96.1) Income tax benefit (101.0) (79.5) 21.5 Net loss attributed to common shareholders $ (238.9) $ (164.3) $ (74.6) Other Income, Net Other income, net at the corporate and other segment decreased $23.8 million during 2025, compared with 2024. The significant factors impacting the decrease in other income, net were: • A $15.1 million decrease due to net losses of $12.8 million from our equity method investments in technology and energy-focused investment funds during 2025, compared with net earnings of $2.3 million during 2024. • A $6.6 million decrease in interest income, driven by the year-over-year negative impact from a $3.5 million gain recorded in 2024 related to the redemption of a long-term intercompany note WECI issued to WEC Energy Group. This decrease in intercompany interest income was offset by lower intercompany interest expense at our non-utility energy infrastructure segment. Lower interest income on cash balances of $3.4 million also contributed to the decrease in interest income. • A $3.6 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 $49.0 million during 2025, compared with 2024, primarily due to the impact of long-term debt issuances in May and December 2024, as well as June and November 2025. This increase was partially offset by long-term debt maturities and redemptions. See Note 14, Long-Term Debt, for more information. Also partially offsetting the increase was lower than average short-term debt interest rates. Gain on Debt Extinguishments There was no gain on debt extinguishments during 2025, as we did not have an early settlement on any debt obligations. In 2024, the gain on debt extinguishments was driven by the early retirement of a portion of both our 5.60% Senior Notes due September 12, 2026 and our 1.80% Senior Notes due October 15, 2030. Also, during 2024, we recorded gains on redemptions and repurchases of our 2007 Junior Notes. Income Tax Benefit The income tax benefit at the corporate and other segment increased $21.5 million during 2025, compared with 2024, driven by an increase in pre-tax loss. 2025 Form 10-K 63 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES Overview We expect to maintain adequate liquidity to meet our cash requirements for operation of our businesses and implementation of our corporate strategy through internal generation of cash from operations and access to the capital markets. The following discussion and analysis of our Liquidity and Capital Resources includes comparisons of our cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2025 with the year ended December 31, 2024. For a similar discussion that compares our cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2024 with the year ended December 31, 2023, see Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources in Part II of our 2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which was filed with the SEC on February 21, 2025. Cash Flows The following table summarizes our cash flows during the years ended December 31: (in millions) 2025 2024 Change in 2025 Over 2024 Cash provided by (used in): Operating activities $ 3,379.4   $ 3,211.8  $ 167.6 Investing activities (4,874.7) (3,802.5) (1,072.2) Financing activities 1,524.0   467.7  1,056.3 Operating Activities Net cash provided by operating activities increased $167.6 million during 2025, compared with 2024, driven by: • A $338.7 million increase in cash from higher overall collections from customers during 2025, compared with 2024. This increase was driven by the impact of the Wisconsin rate orders approved by the PSCW, effective January 1, 2025, and higher sales volumes from favorable weather during 2025, compared with 2024. • A $42.3 million increase in cash from lower payments for environmental remediation related to work completed on former manufactured gas plant sites during 2025, compared with 2024. • A $36.5 million increase in cash from higher distributions from ATC during 2025, compared with 2024. See Note 21, Investment in Transmission Affiliates, for more information. These increases in net cash provided by operating activities were partially offset by: • A $163.6 million decrease in cash from higher payments for operating and maintenance expenses. During 2025, our payments were higher due to increased transmission costs, operating and maintenance costs related to our plants, and electric and natural gas distribution costs. • A $72.8 million decrease in cash from higher payments for interest driven by higher amounts of outstanding long-term debt in 2025, compared with 2024, partially offset by lower payments for interest due to a decrease in short-term interest rates during 2025, compared with 2024. • A $20.1 million decrease in cash driven by higher amounts of collateral paid to counterparties during 2025, compared with 2024, partially offset by lower realized losses on derivative instruments recognized during 2025, compared with 2024. 2025 Form 10-K 64 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Investing Activities Net cash used in investing activities increased $1,072.2 million during 2025, compared with 2024, driven by: • A $1,617.0 million increase in cash paid for capital expenditures during 2025, compared with 2024, which is discussed in more detail below. • The acquisition of a 90% ownership interest in Hardin III in February 2025 for $406.1 million, net of cash acquired of $0.2 million. • A $96.9 million increase in capital contributions paid to transmission affiliates during 2025, compared with 2024. See Note 21, Investment in Transmission Affiliates, for more information. These increases in net cash used in investing activities were partially offset by: • The acquisition of a 90% ownership interest in 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. • The acquisition of an additional 13.7% ownership interest in West Riverside in May 2024 for $97.9 million. • A $31.7 million increase in cash received from ATC during 2025, compared with 2024, for the reimbursement of transmission infrastructure upgrades. 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) 2025 2024 Change in 2025 Over 2024 Wisconsin $ 3,860.1   $ 2,247.1  $ 1,613.0 Illinois 306.1   343.0  (36.9) Other states 112.5   118.3  (5.8) Non-utility energy infrastructure 98.6   52.1  46.5 Corporate and other 20.8   20.6  0.2 Total capital expenditures $ 4,398.1   $ 2,781.1  $ 1,617.0 The increase in cash paid for capital expenditures at the Wisconsin segment during 2025, compared with 2024, was driven by an increase in capital expenditures for the following: renewable energy projects at WE, WPS, and UMERC; CTs and an LNG facility at OCPP; WE's and WPS's electric distribution systems; and software to enhance productivity, collaboration, and overall efficiency across the company. These increases in capital expenditures were partially offset by decreased payments for construction of WPS's service center completed in October 2024 and WG's LNG facility completed in February 2024. The decrease in cash paid for capital expenditures at the Illinois segment during 2025, compared with 2024, was driven by lower payments related to PGL's upgrade of its natural gas delivery system. 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. This decrease in capital expenditures was partially offset by increased capital expenditures at Manlove Gas Storage Field. The increase in cash paid for capital expenditures at the non-utility energy infrastructure segment during 2025, compared with 2024, was driven by an increase in capital expenditures related to new generator units at ERGS and PWGS. See Liquidity and Capital Resources – Cash Requirements – Significant Capital Projects below for more information. 2025 Form 10-K 65 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Financing Activities Net cash provided by financing activities increased $1,056.3 million during 2025, compared with 2024, driven by: • A $1,709.7 million increase in cash due to $806.9 million of net borrowings of commercial paper during 2025, compared with $902.8 million of net repayments of commercial paper during 2024. • A $598.5 million increase in cash due to higher issuances of common stock during 2025, compared with 2024. See Note 11, Common Equity, for more information. • A $409.1 million increase in cash due to lower retirements of long-term debt during 2025, compared with 2024. • The purchase of an additional 10% ownership interest in Samson I in January 2024 for $28.1 million. See Note 2, Acquisitions, for more information. • A $15.4 million increase in cash related to a higher number of stock options exercised during 2025, compared with 2024. These increases in net cash provided by financing activities were partially offset by: • A $1,616.4 million decrease in cash due to lower issuances of long-term debt during 2025, compared with 2024. • A $91.6 million decrease in cash due to higher dividends paid on our common stock during 2025, compared with 2024. In January 2025, our Board of Directors increased our quarterly dividend by $0.0575 per share (6.9%) effective with the March 2025 dividend payment. Significant Financing Activities For more information on our financing activities, see Note 11, Common Equity , 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. 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 and regulatory 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) 2026 2027 2028 Wisconsin $ 4,223.0  $ 5,952.5  $ 5,949.7 Illinois 566.6  738.4  744.0 Other states 115.0  110.5  125.5 Non-utility energy infrastructure 98.2  132.5  125.0 Corporate and other 15.3  15.6  21.4 Total $ 5,018.1  $ 6,949.5  $ 6,965.6 2025 Form 10-K 66 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents We are committed to investing in solar, wind, battery storage, and natural gas-fired generation. In addition, o ur utilities continue to upgrade their electric and natural gas distribution systems to enhance reliability. Below are the anticipated amounts for the next three years for generation, LNG, and distribution projects that are proposed or currently underway. (in millions) 2026 2027 2028 Generation: Solar $ 734.3  $ 1,693.6  $ 1,713.1 Wind 160.9  311.7  654.3 Battery 258.4  413.1  253.5 Thermal 945.7  1,582.7  1,424.5 Other 481.8  309.0  365.8 LNG 178.0  82.0  112.0 Distribution: Electric distribution 972.2  946.4  973.3 Gas distribution 1,286.8  1,611.0  1,469.1 Total $ 5,018.1  $ 6,949.5  $ 6,965.6 The DOC set duties on solar panels and cells imported from four southeast Asian countries and is investigating additional AD/CVD allegations relating to Chinese-owned manufacturers in Laos and Indonesia, as well as India-headquartered companies. 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, and Legal Matters – Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act for information on the duties set by the DOC and its current investigation, as well as CBP actions, respectively. The expected in-service dates and costs identified above already reflect some of these impacts. See Factors Affecting Results, Liquidity, and Capital Resources — Regulatory, Legislative, and Legal Matters — Renewable Energy Legislation for potential impacts to our capital projects as a result of the OBBBA. In accordance with its November 2023 PGL rate order, the ICC initiated a proceeding in January 2024 to determine the optimal method and prudent investment level for replacing aging natural gas infrastructure. In February 2025, the ICC issued an order setting expectations for PGL's prospective retirement of its aging natural gas infrastructure. The ICC directed us to focus on retiring all cast and ductile iron pipe that has a diameter of less than 36 inches by January 1, 2035. PGL is working on retiring this cast and ductile iron pipe through its PRP. Annual investment for pipe replacement is expected to ramp up to approximately $500 million in 2028. For information on regulatory proceedings related to this matter, see Note 26, Regulatory Environment, and Factors Affecting Results, Liquidity, and Capital Resources – Regulatory, Legislative, and Legal Matters – Illinois Proceedings. We expect to provide total capital contributions to ATC (not included in the above table) of approximately $645 million from 2026 through 2028. We do not expect to make any contributions to ATC Holdco during that period. WEC's portion of the investment in MISO Tranche 1 and Tranche 2.1 is estimated to be approximately $700 million and $400 million, respectively, between 2026 and 2030, 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. Tranche 2.1 is the second phase of long range transmission planning and builds on the foundation of Tranche 1. 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. The following table summarizes our required interest payments on long-term debt as of December 31, 2025: 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 $ 8,972.8  $ 819.3  $ 1,430.9  $ 1,010.1  $ 5,712.5 2025 Form 10-K 67 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Common Stock Dividends On January 22, 2026, our Board of Directors increased our quarterly dividend to $0.9525 per share effective with the first quarter of 2026 dividend payment, an increase of 6.7%. This equates to an annual dividend of $3.81 per share. We have been paying consecutive quarterly dividends dating back to 1942 and expect to continue paying quarterly cash dividends in the future. Any payment of future dividends is subject to approval by our Board of Directors and is dependent upon future earnings, capital requirements, and financial and other business conditions. In addition, our ability as a holding company to pay common stock dividends primarily depends on the availability of funds received from our subsidiaries. Various financing arrangements and regulatory requirements impose certain restrictions on the ability of our subsidiaries to transfer funds to us in the form of cash dividends, loans, or advances. We do not believe that these restrictions will materially affect our operations or limit any dividend payments in the foreseeable future. See Note 11, Common Equity, for more information related to these restrictions and our other common stock matters. Other Significant Cash Requirements Our utility and non-utility operations have purchase obligations under various contracts for the procurement of fuel, power, and gas supply, as well as the related storage and transportation. These costs are a significant component of funding our ongoing operations. See Note 24, Commitments and Contingencies, for more information, including our minimum future commitments related to these purchase obligations. In addition to our energy-related purchase obligations, we have commitments for other costs incurred in the normal course of business, including costs related to information technology services, meter reading services, maintenance and other service agreements for certain generating facilities, and various engineering agreements. Our estimated future cash requirements related to these purchase obligations, excluding energy-related obligations, are reflected below. Payments Due by Period (in millions) Total Less Than 1 Year 1-3 Years 3-5 Years More Than 5 Years Purchase orders $ 580.5  $ 278.0  $ 198.4  $ 63.5  $ 40.6 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 2026 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, 2025 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. 2025 Form 10-K 68 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Sources of Cash Liquidity We anticipate meeting our short-term and long-term cash requirements to operate our businesses and implement our corporate strategy through internal generation of cash from operations and access to the capital markets, 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. We also issue 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. 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 2026, 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, 2025, our current liabilities exceeded our current assets by $2,308.7 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, 2025, these trusts had investments of approximately $3.6 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 2025 Form 10-K 69 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents 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, 2025 and 2024, 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: 2025 2024 (in millions) Actual Adjusted (1) Actual Adjusted (2) Common shareholders' equity $ 13,613.6   $ 14,288.6   $ 12,395.0  $ 12,770.0 Preferred stock of subsidiary 30.4   30.4   30.4  30.4 Long-term debt (including current portion) 20,017.5   19,342.5   18,907.1  18,532.1 Short-term debt 1,924.7   1,924.7   1,116.6  1,116.6 Total capitalization $ 35,586.2   $ 35,586.2   $ 32,449.1  $ 32,449.1 Total debt $ 21,942.2   $ 21,267.2   $ 20,023.7  $ 19,648.7 Ratio of debt to total capitalization 61.7   % 59.8   % 61.7  % 60.6  % (1)     Included in long-term debt on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2025, was $600.0 million principal amount of WEC Energy Group's 2025 Junior Notes due 2056 and $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, 2025 attributes $675.0 million of the Junior Notes to common equity and $675.0 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, 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 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. 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 2025 Junior Notes and 2024 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, 2025, 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, 2025. 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, 2025, it could have been required to post $106 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. 2025 Form 10-K 70 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents In March 2025, Moody's changed the rating outlook for PGL to stable from negative as a result of the ICC's February 2025 order setting expectations for PGL's retirement of aging natural gas infrastructure. 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. In November 2025, Moody's changed the rating outlook for WPS to negative and WG to positive, both from stable. The negative outlook of WPS reflects the change in its financial ratios during 2025 along with the growing leverage associated with WPS's investments. Moody's affirmed WPS's ratings, including its A2 Issuer and senior unsecured ratings and Prime-1 commercial paper rating. The positive outlook for WG is a result of strong financial ratios that Moody's expects to be sustained over the next 12-18 months. Moody's also affirmed WG's ratings including its A3 senior unsecured rating and Prime-2 commercial paper rating. Subject to other factors affecting the credit markets as a whole, we believe our current ratings should provide a significant degree of flexibility in obtaining funds on competitive terms. However, these security ratings reflect the views of the rating agency only. An explanation of the significance of these ratings may be obtained from the rating agency. Such ratings are not a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold securities. Any rating can be revised upward or downward or withdrawn at any time by a rating agency. FACTORS AFFECTING RESULTS, LIQUIDITY, AND CAPITAL RESOURCES Competitive Markets Electric Utility Industry The FERC supports large RTOs, which directly impacts the structure of the wholesale electric market. Due to the FERC's support of RTOs, MISO uses the MISO Energy Markets to carry out its operations, including the use of LMPs to value electric transmission congestion and losses. Increased competition in the retail and wholesale markets, which may result from restructuring efforts, could have a significant and adverse financial impact on us. Wisconsin Electric utility revenues in Wisconsin are regulated by the PSCW. The PSCW continues to maintain the position that the question of whether to implement electric retail competition in Wisconsin should ultimately be decided by the Wisconsin legislature. No such legislation has been introduced in Wisconsin to date, 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, 2025, 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. 2025 Form 10-K 71 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents 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 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. 2025 Form 10-K 72 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents 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. Illinois Riders 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 customers at PGL and NSG, respectively. These amounts were refunded over a period of nine months, which began on September 1, 2023. Upon appeal by PGL and NSG, the Illinois Appellate Court affirmed the ICC order and the related disallowance. The Illinois Supreme Court denied a subsequent petition for review and reversal of the order in March 2025. As of December 31, 2025, there can be no assurance that all costs incurred under the UEA rider during the open reconciliation years will be deemed recoverable by the ICC. Future disallowances by the ICC could be material. The combined annual costs of PGL and NSG included in the rider, which reflect uncollectible write-offs in excess of what is recovered in base rates, have ranged from $10 million to $40 million. However, see Uncollectible Expense Adjustment and Qualifying Infrastructure Plant Riders Settlement below for information on a proposed settlement that would resolve all open proceedings. 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. In October 2024, PGL filed a petition with the Illinois Appellate Court for review of the ICC's August 2024 order; however, in January 2026, PGL filed an unopposed motion to stay the appeal, which was granted by the court. PGL's QIP reconciliations from 2017 through 2023 are still pending. Future disallowances by the ICC could be material. The aggregate capital costs included in the rider during the open reconciliation years, along with any previously recognized return on these investments, totaled approximately $3.0 billion as of December 31, 2025. However, see Uncollectible Expense Adjustment and Qualifying Infrastructure Plant Riders Settlement below for information on a proposed settlement that would resolve all open proceedings. 2025 Form 10-K 73 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Uncollectible Expense Adjustment and Qualifying Infrastructure Plant Riders Settlement In February 2026, PGL and NSG agreed on the terms of a proposed settlement with the Illinois Attorney General that, if approved by the ICC, would resolve all open proceedings related to the UEA and QIP riders. PGL and NSG agreed to refund $49.0 million and $1.0 million, respectively, to customers as bill credits over a three year period between 2026 and 2028 to resolve the open UEA proceedings. In order to resolve the open QIP proceedings, PGL agreed to permanently remove $130.0 million of qualified infrastructure investment costs from rate base starting in 2027 and to refund $75.0 million to customers as bill credits over a three year period between 2026 and 2028. As a result of this agreement, we recorded a $205.0 million charge to income during the fourth quarter of 2025. The charge was recorded as a $130.0 million impairment to PGL's net property, plant, and equipment and a $75.0 million reduction to revenues. The total of the rate base reduction and the obligation to refund amounts to customers through bill credits recorded on our balance sheet at December 31, 2025 is $255.0 million. This includes the $205.0 million charge to income recorded during 2025 and a $50.0 million charge to income recorded in prior years. This proposed settlement is subject to ICC approval following a public review process. Illinois Proceedings In the PGL rate order issued by the ICC in November 2023, the ICC ordered PGL to pause spending on its projects to upgrade its natural gas delivery system 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. In February 2025, the ICC issued an order setting expectations for PGL's prospective operations. The ICC directed us to focus on retiring 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. PGL is working to retire this cast and ductile iron pipe through its PRP. Costs incurred under the PRP will be evaluated for prudency by the ICC in future rate cases. In addition, the program will be overseen by a safety monitor hired by the ICC. PGL initiated a general rate case proceeding in January 2026, which we anticipate will provide further regulatory clarity before we significantly increase our spend associated with the PRP. 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 by the end of 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 2026 rate case filing and 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. 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. 2025 Form 10-K 74 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act In June 2022, the CBP implemented the UFLPA, which establishes a rebuttable presumption that certain silica-based products wholly or partially manufactured in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China, such as polysilicon included in the manufacturing of solar panels, are prohibited from entering the United States. While our suppliers have been able to provide the CBP sufficient documentation to meet the 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 2025, the Department of Homeland Security announced the addition of more Chinese businesses to the UFLPA, including several 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 Starting in June 2024, the DOC began applying duties to certain imports of solar cells from Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia, with the potential for enhanced duties in certain circumstances, based on final findings by both the DOC and the USITC in their AD/CVD investigations that Chinese manufacturers were shifting products to those four Southeast Asian countries to avoid tariffs required on products imported from China. In April 2025, based upon investigation in response to a new petition, the DOC reached affirmative findings that some Chinese companies had moved their solar operations to avoid penalties imposed in the first investigation, increasing tariff rates, in some cases significantly. These increased rates became effective and enforceable in May 2025 upon the USITC’s final affirmative determination. As a result of these duties, the cost and availability of solar panels in the U.S. has been impacted and the U.S. 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. In August 2025, in response to another petition filed by a coalition of trade groups, the DOC and USITC initiated new AD/CVD investigations based on the coalition’s claims that Chinese-owned manufacturers in Laos and Indonesia, as well as India-headquartered companies, are benefiting from illegal subsidies and selling solar products below cost in the US. Affirmative findings in these investigations could cause further strain on the solar panel industry. We are monitoring the status of these petitions. Renewable Energy Legislation Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act In November 2021, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was signed into law and provides for approximately $1.2 trillion of federal spending through 2026, including approximately $85 billion for investments in power, utilities, and renewables infrastructure across the United States. Funding from this Act supports the work we are doing to reduce GHG emissions and to strengthen and protect the energy grid. In January 2025, disbursement of funds was paused until agency heads can determine whether grants, loans, contracts, and other disbursements are consistent with the current administration's energy policy. In some cases, the pause has disrupted, and could continue to disrupt, funding, temporarily or permanently, for infrastructure projects already in progress, may cause project delays and cancellations, and may impact continuing payment obligations for downstream contractors and suppliers. Inflation Reduction Act In August 2022, the IRA was signed into law and provides for $258 billion in energy-related provisions over a 10-year period. The IRA has helped reduce our cost of investing in projects that support our commitment to reduce emissions and provide affordable, reliable, and clean energy for our communities. We and our customers have benefited from the IRA’s provisions to extend tax benefits for renewable technologies, increase or restore higher rates for PTCs, claim PTCs for solar projects, expand qualified ITC facilities to include standalone energy storage, and allow companies to transfer tax credits generated from renewable projects. Under the IRA transferability option, we entered into agreements in October 2024, April 2025, and September 2025 to sell the majority of the PTCs and ITCs we generated, or expect to generate, in 2025 and 2026, respectively, to third parties. In May 2025, we 2025 Form 10-K 75 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents entered into an agreement to sell the majority of our remaining unsold PTCs we generated in 2024 to a third party. See Note 1(q), Income Taxes, for more information about the impact of these sales. The IRA also implements a 15% corporate alternative minimum tax and a 1% excise tax on stock repurchases. Although significant regulatory guidance is expected on the tax provisions in the IRA, we currently believe the provisions on alternative minimum tax and stock repurchases will not have a material impact on us. One Big Beautiful Bill Act In July 2025, the OBBBA was signed into law, enacting significant modifications to clean-energy tax credits previously provided under the IRA. The OBBBA provides companies the ability to earn solar and wind tax credits at current credit rates if construction of projects begins by July 4, 2026, and the projects are placed in-service within four years after beginning construction. However, wind and solar projects that begin construction more than one year after enactment of the OBBBA must be placed in service by December 31, 2027 to qualify for PTCs and ITCs. In addition, wind and solar projects that begin construction after December 31, 2025 must also satisfy prohibited foreign entity material assistance requirements. The incentives can also be denied for taxpayers that exceed certain thresholds of equity or debt held by specified foreign entities. The phase out of PTCs and ITCs does not apply to energy storage, hydroelectric facilities, nuclear, or any other zero emission technology. The OBBBA preserves the ability to transfer tax credits, with the exception of transfers to a prohibited foreign entity. In August 2025, the U.S. Treasury Department implemented new beginning-of-construction safe harbor rules that became effective in September 2025. The capital plan for 2026 through 2030 reflects the impacts of OBBBA, including the revised beginning-of-construction rules. 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 $9 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 Complaint 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 a complaint was 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 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 2025 Form 10-K 76 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents 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 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. As a result, WE, WPS, and UMERC are receiving refunds from ATC related to the transmission costs they paid during these two refund periods. The refunds are being 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 in 2024. • March 2025 FERC Order – In response to rehearing requests filed concerning the October 2024 FERC Order, the FERC issued an order on March 25, 2025 that reaffirmed the October 2024 FERC Order in its entirety. Appeals related to the October 2024 FERC Order are still pending before the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals. 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. 2025 Form 10-K 77 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents 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 of increasing tensions between the U.S. and other countries and new, protracted or escalating regional and international conflicts 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. 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, 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 by 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, 2025 and 2024, a hypothetical increase in market interest rates of one percentage point would have increased annual interest expense by $19.2 million and $11.2 million in 2025 and 2024, 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. 2025 Form 10-K 78 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents 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, 2025 Expected Return on Assets in 2026 Pension trust funds $ 2,664.0   6.61  % OPEB trust funds $ 904.5   6.50  % Fiduciary oversight of the pension and OPEB trust fund investments is the responsibility of an Investment Trust Policy Committee. The Committee works with external actuaries and investment consultants on an ongoing basis to establish and monitor investment strategies and target asset allocations. Forecasted cash flows for plan liabilities are regularly updated based on annual valuation results. Target asset allocations are determined utilizing projected benefit payment cash flows and risk analyses of appropriate investments. The targeted asset allocations are intended to reduce risk, provide long-term financial stability for the plans, and maintain funded levels which meet long-term plan obligations while preserving sufficient liquidity for near-term benefit payments. Investment strategies utilize a wide diversification of asset types and qualified external investment managers. We consult with our investment advisors on an annual basis to help us forecast expected long-term returns on plan assets by reviewing actual historical returns and calculating expected total trust returns using the weighted-average of long-term market returns for each of the major target asset categories utilized in the funds. 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. Changes to United States Trade Policy (Tariff Activity) The U.S. continues to implement changes to its international trade policy including changes to tariffs, port fees and other policies relating to exports from and imports into the United States. In response to these changes, foreign governments also continue to adjust their trade policies, including the imposition of additional tariffs. There remains significant uncertainty as to the ultimate scope of the U.S. and foreign trade policies. Both the U.S. and foreign trade policy changes could increase the cost of materials or disrupt supply chains, which could impact our ability to repair or maintain our infrastructure; the timing, cost or completion of our infrastructure projects; and/or our ability to execute our capital plan. In addition, these changes, including any impact they may have to economic conditions, could lead to reduced energy demand by our customers. Consequently, these policy changes could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. 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 2025 Form 10-K 79 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents 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, inflation, and tariffs. • 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 jurisdictions regulating us. Certain items that would otherwise be immediately recognized as revenues and expenses are deferred as regulatory assets and regulatory liabilities for future recovery or refund to customers, as authorized by our regulators. Future recovery of regulatory assets, including the timeliness of recovery and our ability to earn a reasonable return, is not assured and is generally subject to review by regulators in rate proceedings for matters such as prudence and reasonableness. Once approved, the regulatory assets and liabilities are amortized into earnings over the rate recovery or refund period. If recovery or refund of costs is not approved or is no longer considered probable, these regulatory assets or liabilities are recognized in current period earnings. Management regularly assesses whether these regulatory assets and liabilities are probable of future recovery or 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. 2025 Form 10-K 80 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Goodwill We completed our annual goodwill impairment tests for all of our reporting units that carried a goodwill balance as of July 1, 2025. No impairments were recorded as a result of these tests. For all of our reporting units, the fair values calculated in step one of the test were greater than their carrying values. The fair values for the reporting units were calculated using a combination of the income approach and the market approach. For the income approach, we used internal forecasts to project cash flows. Any forecast contains a degree of uncertainty, and changes in these cash flows could significantly increase or decrease the calculated fair value of a reporting unit. For our reporting units that are regulated, a fair recovery of and return on costs prudently incurred to serve customers is assumed. An unfavorable outcome in a rate case could cause the fair values of our reporting units to decrease. Key assumptions used in the income approach include ROEs, the long-term growth rates used to determine terminal values at the end of the discrete forecast period, and the discount rates. The discount rate is applied to estimated future cash flows and is one of the most significant assumptions used to determine fair value under the income approach. As interest rates rise, the calculated fair values will decrease. The discount rate is based on the weighted-average cost of capital for each reporting unit, taking into account both the after-tax cost of debt and cost of equity. The terminal year ROE for each utility is driven by its current allowed ROE. The terminal growth rate is based primarily on a combination of historical and forecasted statistics for real gross domestic product and personal income for each utility service area. For the market approach, we used a higher weighting for the guideline public company method than the guideline merged and acquired company method due to a low number of mergers and acquisitions in recent years. The guideline public company method uses financial metrics from similar publicly traded companies to determine fair value. The guideline merged and acquired company method calculates fair value by analyzing the actual prices paid for recent mergers and acquisitions in the industry. We applied multiples derived from these two methods to the appropriate operating metrics for our reporting units to determine fair value. The underlying assumptions and estimates used in the impairment tests were made as of a point in time. Subsequent changes in these assumptions and estimates could change the results of the tests. For all of our reporting units that carried a goodwill balance at July 1, 2025, the fair value exceeded its carrying value by over 50%. Based on these results, our reporting units are not at risk of failing step one of the goodwill impairment test. See Note 10, Goodwill and Intangibles, for more information. Long-Lived Assets In accordance with ASC 980-360, Regulated Operations – Property, Plant, and Equipment, we periodically assess the recoverability of certain long-lived assets when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of those long-lived assets may not be recoverable. Examples of events or changes in circumstances include, but are not limited to, a significant decrease in the market price, a significant change in use, a regulatory decision related to recovery of assets from customers, adverse legal factors or a change in business climate, operating or cash flow losses, or an expectation that the asset might be sold or abandoned. See Note 1(k), Asset Impairment, for our policy on accounting for abandonments and recently completed plant subject to disallowance. Performing an impairment evaluation involves a significant degree of estimation and judgment by management in areas such as identifying circumstances that indicate an impairment may exist, identifying and grouping affected assets, and developing the undiscounted future cash flows. An impairment loss is measured as the excess of the carrying amount of the asset in comparison to the fair value of the asset. The fair value of the asset is assessed using various methods, including recent comparable third-party sales for our nonregulated operations, internally developed discounted cash flow analysis, expected recovery of regulated assets, and analysis from outside advisors. See Note 7, Property, Plant, and Equipment, for more information on our generating units probable of being retired. See Note 6, Regulatory Assets and Liabilities, for information on our retired generating units. 2025 Form 10-K 81 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Pension and Other Postretirement Employee Benefits The costs of providing non-contributory defined pension benefits and OPEB, described in Note 20, Employee Benefits, are dependent upon numerous factors resulting from actual plan experience and assumptions of future experience. Pension and OPEB costs are impacted by actual employee demographics (including age, compensation levels, and employment periods), the level of contributions made to the plans, and earnings on plan assets. Pension and OPEB costs may also be significantly affected by changes in key actuarial assumptions, including anticipated rates of return on plan assets, mortality and discount rates, and expected health care cost trends. Changes made to the plan provisions may also impact current and future pension and OPEB costs. Pension and OPEB plan assets are primarily made up of equity and fixed income investments. Fluctuations in actual equity and fixed income market returns, as well as changes in general interest rates, may result in increased or decreased benefit costs in future periods. Changes in benefit costs are mitigated at our Wisconsin utilities through the requirement that WE, WPS, and WG implement escrow accounting treatment for pension and OPEB costs, as required by rate orders issued by the PSCW. See Note 26, Regulatory Environment, for more information on rates at our Wisconsin utilities. We believe that changes to benefit costs at our other utilities would be recovered or refunded through the ratemaking process. The following table shows how a given change in certain actuarial assumptions would impact the projected benefit obligation and the reported net periodic pension cost (including amounts capitalized to our balance sheets). Each factor below reflects an evaluation of the change based on a change in that assumption only. Actuarial Assumption (in millions, except percentages) Percentage-Point Change in Assumption Impact on Projected Benefit Obligation Impact on 2025 Pension Cost Discount rate (0.5) $ 100.7  $ 6.6 Discount rate 0.5 (90.8) (7.5) Rate of return on plan assets (0.5) N/A 13.1 Rate of return on plan assets 0.5 N/A (13.1) The following table shows how a given change in certain actuarial assumptions would impact the accumulated OPEB obligation and the reported net periodic OPEB cost (including amounts capitalized to our balance sheets). Each factor below reflects an evaluation of the change based on a change in that assumption only. Actuarial Assumption (in millions, except percentages) Percentage-Point Change in Assumption Impact on Postretirement Benefit Obligation Impact on 2025 Postretirement Benefit Cost Discount rate (0.5) $ 25.9  $ 2.1 Discount rate 0.5 (23.3) (2.4) Health care cost trend rate (0.5) (15.4) (3.3) Health care cost trend rate 0.5 17.4  3.1 Rate of return on plan assets (0.5) N/A 4.2 Rate of return on plan assets 0.5 N/A (4.2) The discount rates are selected based on hypothetical bond portfolios consisting of noncallable, high-quality corporate bonds across the full maturity spectrum. From the hypothetical bond portfolios, a single rate is determined that equates the market value of the bonds purchased to the discounted value of the plans' expected future benefit payments. We establish our expected return on assets based on consideration of historical and projected asset class returns, as well as the target allocations of the benefit trust portfolios. The assumed long-term rate of return on pension plan assets was 6.61% in 2025 and 2024, and 6.62% in 2023. The actual rate of return on pension plan assets, net of fees, was 9.23%, 4.75%, and 9.23%, in 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively. In selecting assumed health care cost trend rates, past performance and forecasts of health care costs are considered. For more information on health care cost trend rates and a table showing future payments that we expect to make for our pension and OPEB, see Note 20, Employee Benefits. 2025 Form 10-K 82 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Unbilled Revenues We record utility operating revenues when energy is delivered to our customers. However, the determination of energy sales to individual customers is based upon the reading of their meters, which occurs on a systematic basis throughout the month. At the end of each month, amounts of energy delivered to customers since the date of their last meter reading are estimated and corresponding unbilled revenues are calculated. Unbilled revenues are estimated each month based upon actual generation and throughput volumes, recorded sales, estimated customer usage by class, weather factors, estimated line losses, and applicable customer rates. Energy demand for the unbilled period or changes in rate mix due to fluctuations in usage patterns of customer classes could impact the accuracy of the unbilled revenue estimate. Total unbilled utility revenues were $667.5 million and $567.2 million as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The changes in unbilled revenues are primarily due to changes in the cost of natural gas, weather, and customer rates. Income Tax Expense Significant management judgment is required in determining our provision for income taxes, deferred income tax assets and liabilities, the liability for unrecognized tax benefits, and any valuation allowance recorded against deferred income tax assets. The assumptions involved are supported by historical data, reasonable projections, and interpretations of applicable tax laws and regulations across multiple taxing jurisdictions. Significant changes in these assumptions could have a material impact on our financial condition and results of operations. See Note 1(q), Income Taxes, and Note 16, Income Taxes, for a discussion of accounting for income taxes. We are required to estimate income taxes for each of our applicable tax jurisdictions as part of the process of preparing consolidated financial statements. This process involves estimating current income tax liabilities together with assessing temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items, such as depreciation, for income tax and accounting purposes. These differences result in deferred income tax assets and liabilities, which are included within our balance sheets. We also assess the likelihood that our deferred income tax assets will be recovered through future taxable income. To the extent we believe that realization is not likely, we establish a valuation allowance, which is offset by an adjustment to income tax expense in our income statements. Uncertainty associated with the application of tax statutes and regulations, the outcomes of tax audits and appeals, changes in income tax law, enacted tax rates or amounts subject to income tax, and changes in the regulatory treatment of any tax reform benefits requires that judgments and estimates be made in the accrual process and in the calculation of effective tax rates. Only income tax benefits that meet the "more likely than not" recognition threshold may be recognized or continue to be recognized. Unrecognized tax benefits are re-evaluated quarterly and changes are recorded based on new information, including the issuance of relevant guidance by the courts or tax authorities and developments occurring in the examinations of our tax returns. We expect our 2026 annual effective tax rate to be between 5.5% and 6.5%. Our effective tax rate calculations are revised every quarter based on the best available year-end tax assumptions, adjusted in the following year after returns are filed. Tax accrual estimates are trued-up to the actual amounts claimed on the tax returns and further adjusted after examinations by taxing authorities, as needed. ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK See Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Factors Affecting Results, Liquidity, and Capital Resources – Market Risks and Other Significant Risks, as well as Note 1(r), Fair Value Measurements, Note 1(s), Derivative Instruments, and Note 19, Guarantees, for information concerning potential market risks to which we are exposed. 2025 Form 10-K 83 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA A. REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM To the shareholders and the Board of Directors of WEC Energy Group, Inc. Opinion on the Financial Statements We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of WEC Energy Group, Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, equity, and cash flows, for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2025, and the related notes and the schedules listed in the Index at Item 15 (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2025, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2025, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 20, 2026, expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Basis for Opinion These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. Critical Audit Matter The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates. Regulatory Assets and Liabilities - Impact of rate regulation on financial statements — Refer to Notes 6 and 26 to the financial statements Critical Audit Matter Description The Company’s regulated utilities are subject to regulation by various state and federal regulatory bodies (collectively the “Commissions”) which have jurisdiction with respect to the rates of electric and gas utility companies in each respective state. Management has determined the Company meets the requirements under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America to prepare its financial statements applying the Regulated Operations Topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s Accounting Standard Codification. 2025 Form 10-K 84 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Rates are determined and approved in regulatory proceedings based on an analysis of the Company’s costs to provide utility service and a return on, and recovery of, the Company’s investment in the utility business. Current and future regulatory decisions can have an impact on the recovery of costs, the rate of return earned on investment, and the timing and amount of assets to be recovered through rates. The Commissions’ regulation of rates is premised on the full recovery of prudently incurred costs and a reasonable rate of return on invested capital. Certain items that would otherwise be immediately recognized as revenues and expenses are deferred as regulatory assets and regulatory liabilities for future recovery or refund to customers, as authorized by the Company’s regulators. While the Company has indicated it expects to recover costs from customers through regulated rates, there is a risk that the Commissions will not approve: (1) full recovery of the costs of providing utility service, (2) full recovery of all amounts invested in the utility business and a reasonable return on that investment or (3) timely recovery of costs incurred. We identified the impact of rate regulation as a critical audit matter due to the significant judgments made by management to support its assertions about the impacted account balances and disclosures and the subjectivity involved in assessing the impact of future regulatory orders on the financial statements. Management judgments include assessing the likelihood of (1) recovery in future rates of incurred costs and/or (2) a refund to customers. Auditing these judgments required specialized knowledge of accounting for rate regulation and the rate setting process due to its inherent complexities. How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit Our audit procedures related to the impact of rate regulation on certain assets and liabilities included the following procedures, among others: • We tested the effectiveness of management’s controls over regulatory assets and liabilities, including management’s controls over the evaluation of the likelihood of (1) the recovery in future rates of costs incurred reported as regulatory assets and (2) a refund or a future reduction in rates that should be reported as regulatory liabilities. We also tested the effectiveness of management’s controls over the monitoring and evaluation of regulatory developments that may affect the likelihood of recovering costs in future rates or of a future reduction in rates. • We inquired of Company management and independently obtained and read: (1) relevant regulatory orders issued by the Commissions for the Company, (2) Company filings with the Commissions, (3) filings made by intervenors and (4) other publicly available information to assess the likelihood of recovery in future rates or of a future reduction in rates based on precedents of the Commissions’ treatment of similar costs under similar circumstances. To assess completeness, we evaluated the information obtained and compared it to management’s recorded regulatory asset and liability balances. • For regulatory matters in process, we inquired of Company management and inspected the Company’s filings with the Commissions, intervenor filings with the Commissions that may impact the Company’s future rates, and correspondence between the Company and intervenors for any evidence that might contradict management’s assertions. • We evaluated management’s conclusions regarding the probability of recovery for regulatory assets or refund or future reduction in rates for regulatory liabilities not yet addressed in a regulatory order. • We evaluated the Company’s disclosures related to the impacts of rate regulation, including the balances recorded and regulatory developments. /s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP Milwaukee, Wisconsin February 20, 2026 We have served as the Company's auditor since 2002. 2025 Form 10-K 85 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents A. REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM To the shareholders and the Board of Directors of WEC Energy Group, Inc. Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of WEC Energy Group, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2025, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2025, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO. We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules as of and for the year ended December 31, 2025, of the Company and our report dated February 20, 2026, expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules. Basis for Opinion The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. /s/DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP Milwaukee, Wisconsin February 20, 2026 2025 Form 10-K 86 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents B. CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS Year Ended December 31 (in millions, except per share amounts) 2025 2024 2023 Operating revenues $ 9,800.1   $ 8,599.9   $ 8,893.0 Operating expenses Cost of sales 3,265.8   2,656.0   3,191.2 Other operation and maintenance 2,400.8   2,158.0   2,100.5 Impairments related to Illinois segment 130.0   12.1   178.9 Depreciation and amortization 1,478.5   1,354.5   1,264.2 Property and revenue taxes 280.1   266.5   250.2 Total operating expenses 7,555.2   6,447.1   6,985.0 Operating income 2,244.9   2,152.8   1,908.0 Equity in earnings of transmission affiliates 215.8   207.5   177.5 Other income, net 107.9   178.2   177.7 Interest expense 895.1   815.3   727.4 Gain on debt extinguishments —   ( 23.1 ) ( 0.5 ) Other expense ( 571.4 ) ( 406.5 ) ( 371.7 ) Income before income taxes 1,673.5   1,746.3   1,536.3 Income tax expense 118.0   222.0   204.6 Net income 1,555.5   1,524.3   1,331.7 Preferred stock dividends of subsidiary 1.2   1.2   1.2 Net loss attributed to noncontrolling interests 3.2   4.1   1.2 Net income attributed to common shareholders $ 1,557.5   $ 1,527.2   $ 1,331.7 EPS Basic $ 4.84   $ 4.83   $ 4.22 Diluted $ 4.81   $ 4.83   $ 4.22 Weighted average common shares outstanding Basic 321.9   316.2   315.4 Diluted 323.8   316.5   315.9 The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements. 2025 Form 10-K 87 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents C. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Year Ended December 31 (in millions) 2025 2024 2023 Net income $ 1,555.5   $ 1,524.3   $ 1,331.7 Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Derivatives accounted for as cash flow hedges Reclassification of realized derivative gains to net income, net of tax ( 0.2 ) ( 0.3 ) ( 0.3 ) Defined benefit plans Pension and OPEB adjustments arising during the period, net of tax 0.2   0.1   ( 0.6 ) Amortization of pension and OPEB costs included in net periodic benefit cost, net of tax 0.2   0.1   — Defined benefit plans, net 0.4   0.2   ( 0.6 ) Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 0.2   ( 0.1 ) ( 0.9 ) Comprehensive income 1,555.7   1,524.2   1,330.8 Preferred stock dividends of subsidiary 1.2   1.2   1.2 Comprehensive loss attributed to noncontrolling interests 3.2   4.1   1.2 Comprehensive income attributed to common shareholders $ 1,557.7   $ 1,527.1   $ 1,330.8 The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements. 2025 Form 10-K 88 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents D. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS At December 31 (in millions, except share and per share amounts) 2025 2024 Assets Current assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 27.6   $ 9.8 Accounts receivable and unbilled revenues, net of reserves of $ 148.7 and $ 162.8 , respectively 2,062.7   1,669.3 Materials, supplies, and inventories 803.4   813.2 Prepaid taxes 178.8   214.9 Other prepayments 92.4   82.6 Other 119.8   121.9 Current assets 3,284.7   2,911.7 Long-term assets Property, plant, and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $ 12,411.5 and $ 11,611.9 , respectively 38,278.1   34,645.4 Regulatory assets (December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024 include $ 67.5 and $ 76.5 , respectively, related to WEPCo Environmental Trust) 3,156.3   3,339.7 Equity investment in transmission affiliates 2,280.4   2,108.9 Goodwill 3,052.8   3,052.8 Pension and OPEB assets 1,082.4   968.5 Other 383.6   336.2 Long-term assets 48,233.6   44,451.5 Total assets $ 51,518.3   $ 47,363.2 Liabilities and Equity Current liabilities Short-term debt $ 1,924.7   $ 1,116.6 Current portion of long-term debt (December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024 include $ 9.3 and $ 9.2 , respectively, related to WEPCo Environmental Trust) 1,519.4   1,729.0 Accounts payable 1,140.1   1,137.1 Other 1,009.2   859.2 Current liabilities 5,593.4   4,841.9 Long-term liabilities Long-term debt (December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024 include $ 67.4 and $ 76.4 , respectively, related to WEPCo Environmental Trust) 18,498.1   17,178.1 Finance lease obligations 372.0   303.3 Deferred income taxes 5,891.7   5,514.7 Deferred revenue, net 314.2   334.6 Regulatory liabilities 4,121.3   3,958.0 Intangible liabilities 580.3   566.8 Environmental remediation liabilities 484.1   445.8 AROs 647.0   580.0 Other 963.4   838.1 Long-term liabilities 31,872.1   29,719.4 Commitments and contingencies (Note 24) Common shareholders' equity Common stock – $ 0.01 par value; 650,000,000 shares authorized; 325,461,519 and 317,680,855 shares outstanding, respectively 3.3   3.2 Additional paid in capital 5,124.4   4,315.8 Retained earnings 8,493.5   8,083.8 Accumulated other comprehensive loss ( 7.6 ) ( 7.8 ) Common shareholders' equity 13,613.6   12,395.0 Preferred stock of subsidiary 30.4   30.4 Noncontrolling interests 408.8   376.5 Total liabilities and equity $ 51,518.3   $ 47,363.2 The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements. 2025 Form 10-K 89 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents E. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Year Ended December 31 (in millions) 2025 2024 2023 Operating activities Net income $ 1,555.5   $ 1,524.3   $ 1,331.7 Reconciliation to cash provided by operating activities Depreciation and amortization 1,478.5   1,354.5   1,264.2 Deferred income taxes and ITCs, net 368.5   529.0   219.4 Impairments related to Illinois segment 130.0   12.1   178.9 Contributions and payments related to pension and OPEB plans ( 13.7 ) ( 14.5 ) ( 16.7 ) Equity income in transmission affiliates, net of distributions ( 29.2 ) ( 57.4 ) ( 33.0 ) Change in – Accounts receivable and unbilled revenues, net ( 411.8 ) ( 161.5 ) 340.6 Materials, supplies, and inventories 9.8   ( 38.0 ) 41.9 Prepaid taxes 36.1   ( 41.0 ) 27.9 Collateral on deposit ( 25.4 ) 84.3   22.1 Other current assets 11.4   ( 34.4 ) 8.4 Accounts payable 46.4   99.7   ( 254.0 ) Amounts refundable to customers 43.6   ( 2.2 ) ( 9.0 ) Other current liabilities 86.5   13.8   56.5 Other, net 93.2   ( 56.9 ) ( 160.5 ) Net cash provided by operating activities 3,379.4   3,211.8   3,018.4 Investing activities Capital expenditures ( 4,398.1 ) ( 2,781.1 ) ( 2,492.9 ) Acquisition of Hardin III, net of cash acquired of $ 0.2 ( 406.1 ) —   — Acquisition of Delilah I, net of cash acquired of $ 0.6 —   ( 462.5 ) — Acquisition of Maple Flats, net of cash acquired of $ 0.5 —   ( 431.2 ) — Acquisition of West Riverside —   ( 97.9 ) ( 95.3 ) Acquisition of Red Barn —   ( 2.1 ) ( 143.8 ) Acquisition of Whitewater —   —   ( 76.0 ) Acquisition of Sapphire Sky, net of cash acquired of $ 0.3 —   —   ( 442.6 ) Acquisition of Samson I, net of cash acquired of $ 5.2 —   —   ( 257.3 ) Capital contributions to transmission affiliates ( 142.4 ) ( 45.5 ) ( 63.7 ) Reimbursement for ATC's transmission infrastructure upgrades 39.8   8.1   0.1 Other, net 32.1   9.7   13.3 Net cash used in investing activities ( 4,874.7 ) ( 3,802.5 ) ( 3,558.2 ) Financing activities Exercise of stock options 39.1   23.7   6.3 Issuance of common stock, net 761.9   163.4   — Purchase of common stock ( 1.3 ) ( 3.2 ) ( 16.6 ) Dividends paid on common stock ( 1,147.8 ) ( 1,056.2 ) ( 984.2 ) Issuance of long-term debt 2,844.5   4,460.9   2,170.0 Retirement of long-term debt ( 1,728.9 ) ( 2,138.0 ) ( 1,005.4 ) Change in commercial paper 806.9   ( 902.8 ) 373.7 Purchase of additional ownership interest in Samson I from noncontrolling interest —   ( 28.1 ) — Payments for debt extinguishment and issuance costs ( 39.9 ) ( 45.9 ) ( 14.2 ) Other, net ( 10.5 ) ( 6.1 ) ( 6.8 ) Net cash provided by financing activities 1,524.0   467.7   522.8 Net change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 28.7   ( 123.0 ) ( 17.0 ) Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of year 42.2   165.2   182.2 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of year $ 70.9   $ 42.2   $ 165.2 The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements. 2025 Form 10-K 90 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents F. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY WEC Energy Group Common Shareholders' Equity Common Stock Additional Paid In Capital Retained Earnings Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Total Common Shareholders' Equity Preferred Stock of Subsidiary Non-controlling Interests Total Equity (in millions, except per share amounts) Balance at December 31, 2022 $ 3.2   $ 4,115.2   $ 7,265.3   $ ( 6.8 ) $ 11,376.9   $ 30.4   $ 209.3   $ 11,616.6 Net income attributed to common shareholders —   —   1,331.7   —   1,331.7   —   —   1,331.7 Net loss attributed to noncontrolling interests —   —   —   —   —   —   ( 1.2 ) ( 1.2 ) Other comprehensive loss —   —   —   ( 0.9 ) ( 0.9 ) —   —   ( 0.9 ) Common stock dividends of $ 3.12 per share —   —   ( 984.2 ) —   ( 984.2 ) —   —   ( 984.2 ) Exercise of stock options —   6.3   —   —   6.3   —   —   6.3 Purchase of common stock —   ( 16.6 ) —   —   ( 16.6 ) —   —   ( 16.6 ) Acquisition of noncontrolling interests —   —   —   —   —   —   114.9   114.9 Distributions to noncontrolling interests —   —   —   —   —   —   ( 6.0 ) ( 6.0 ) Stock-based compensation and other —   11.0   —   —   11.0   —   ( 0.1 ) 10.9 Balance at December 31, 2023 $ 3.2   $ 4,115.9   $ 7,612.8   $ ( 7.7 ) $ 11,724.2   $ 30.4   $ 316.9   $ 12,071.5 Net income attributed to common shareholders —   —   1,527.2   —   1,527.2   —   —   1,527.2 Net loss attributed to noncontrolling interests —   —   —   —   —   —   ( 4.1 ) ( 4.1 ) Other comprehensive loss —   —   —   ( 0.1 ) ( 0.1 ) —   —   ( 0.1 ) Issuance of common stock, net —   163.4   —   —   163.4   —   —   163.4 Common stock dividends of $ 3.34 per share —   —   ( 1,056.2 ) —   ( 1,056.2 ) —   —   ( 1,056.2 ) Exercise of stock options —   23.7   —   —   23.7   —   —   23.7 Purchase of common stock —   ( 3.2 ) —   —   ( 3.2 ) —   —   ( 3.2 ) Acquisition of noncontrolling interests —   —   —   —   —   —   99.4   99.4 Purchase of additional ownership interest in Samson I from noncontrolling interest —   4.3   —   —   4.3   —   ( 32.4 ) ( 28.1 ) Distributions to noncontrolling interests —   —   —   —   —   —   ( 3.3 ) ( 3.3 ) Stock-based compensation and other —   11.7   —   —   11.7   —   —   11.7 Balance at December 31, 2024 $ 3.2   $ 4,315.8   $ 8,083.8   $ ( 7.8 ) $ 12,395.0   $ 30.4   $ 376.5   $ 12,801.9 Net income attributed to common shareholders —   —   1,557.5   —   1,557.5   —   —   1,557.5 Net loss attributed to noncontrolling interests —   —   —   —   —   —   ( 3.2 ) ( 3.2 ) Other comprehensive income —   —   —   0.2   0.2   —   —   0.2 Issuance of common stock, net 0.1   761.8   —   —   761.9   —   —   761.9 Common stock dividends of $ 3.57 per share —   —   ( 1,147.8 ) —   ( 1,147.8 ) —   —   ( 1,147.8 ) Exercise of stock options —   39.1   —   —   39.1   —   —   39.1 Purchase of common stock —   ( 1.3 ) —   —   ( 1.3 ) —   —   ( 1.3 ) Acquisition of noncontrolling interests —   —   —   —   —   —   45.1   45.1 Distributions to noncontrolling interests —   —   —   —   —   —   ( 9.6 ) ( 9.6 ) Stock-based compensation and other —   9.0   —   —   9.0   —   —   9.0 Balance at December 31, 2025 $ 3.3   $ 5,124.4   $ 8,493.5   $ ( 7.6 ) $ 13,613.6   $ 30.4   $ 408.8   $ 14,052.8 The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements. 2025 Form 10-K 91 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents G. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTE 1— SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (a) Nature of Operations — WEC Energy Group serves approximately 1.7 million electric customers and 3.0 million natural gas customers, owns approximately 60 % of ATC, and owns majority interests in multiple renewable generating facilities as part of its non-utility energy infrastructure segment. As used in these notes, the term "financial statements" refers to the consolidated financial statements. This includes the income statements, statements of comprehensive income, balance sheets, statements of cash flows, and statements of equity, unless otherwise noted. On our financial statements, we consolidate our majority-owned subsidiaries, which we control, and VIEs, of which we are the primary beneficiary. We reflect noncontrolling interests for the portion of entities that we do not own as a component of consolidated equity separate from the equity attributable to our shareholders. The noncontrolling interests that we reported as equity on our balance sheet as of December 31, 2025 related to the minority interests held by third parties in the renewable generating facilities that are included in our non-utility energy infrastructure segment. Our financial statements include the accounts of WEC Energy Group, a diversified energy holding company, and the accounts of our subsidiaries in the following reportable segments: • Wisconsin segment – Consists of WE, WPS, and WG, which are engaged primarily in the generation of electricity and the distribution of electricity and natural gas in Wisconsin; and UMERC, which generates electricity and distributes electricity and natural gas to customers located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. • Illinois segment – Consists of PGL and NSG, which are engaged primarily in the distribution of natural gas in Illinois. • Other states segment – Consists of MERC and MGU, which are engaged primarily in the distribution of natural gas in Minnesota and Michigan, respectively. • Electric transmission segment – Consists of our approximate 60 % ownership interest in ATC, a for-profit, electric transmission company regulated by the FERC and certain state regulatory commissions, and our approximate 75 % ownership interest in ATC Holdco, which invests in transmission-related projects outside of ATC's traditional footprint. • Non-utility energy infrastructure segment – Consists of We Power, which is principally engaged in the ownership of electric power generating facilities for long-term lease to WE, and Bluewater, which owns underground natural gas storage facilities in Michigan. WECI, which holds our majority interests in multiple renewable generating facilities, is also included in this segment. See Note 2, Acquisitions, for more information on recently acquired WECI renewable generating facilities. • Corporate and other segment – Consists of the WEC Energy Group holding company, the Integrys holding company, the PELLC holding company, Wispark, Wisvest, WECC, and WBS. Investments in companies not controlled by us, but over which we have significant influence regarding the operating and financial policies of the investee, are accounted for using the equity method. We use the cumulative earnings approach for classifying distributions received in the statements of cash flows. Under the cumulative earnings approach, we compare the distributions received to cumulative equity method earnings since inception. Any distributions received up to the amount of cumulative equity earnings are considered a return on investment and classified in operating activities. Any excess distributions are considered a return of investment and classified in investing activities. Our financial statements also reflect our proportionate interests in certain jointly owned utility facilities. See Note 8, Jointly-Owned Utility Facilities, for more information. (b) Basis of Presentation — We prepare our financial statements in conformity with GAAP. We make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from these estimates. 2025 Form 10-K 92 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents (c) Cash and Cash Equivalents — Cash and cash equivalents include marketable debt securities with an original maturity of three months or less. (d) Operating Revenues — The following discussion includes our significant accounting policies related to operating revenues. For additional required disclosures on disaggregation of operating revenues, see Note 4, Operating Revenues. Revenues from Contracts with Customers Electric Utility Operating Revenues Electricity sales to residential and commercial and industrial customers are generally accomplished through requirements contracts, which provide for the delivery of as much electricity as the customer needs. These contracts represent discrete deliveries of electricity and consist of one distinct performance obligation satisfied over time, as the electricity is delivered and consumed by the customer simultaneously. For our Wisconsin residential and commercial and industrial customers and the majority of our Michigan residential and commercial and industrial customers, our performance obligation is bundled to consist of both the sale and the delivery of the electric commodity. In our Michigan service territory, a limited number of residential and commercial and industrial customers can purchase the commodity from a third party. In this case, the delivery of the electricity represents our sole performance obligation. The transaction price of the performance obligations for residential and commercial and industrial customers is valued using the rates, charges, terms, and conditions of service included in the tariffs of our regulated electric utilities, which have been approved by state regulators. These rates often have a fixed component customer charge and a usage-based variable component charge. We recognize revenue for the fixed component customer charge monthly using a time-based output method. We recognize revenue for the usage-based variable component charge using an output method based on the quantity of electricity delivered each month. Our retail electric rates in Wisconsin include base amounts for fuel and purchased power costs, which also impact our revenues. The electric fuel rules set by the PSCW allow us to defer, for subsequent rate recovery or refund, under- or over-collections of actual fuel and purchased power costs beyond a 2 % price variance from the costs included in the rates charged to customers. Our electric utilities monitor the deferral of under-collected costs to ensure that it does not cause them to earn a greater ROE than authorized by the PSCW. In contrast, the rates of our Michigan retail electric customers include recovery of fuel and purchased power costs on a one-for-one basis. In addition, the Wisconsin residential tariffs of WE and WPS include a mechanism for cost recovery or refund of uncollectible expense based on the difference between actual uncollectible write-offs and the amounts recovered in rates. Wholesale customers who resell power can choose to either bundle capacity and electricity services together under one contract with a supplier or purchase capacity and electricity separately from multiple suppliers. Furthermore, wholesale customers can choose to have our utilities provide generation to match the customer's load, similar to requirements contracts, or they can purchase specified quantities of electricity and capacity. Contracts with wholesale customers that include capacity bundled with the delivery of electricity contain two performance obligations, as capacity and electricity are often transacted separately in the marketplace at the wholesale level. When recognizing revenue associated with these contracts, the transaction price is allocated to each performance obligation based on its relative standalone selling price. Revenue is recognized as control of each individual component is transferred to the customer. Electricity is the primary product sold by our electric utilities and represents a single performance obligation satisfied over time through discrete deliveries to a customer. Revenue from electricity sales is generally recognized as units are produced and delivered to the customer within the production month. Capacity represents the reservation of an electric generating facility and conveys the ability to call on a plant to produce electricity when needed by the customer. The nature of our performance obligation as it relates to capacity is to stand ready to deliver power. This represents a single performance obligation transferred over time, which generally represents a monthly obligation. Accordingly, capacity revenue is recognized on a monthly basis. The transaction price of the performance obligations for wholesale customers is valued using the rates, charges, terms, and conditions of service, which have been approved by the FERC. These wholesale rates include recovery of fuel and purchased power costs from customers on a one-for-one basis. For the majority of our wholesale customers, the price billed for energy and capacity is a formula-based rate. Formula-based rates initially set a customer's current year rates based on the previous year’s expenses. This is a predetermined formula derived from the utility's costs and a reasonable rate of return. Because these rates are eventually trued up to reflect actual current-year costs, they represent a form of variable consideration in certain circumstances. The variable consideration is estimated and recognized over time as wholesale customers receive and consume the capacity and electricity services. 2025 Form 10-K 93 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents We are an active participant in the MISO Energy Markets, where we bid our generation into the Day Ahead and Real Time markets and procure electricity for our retail and wholesale customers at prices determined by the MISO Energy Markets. Purchase and sale transactions are recorded using settlement information provided by MISO. These purchase and sale transactions are accounted for on a net hourly position. Net purchases in a single hour are recorded as purchased power in cost of sales, and net sales in a single hour are recorded as resale revenues on our income statements. For resale revenues, our performance obligation is created only when electricity is sold into the MISO Energy Markets. For all of our customers, consistent with the timing of when we recognize revenue, customer billings generally occur on a monthly basis, with payments typically due in full within 30 days. Natural Gas Utility Operating Revenues We recognize natural gas utility operating revenues under requirements contracts with residential, commercial and industrial, and transportation customers served under the tariffs of our regulated utilities. Tariffs provide our customers with the standard terms and conditions, including rates, related to the services offered. Requirements contracts provide for the delivery of as much natural gas as the customer needs. These requirements contracts represent discrete deliveries of natural gas and constitute a single performance obligation satisfied over time. Our performance obligation is both created and satisfied with the transfer of control of natural gas upon delivery to the customer. For most of our customers, natural gas is delivered and consumed by the customer simultaneously. A performance obligation can be bundled to consist of both the sale and the delivery of the natural gas commodity. In certain of our service territories, customers can purchase the commodity from a third party. In this case, the performance obligation only includes the delivery of the natural gas to the customer. The transaction price of the performance obligations for our natural gas customers is valued using the rates, charges, terms, and conditions of service included in the tariffs of our regulated utilities, which have been approved by state regulators. These rates often have a fixed component customer charge and a usage-based variable component charge. We recognize revenue for the fixed component customer charge monthly using a time-based output method. We recognize revenue for the usage-based variable component charge using an output method based on natural gas delivered each month. The tariffs of our natural gas utilities include various rate mechanisms that allow them to recover or refund changes in prudently incurred costs from rate case-approved amounts. The rates for all of our natural gas utilities include one-for-one recovery mechanisms for natural gas commodity costs. Under normal circumstances, we defer any difference between actual natural gas costs incurred and costs recovered through rates as a current asset or liability. The deferred balance is returned to or recovered from customers at intervals throughout the year. In addition, the rates of PGL and NSG, and the residential tariffs of WE, WPS, and WG, include riders or other mechanisms for cost recovery or refund of uncollectible expense based on the difference between actual uncollectible write-offs and the amounts recovered in rates. The rates of PGL and NSG include riders for cost recovery of both environmental cleanup costs and energy conservation and management program costs. Finally, through the end of 2023 and effective again starting January 1, 2025, the rates of MGU include a rider to recover costs incurred to replace or modify natural gas facilities. Consistent with the timing of when we recognize revenue, customer billings generally occur on a monthly basis, with payments typically due in full within 30 days. Other Natural Gas Operating Revenues We have other natural gas operating revenues from Bluewater, which is in our non-utility energy infrastructure segment. Bluewater owns underground natural gas storage facilities in southeastern Michigan and provides natural gas storage and hub services to customers. Bluewater has entered into long-term service agreements for natural gas storage services with WE, WPS, and WG, and also provides limited service to unaffiliated customers. We recognize revenues using a time-based output method through a monthly fixed service fee. Typical storage contract rates consist of firm storage reservation charges and firm injection and withdrawal charges. All amounts associated with the service agreements with WE, WPS, and WG have been eliminated at the consolidated level. Other Non-Utility Operating Revenues Wind and solar generation revenues from WECI's ownership interests in renewable generation facilities continued to grow in 2025. See Note 2, Acquisitions, for more information on recent acquisitions. Most of these renewable generation facilities have offtake agreements with unaffiliated third parties for all of the energy to be produced by the facility, some of which are bundled with 2025 Form 10-K 94 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents capacity and RECs. We consider bundled energy, capacity, and RECs within these offtake agreements to be distinct performance obligations as each are often transacted separately in the marketplace. When recognizing revenue associated with these contracts, the transaction price is allocated to each performance obligation based on its relative standalone selling price. Revenue is recognized as control of each individual component is transferred to the customer. Revenue from the sale of this renewable energy is generally recognized as units are produced and delivered to the customer within the production month. Capacity represents the reservation of the renewable generation facility and conveys the ability to call on the renewable generation facility to produce electricity when needed by the customer. The nature of our performance obligation as it relates to capacity is to stand ready to deliver power. This represents a single performance obligation transferred over time, which generally represents a monthly obligation. Accordingly, capacity revenue is recognized on a monthly basis. The performance obligation for RECs is recognized at a point-in-time; however, the timing of revenue recognition is the same, as the generation of renewable energy and the recognition of REC revenues generally occur concurrently. Non-utility operating revenues are also derived from servicing appliances for customers at MERC. These contracts customarily have a duration of one year or less and consist of a single performance obligation satisfied over time. We use a time-based output method to recognize revenues monthly for the service fee. Consistent with the timing of when we recognize revenue, customer billings for the renewable generation and servicing revenues generally occur on a monthly basis, with payments typically due in full within 30 days. As part of the construction of the We Power electric generating units, we capitalized interest during construction, which is included in property, plant, and equipment. As allowed by the PSCW, we collected these carrying costs from WE's utility customers during construction. The equity portion of these carrying costs was recorded as a contract liability, which is presented as deferred revenue, net on our balance sheets. We continually amortize the deferred carrying costs to revenues over the related lease term that We Power has with WE. During 2025, 2024, and 2023, we recorded $ 24.6  million, $ 24.3  million, and $ 23.5  million, respectively, of revenues related to these deferred carrying costs. Other Operating Revenues Bespoke Resources Current Return We recognize revenues monthly associated with carrying costs, including financing costs, during the construction period of bespoke resources assigned to WE's very large utility customers under payment and cancellation agreements. These amounts are not considered revenues from contracts with customers as electricity is not yet being provided by WE. Consistent with the timing of when we recognize revenue, customer billings for the bespoke resources that are subject to current return (as opposed to AFUDC) occur on a monthly basis, with payments typically due in full within 45 days. Alternative Revenues Alternative revenues are created from programs authorized by regulators that allow our utilities to record additional revenues by adjusting rates in the future, usually as a surcharge applied to future billings, in response to past activities or completed events. Alternative revenue programs allow compensation for the effects of weather abnormalities, other external factors, or demand side management initiatives. Alternative revenue programs can also provide incentive awards if the utility achieves certain objectives and in other limited circumstances. We record alternative revenues when the regulator-specified conditions for recognition have been met. We reverse these alternative revenues as the customer is billed, at which time this revenue is presented as revenues from contracts with customers. Below is a summary of the alternative revenue programs at our utilities: • The rates of PGL, NSG, and MERC include decoupling mechanisms. These mechanisms differ by state and allow the utilities to recover or refund the differences between actual and authorized margins for certain customer classes. • MERC’s rates include a conservation improvement program rider, which includes a financial incentive for meeting energy savings goals. • WE and WPS provide wholesale electric service to customers under market-based rates and FERC formula rates. The customer is charged a base rate each year based upon a formula using prior year actual costs and customer demand. A true-up is calculated based on the difference between the amount billed to customers for the demand component of their rates and what the actual 2025 Form 10-K 95 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents cost of service was for the year. The true-up can result in an amount that we will recover from or refund to the customer. We consider the true-up portion of the wholesale electric revenues to be alternative revenues. (e) Credit Losses — The following discussion includes our significant accounting policies related to credit losses. For additional required disclosures on credit losses, see Note 5, Credit Losses. Our exposure to credit losses is related to our accounts receivable and unbilled revenue balances, which are primarily generated from the sale of electricity and natural gas by our regulated utility operations. Credit losses associated with our utility operations are analyzed at the reportable segment level as we believe contract terms, political and economic risks, and the regulatory environment are similar at this level as our reportable segments are generally based on the geographic location of the underlying utility operations. We have an accounts receivable and unbilled revenue balance associated with our non-utility energy infrastructure segment, related to the sale of electricity from our majority-owned renewable generating facilities through agreements with several large high credit quality counterparties. We evaluate the collectability of our accounts receivable and unbilled revenue balances considering a combination of factors. For some of our larger customers and also in circumstances where we become aware of a specific customer's inability to meet its financial obligations to us, we record a specific allowance for credit losses against amounts due in order to reduce the net recognized receivable to the amount we reasonably believe will be collected. For all other customers, we use the accounts receivable aging method to calculate an allowance for credit losses. Using this method, we classify accounts receivable into different aging buckets and calculate a reserve percentage for each aging bucket based upon historical loss rates. The calculated reserve percentages are updated on at least an annual basis, in order to ensure recent macroeconomic, political, and regulatory trends are captured in the calculation, to the extent possible. Risks identified that we do not believe are reflected in the calculated reserve percentages, are assessed on a quarterly basis to determine whether further adjustments are required. We monitor our ongoing credit exposure through active review of counterparty accounts receivable balances against contract terms and due dates. Our activities include timely account reconciliation, dispute resolution and payment confirmation. To the extent possible, we work with customers with past due balances to negotiate payment plans, but will disconnect customers for non-payment as allowed by our regulators, if necessary, and employ collection agencies and legal counsel to pursue recovery of defaulted receivables. For our larger customers, detailed credit review procedures may be performed in advance of any sales being made. We sometimes require letters of credit, parental guarantees, prepayments or other forms of credit assurance from our larger customers, including VLCs, to mitigate credit risk. (f) Materials, Supplies, and Inventories — Our inventories as of December 31 consisted of: (in millions) 2025 2024 Materials and supplies $ 416.4   $ 412.5 Natural gas in storage 292.5   300.2 Fossil fuel 94.5   100.5 Total $ 803.4   $ 813.2 PGL and NSG price natural gas storage injections at the calendar year average of the costs of natural gas supply purchased. Withdrawals from storage are priced on the LIFO cost method. Inventories stated on a LIFO basis represented approximately 17 % and 18 % of total inventories at December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The estimated replacement cost of natural gas in inventory at December 31, 2025 and 2024, exceeded the LIFO cost by $ 94.9 million and $ 77.9 million, respectively. In calculating these replacement amounts, PGL and NSG used a Chicago city-gate natural gas price per Dth of $ 3.36  at December 31, 2025, and $ 3.10 at December 31, 2024. Substantially all other materials and supplies, natural gas in storage, and fossil fuel inventories are recorded using the weighted-average cost method of accounting. (g) Regulatory Assets and Liabilities — The economic effects of regulation can result in regulated companies recording costs and revenues that are allowed in the ratemaking process in a period different from the period they would have been recognized by a nonregulated company. When this occurs, regulatory assets and liabilities are recorded on the balance sheet. Regulatory assets represent deferred costs probable of recovery from customers that would have otherwise been charged to expense. Regulatory 2025 Form 10-K 96 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents liabilities represent amounts that are expected to be refunded to customers in future rates or future costs already collected from customers in rates. The recovery or refund of regulatory assets and liabilities is based on specific periods determined by our regulators or occurs over the normal operating period of the related assets and liabilities. If a previously recorded regulatory asset is no longer probable of recovery, the regulatory asset is reduced to the amount considered probable of recovery, and the reduction is charged to expense in the current period. See Note 6, Regulatory Assets and Liabilities, for more information. (h) Property, Plant, and Equipment — We record property, plant, and equipment at cost. Cost includes material, labor, overhead, and both debt and equity components of AFUDC. Additions to and significant replacements of property are charged to property, plant, and equipment at cost; minor items are charged to other operation and maintenance expense. The cost of depreciable utility property less salvage value is charged to accumulated depreciation when property is retired. We record straight-line depreciation expense over the estimated useful life of utility property using depreciation rates approved by the applicable regulators. Annual utility composite depreciation rates are shown below: Annual Utility Composite Depreciation Rates 2025 2024 2023 WE 3.07 % 3.03 % 3.03 % WPS 3.01 % 2.92 % 2.93 % WG 2.45 % 2.61 % 2.61 % PGL 3.34 % 3.36 % 3.13 % NSG 2.49 % 2.49 % 2.46 % MERC 2.62 % 2.60 % 2.60 % MGU 2.87 % 2.87 % 2.73 % UMERC 3.20 % 3.01 % 2.97 % We depreciate our We Power assets over the estimated useful life of the various property components. The components have useful lives of between 10 to 45 years for PWGS 1 and PWGS 2 and 10 to 55 years for ER 1 and ER 2. We depreciate our WECI assets over the estimated useful life of the property, with wind and solar generating facilities being depreciated over 30 and 35 years, respectively. We capitalize certain costs related to software developed or obtained for internal use and record these costs to amortization expense over the estimated useful life of the related software, which ranges from 3 to 15 years. If software is retired prior to being fully amortized, the difference is recorded as a loss on the income statement. Third parties reimburse the utilities for all or a portion of expenditures for certain capital projects. Such contributions in aid of construction costs are recorded as a reduction to property, plant, and equipment. See Note 7, Property, Plant, and Equipment, for more information. (i) Allowance for Funds Used During Construction — AFUDC is included in utility plant accounts and represents the cost of borrowed funds (AFUDC-Debt) used during plant construction, and a return on shareholders' capital (AFUDC-Equity) used for construction purposes. AFUDC-Debt is recorded as a reduction of interest expense, and AFUDC-Equity is recorded in other income, net. 2025 Form 10-K 97 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents The majority of AFUDC is recorded at WE, WPS, WG, UMERC, and WBS. Approximately 50 % of WE's, WPS's, WG's, UMERC's, and WBS's retail jurisdictional CWIP expenditures are subject to the AFUDC calculation. AFUDC rates are determined by their respective state commissions, each with specific requirements. Average AFUDC rates are shown below: 2025 Average AFUDC Retail Rate Average AFUDC Wholesale Rate WE 8.65 % 7.51 % WPS 7.82 % 6.62 % WG 8.54 % N/A UMERC 6.40 % N/A WBS 7.82 % N/A Our regulated utilities and WBS recorded the following AFUDC for the years ended December 31: (in millions) 2025 2024 2023 AFUDC-Debt WE $ 29.8   $ 14.6   $ 13.0 WPS 4.7   3.6   2.9 UMERC 3.4   0.4   — WG 0.5   0.5   3.4 WBS 0.2   0.1   0.1 Other 0.4   0.2   0.1 Total AFUDC-Debt $ 39.0   $ 19.4   $ 19.5 AFUDC-Equity WE $ 78.9   $ 46.0   $ 41.0 WPS 12.2   9.2   7.6 UMERC 6.3   1.0   — WG 1.2   2.9   9.8 WBS 0.5   0.3   0.4 Other 0.7   0.4   0.3 Total AFUDC-Equity $ 99.8   $ 59.8   $ 59.1 See Note 16, Income Taxes, for more information on how AFUDC-Equity is treated for tax purposes and the related impact on total WEC Energy Group income tax expense. (j) Cloud Computing Hosting Arrangements that are Service Contracts — We have entered into several cloud computing arrangements that are hosted service contracts as part of projects related to the continuous transformation of technology. These projects include, among other things, a centralized repository for data to improve analytics, reporting, work and asset management, targeted enterprise resource planning systems, human resources management, employee scheduling, geospatial information, training, information technology service management, and customer contact systems. We present prepaid hosting fees that are service contracts in either prepayments or other long-term assets on our balance sheets and amortize them as the hosting services are received. Amortization expense, as well as the fees associated with the hosting arrangements, is recorded in other operation and maintenance expense on our income statements. At December 31, 2025 and 2024, we had $ 27.0  million and $ 17.0  million, respectively, of capitalized implementation costs related to cloud computing arrangements that are hosted service contracts. We amortize the implementation costs on a straight-line basis over the cloud computing service arrangement term once the component of the hosted service is ready for its intended use. Accumulated amortization at December 31, 2025 and 2024, was $ 5.8 million and $ 4.1 million, respectively. Amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023 was not significant. The presentation of the implementation costs, along with the related accumulated amortization, follows the prepaid hosting fees. (k) Asset Impairment — Goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives are subject to an annual impairment test. Interim impairment tests are performed when impairment indicators are present. During the third quarter of each year, we perform an annual impairment test for all of our reporting units that carried a goodwill balance. The carrying amount of the reporting unit's goodwill is considered not recoverable if the carrying amount of the reporting unit's net assets exceeds the reporting unit's fair 2025 Form 10-K 98 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents value. An impairment loss is recorded as the excess of the carrying amount of the goodwill over its fair value. For our indefinite-lived intangible assets, an impairment loss is recognized when the carrying amount of an asset is not recoverable and exceeds its fair value. An impairment loss is measured as the excess of the carrying amount of the intangible asset over its fair value. No impairment losses were recorded for our indefinite-lived intangible assets during the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023. See Note 10, Goodwill and Intangibles, for more information. We periodically assess the recoverability of certain long-lived assets when factors indicate the carrying value of such assets may be impaired or such assets are planned to be sold. Long-lived assets that would be subject to an impairment assessment generally include any assets within regulated operations that may not be fully recovered from our customers as a result of regulatory decisions that will be made in the future, as well as assets within nonregulated operations that are proposed to be sold or are currently generating operating losses. An impairment loss is recognized when the carrying amount of an asset is not recoverable and exceeds its fair value. The carrying amount of an asset is not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset. An impairment loss is measured as the excess of the carrying amount of the asset over its fair value. We also periodically assess the recoverability of our non-utility long-lived assets, which includes reviewing current activities, changes in the conditions of our renewable generating facilities, and market conditions in which they operate to determine the existence of any indicators requiring an impairment analysis. Indicators of potential impairment for a non-utility long-lived asset group, generally an individual renewable generation project, include adverse changes in the financial condition of a customer to our offtake agreements, a significant decline in the forecasted operating revenues and earnings of our renewable generation projects, and deterioration in the performance of our renewable generation projects. We assess the likelihood of a disallowance of part of the cost of recently completed plant by considering factors such as applicable regulatory environment changes, our own recent rate orders, as well as recent rate orders of other regulated entities in similar jurisdictions. When it becomes probable that part of the cost of recently completed plant will be disallowed for rate-making purposes, we assess whether a reasonable estimate of the amount of the disallowance can be made. The estimated amount of the probable disallowance will then be deducted from the reported cost of the plant and recognized as an impairment loss. When it becomes probable that a generating unit will be retired before the end of its useful life, we assess whether the generating unit meets the criteria for abandonment accounting. Generating units that are considered probable of abandonment are expected to cease operations in the near term, significantly before the end of their original estimated useful lives. If a generating unit meets the applicable criteria to be considered probable of abandonment, and the unit has been abandoned, we assess the likelihood of recovery of the remaining net book value of that generating unit at the end of each reporting period. If it becomes probable that regulators will disallow full recovery as well as a return on the remaining net book value of a generating unit that is either abandoned or probable of being abandoned, an impairment loss may be required. An impairment loss would be recorded if the remaining net book value of the generating unit is greater than the present value of the amount expected to be recovered from ratepayers, using an incremental borrowing rate. See Note 6, Regulatory Assets and Liabilities, and Note 7, Property, Plant, and Equipment, for more information. We periodically assess the recoverability of equity method investments when factors indicate the carrying amount of such assets may be impaired. Equity method investments are assessed for impairment by comparing the fair values of these investments to their carrying amounts if a fair value assessment was completed or by reviewing for the presence of impairment indicators. If an impairment exists, and it is determined to be other-than-temporary, an impairment loss is recognized equal to the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the investment's fair value. We recorded the following impairment losses on our income statements in the following segments during the years ended December 31: (in millions) 2025 2024 2023 Illinois $ 130.0 (1) $ 12.1 (2) $ 178.9 (3) Non-utility energy infrastructure (4) 15.9   —   — Total impairment losses $ 145.9   $ 12.1   $ 178.9 (1)     Represents a probable disallowance of certain capital costs at PGL under the QIP rider. See Note 26, Regulatory Environment, for more information. 2025 Form 10-K 99 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents (2)     Represents a disallowance of certain previously incurred capital costs at PGL resulting from an ICC order received in August 2024 related to the 2016 annual prudency review of the QIP rider. See Note 26, Regulatory Environment, for more information. (3)     Represents a disallowance of certain previously incurred capital costs resulting from PGL's and NSG's November 2023 rate orders from the ICC. See Note 26, Regulatory Environment, for more information. (4)     Represents impairment losses related to storm damage at certain of WECI's renewable generation facilities. (l) Asset Retirement Obligations — We recognize, at fair value, legal obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets that result from the acquisition, construction, development, and normal operation of the assets. An ARO liability is recorded, when incurred, for these obligations as long as the fair value can be reasonably estimated, even if the timing or method of settling the obligation is unknown. The associated retirement costs are capitalized as part of the related long-lived asset and are depreciated over the useful life of the asset. The ARO liabilities are accreted each period using the credit-adjusted risk-free interest rates associated with the expected settlement dates of the AROs. These rates are determined when the obligations are incurred. Subsequent changes resulting from revisions to the timing or the amount of the original estimate of undiscounted cash flows are recognized as an increase or a decrease to the carrying amount of the liability and the associated capitalized retirement costs. For our regulated entities, we recognize regulatory assets or liabilities for the timing differences between when we recover an ARO in rates and when we recognize the associated retirement costs. See Note 9, Asset Retirement Obligations, for more information. (m) Finite-Lived Intangible Asset and Liabilities — Our finite-lived intangible asset and liabilities include revenue contracts, consisting of PPAs and a proxy revenue swap, in addition to interconnection agreements, which resulted from the acquisitions of renewable generation facilities by WECI in our non-utility energy infrastructure segment. Intangible asset and liabilities are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, which is the term of the related agreement. Amortization of the revenue intangible asset and liabilities are recorded within operating revenues in the income statements. Amortization of the interconnection agreement intangible liabilities is recorded within other operation and maintenance in the income statements. The straight-line method of amortization is used because it best reflects the pattern in which the economic benefits of the intangibles are consumed or otherwise used. The amounts and useful lives assigned to the intangible asset and liabilities assumed impact the amount and timing of future amortization. See Note 10, Goodwill and Intangibles, for more information . (n) Stock-Based Compensation — In accordance with the Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan, we provide long-term incentives through our equity interests to our non-employee directors, officers, and other key employees. The plan provides for the granting of stock options, restricted stock, performance shares, and other stock-based awards. Awards may be paid in common stock, cash, or a combination thereof. In addition to those shares of common stock that were subject to awards outstanding as of May 6, 2021, when the plan was last approved by shareholders, 9.0  million shares were reserved for issuance under the plan. We recognize stock-based compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. Awards classified as equity awards are measured based on their grant-date fair value. Awards classified as liability awards are recorded at fair value each reporting period. We account for forfeitures as they occur. Stock Options We grant non-qualified stock options that generally vest on a cliff-basis after three years . The exercise price of a stock option under the plan cannot be less than 100 % of our common stock's fair market value on the grant date. Historically, all stock options have been granted with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of our common stock on the date of the grant. Options vest immediately upon retirement, death, or disability; however, they may not be exercised within six months of the grant date except in connection with certain termination of employment events following a change in control. Options expire no later than 10 years from the date of the grant. 2025 Form 10-K 100 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Our stock options are classified as equity awards. The fair value of our stock options was calculated using a binomial option-pricing model. The following table shows the estimated weighted-average fair value per stock option granted along with the weighted-average assumptions used in the valuation models: 2025 2024 2023 Stock options granted 231,024   294,990   257,780 Estimated weighted-average fair value per stock option $ 18.23   $ 16.19   $ 19.58 Assumptions used to value the options: Risk-free interest rate 4.2 % – 4.6 % 3.9 % – 5.4 % 3.8 % – 4.8 % Dividend yield 4.1   % 3.8   % 3.2   % Expected volatility 22.0   % 22.0   % 22.0   % Expected life (years) 8.3 8.4 8.3 The risk-free interest rate was based on the United States Treasury interest rate with a term consistent with the expected life of the stock options. The dividend yield was based on our dividend rate at the time of the grant and historical stock prices. Expected volatility and expected life assumptions were based on our historical experience. Restricted Shares Restricted shares granted to employees generally have a vesting period of three years with one-third of the award vesting on each anniversary of the grant date. Restricted shares granted to non-employee directors fully vest after one year . Our restricted shares are classified as equity awards. Performance Units Officers and other key employees are granted performance units under the WEC Energy Group Performance Unit Plan. All grants of performance units are settled in cash and are accounted for as liability awards accordingly. Performance units accrue forfeitable dividend equivalents in the form of additional performance units. The fair value of the performance units reflects our estimate of the final expected value of the awards, which is based on our stock price and performance achievement under the terms of the award. Stock-based compensation costs are generally recorded over the performance period, which is three years . Pursuant to the terms of the WEC Energy Group Performance Unit Plan, the Compensation Committee selected multiple performance measures that will be weighted to determine the ultimate payout of the performance unit awards. The ultimate number of units that will be paid out will be based on our total shareholder return compared to the total shareholder return of a peer group of companies over three years ( 55 %), and our performance against the weighted average authorized ROE of all of our utility subsidiaries ( 45 %). In addition, the Compensation Committee selected the level of our stock price to earnings ratio compared to our peer companies as a performance measure that can increase the payout by up to 25 %. In no event can the performance unit payout be greater than 200 % of the target award. See Note 11, Common Equity, for more information on our stock-based compensation plans. (o) Earnings Per Share — We compute basic EPS by dividing our net income attributed to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is computed in a similar manner, but includes the exercise, settlement, and/or conversion of all potentially dilutive securities. Our potentially dilutive securities include stock options, forward equity sales contracts, and shares issuable upon the conversion of our convertible debt instruments. The dilutive impacts from our in-the-money stock options and forward equity sales contract are calculated using the treasury stock method. The calculation of diluted EPS for the year ended December 31, 2025 excluded 58,533 shares issuable under our forward equity sales contract as their effect was anti-dilutive. The calculation of diluted EPS for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 excluded 66,870 and 1,716,286 stock options, respectively, that had an anti-dilutive effect. No stock options had an anti-dilutive effect for the year ended December 31, 2025, and we did not have any forward equity sales contracts prior to 2025. 2025 Form 10-K 101 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Potentially dilutive common shares issuable upon conversion of our convertible debt instruments are calculated using the if-converted method. For the year ended December 31, 2025, there were no shares of our common stock related to the potential conversion of the 2028 Notes (issued in June 2025) included in our diluted EPS calculation as the impact was anti-dilutive. For the year ended December 31, 2024, there were no shares of our common stock related to the potential conversion of the 2027 Notes and 2029 Notes (both issued in 2024) included in our diluted EPS calculation as the impact was anti-dilutive. See Note 11, Common Equity, for more information on the computation of our basic and diluted EPS. (p) Leases — We recognize a right of use asset and lease liability for operating and finance leases with a term of greater than one year . As a policy election, we account for each lease component separately from the nonlease components of a contract. We are currently party to several easement agreements that allow us access to land we do not own for the purpose of constructing and maintaining certain electric power and natural gas equipment. The majority of payments we make related to easements relate to our renewable generating facilities. We have not classified our easements as leases because we view the entire parcel of land specified in our easement agreements to be the identified asset, not just that portion of the parcel that contains our easement. As such, we have concluded that we do not control the use of an identified asset related to our easement agreements, nor do we obtain substantially all of the economic benefits associated with these shared-use assets. See Note 15, Leases, for more information. (q) Income Taxes — In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. The amendments require additional disclosures, primarily related to income taxes paid and the rate reconciliation table. The amendments require disclosures on specific categories in the rate reconciliation table, as well as additional information for reconciling items that meet a quantitative threshold. For income taxes paid, additional disclosures are required to disaggregate federal, state, and foreign income taxes paid, with additional disclosures for income taxes paid that meet a quantitative threshold. We adopted ASU No. 2023-09 on January 1, 2025, on a retroactive basis, with the required disclosures first included in our 2025 Annual Report on Form 10-K. We follow the liability method in accounting for income taxes. Accounting guidance for income taxes requires the recording of deferred assets and liabilities to recognize the expected future tax consequences of events that have been reflected in our financial statements or tax returns and the adjustment of deferred tax balances to reflect tax rate changes. We are required to assess the likelihood that our deferred tax assets would expire before being realized. If we conclude that certain deferred tax assets are likely to expire before being realized, a valuation allowance would be established against those assets. GAAP requires that, if we conclude in a future period that it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets would be realized before expiration, we reverse the related valuation allowance in that period. Any change to the allowance, as a result of a change in judgment about the realization of deferred tax assets, is reported in income tax expense. ITCs are deferred and amortized over the life of the assets. PTCs are recognized in the period in which such credits are generated. The amount of the credit is based upon power production from our qualifying generation facilities. We file a consolidated federal income tax return. Accordingly, we allocate federal current tax expense, benefits, and credits to our subsidiaries based on their separate tax computations and our ability to monetize all credits on our consolidated federal return. We recognize interest and penalties accrued, related to unrecognized tax benefits, in income tax expense in our income statements. The IRA contains a tax credit transferability provision that allows us to sell PTCs and ITCs produced after December 31, 2022, to third parties. Under this transferability provision, we entered into agreements to sell the majority of the PTCs and ITCs we generated in 2023, 2024, and 2025 to third parties. See Note 16, Income Taxes, for more information on the PTCs we sold. We have also entered into an agreement to sell the majority of PTCs that we expect to generate in 2026 to third parties. We elect to account for tax credits transferred under the scope of ASC 740. We include the discount from the sale of tax credits as a component of income tax expense. We also include any expected proceeds from the sale of tax credits in the evaluation of the realizability of deferred tax assets related to PTCs and ITCs. The sale of tax credits is presented in the operating activities section of the statements of cash flows consistent with the presentation of cash taxes paid. In April 2023, the IRS issued Revenue Procedure 2023-15, which provides a safe harbor method of accounting that taxpayers may use to determine whether expenses to repair, maintain, replace, or improve natural gas transmission and distribution property must be capitalized for tax purposes. We adopted the safe harbor method of accounting for certain of our utilities on our 2023 tax return 2025 Form 10-K 102 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents and adopted the safe harbor method of accounting for our remaining utilities on our 2024 tax return, which increased our deferred tax liabilities. See Note 16, Income Taxes, for more information. (r) Fair Value Measurements — Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price). Fair value accounting rules provide a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurement) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurement). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are defined as follows: Level 1 – Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reporting date. Active markets are those in which transactions for the asset or liability occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis. Level 2 – Pricing inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly, but are not quoted prices included within Level 1. Level 2 includes those financial instruments that are valued using external inputs within models or other valuation methods. Level 3 – Pricing inputs include significant inputs that are generally less observable from objective sources. These inputs may be used with internally developed methods that result in management's best estimate of fair value. Level 3 instruments include those that may be more structured or otherwise tailored to customers' needs. Assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. We use a mid-market pricing convention (the mid-point price between bid and ask prices) as a practical measure for valuing certain derivative assets and liabilities. We primarily use a market approach for recurring fair value measurements and attempt to use valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. When possible, we base the valuations of our assets and liabilities on quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in active markets. These valuations are classified in Level 1. The valuations of certain contracts not classified as Level 1 may be based on quoted market prices received from counterparties and/or observable inputs for similar instruments. Transactions valued using these inputs are classified in Level 2. Certain derivatives, such as FTRs and TCRs, are categorized in Level 3 due to the significance of unobservable or internally-developed inputs. FTRs and TCRs are valued using auction prices from the applicable RTO. See Note 17, Fair Value Measurements, for more information. (s) Derivative Instruments — We use derivatives as part of our risk management program to manage the risks associated with the price volatility of interest rates, purchased power, generation, and natural gas costs for the benefit of our customers and shareholders. Our approach is non-speculative and designed to mitigate risk. Regulated hedging programs are approved by our state regulators. We record derivative instruments on our balance sheets as assets or liabilities measured at fair value unless they qualify for the normal purchases and sales exception, and are so designated. We continually assess our contracts designated as normal and will discontinue the treatment of these contracts as normal if the required criteria are no longer met. Changes in the derivative's fair value are recognized currently in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met or we receive regulatory treatment for the derivative. For most energy-related physical and financial contracts in our regulated operations that qualify as derivatives, our regulators allow the effects of fair value accounting to be offset to regulatory assets and liabilities. We classify derivative assets and liabilities as current or long-term on our balance sheets based on the maturities of the underlying contracts. Cash flows from derivative activities are presented in the same category as the item being hedged within operating activities on our statements of cash flows. Derivative accounting rules provide the option to present certain asset and liability derivative positions net on the balance sheets and to net the related cash collateral against these net derivative positions. We elected not to net these items. On our balance sheets, cash collateral provided to others is reflected in other current assets, and cash collateral received is reflected in other current liabilities. See Note 18, Derivative Instruments, for more information. 2025 Form 10-K 103 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents (t) Guarantees — We follow the guidance of the Guarantees Topic of the FASB ASC, which requires, under certain circumstances, that the guarantor recognize a liability for the fair value of the obligation undertaken in issuing the guarantee at its inception. See Note 19, Guarantees, for more information. (u) Employee Benefits — The costs of pension and OPEB plans are expensed over the periods during which employees render service. These costs are distributed among our subsidiaries based on current employment status and actuarial calculations, as applicable. Our regulators allow recovery in rates for the utilities' net periodic benefit cost calculated under GAAP. See Note 20, Employee Benefits, for more information. (v) Customer Deposits and Credit Balances — When utility customers apply for new service, they may be required to provide a deposit for the service. Customer deposits are recorded within other current liabilities on our balance sheets. Utility customers can elect to be on a budget plan. Under this type of plan, a monthly installment amount is calculated based on estimated annual usage. During the year, the monthly installment amount is reviewed by comparing it to actual usage. If necessary, an adjustment is made to the monthly amount. Annually, the budget plan is reconciled to actual annual usage. Payments in excess of actual customer usage are recorded within other current liabilities on our balance sheets. (w) Environmental Remediation Costs — We are subject to federal and state environmental laws and regulations that in the future may require us to pay for environmental remediation at sites where we have been, or may be, identified as a potentially responsible party. Loss contingencies may exist for the remediation of hazardous substances at various potential sites, including CCR landfills and manufactured gas plant sites. See Note 9, Asset Retirement Obligations, for more information regarding CCR landfills and Note 24, Commitments and Contingencies, for more information regarding manufactured gas plant sites. We record environmental remediation liabilities when site assessments indicate remediation is probable, and we can reasonably estimate the loss or a range of losses. The estimate includes both our share of the liability and any additional amounts that will not be paid by other potentially responsible parties or the government. When possible, we estimate costs using site-specific information but also consider historical experience for costs incurred at similar sites. Remediation efforts for a particular site generally extend over a period of several years. During this period, the laws governing the remediation process may change, as well as site conditions, potentially affecting the cost of remediation. Our utilities have received approval to defer certain environmental remediation costs, as well as estimated future costs, through a regulatory asset. The recovery of deferred costs is subject to the applicable state regulatory commission's approval. We review our estimated costs of remediation annually for our manufactured gas plant sites and CCR landfills. We adjust the liabilities and related regulatory assets, as appropriate, to reflect the new cost estimates. Any material changes in cost estimates are adjusted throughout the year. (x) Customer Concentrations of Credit Risk — The geographic concentration of our customers did not contribute significantly to our overall exposure to credit risk. We periodically review customers' credit ratings, financial statements, and historical payment performance and require them to provide collateral or other security as needed. 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, and we could recognize financial losses as a result. Credit risk exposure at WE, WPS, WG, PGL, and NSG is mitigated by their recovery mechanisms for uncollectible expense discussed in Note 1(d), Operating Revenues. There were no customers that accounted for more than 10 % of our revenues for the year ended December 31, 2025. As a result, for the majority of our utility companies, we did not have any significant concentrations of credit risk at December 31, 2025. However, WE has contracts with a small number of customers to provide power to large-scale data centers to support AI and other technology capabilities. This concentration of business with a small number of customers in an industry based on emerging technologies presents several risks. WE is incurring significant costs to construct bespoke resources to serve these customers. Although WE requires these customers to enter into payment and cancellation agreements, WE may still experience significant losses or delayed recovery of these costs. Changes in industry practice or advances in these technologies could reduce the demand for electricity to power data centers, which would reduce our forecasted revenues. Significant capital spend to build out required infrastructure or a downturn in business could weaken their financial condition, liquidity and/or creditworthiness, including their ability to satisfy their reimbursement obligations to us. 2025 Form 10-K 104 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents NOTE 2— ACQUISITIONS In accordance with Topic 805: Clarifying the Definition of a Business (ASU 2017-01), transactions are evaluated and are accounted for as acquisitions of assets or businesses, and transaction costs are capitalized in asset acquisitions. It was determined that all of the below acquisitions met the criteria of asset acquisitions. The purchase price of certain acquisitions below includes intangibles recorded as long-term assets and long-term liabilities related to PPAs. See Note 10, Goodwill and Intangibles, for more information. Acquisition of a Solar Generation Facility in Ohio Upon commercial operation in February 2025, WECI completed the acquisition of a 90 % ownership interest in Hardin III, a 250 MW solar generating facility located in Hardin County, Ohio for $ 406.1  million. 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. The table below shows the allocation of the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of the acquisition. (in millions) Net property, plant, and equipment $ 526.5 Other current assets 0.2 Other current liabilities ( 0.4 ) Other long-term liabilities ( 75.1 ) Noncontrolling interest ( 45.1 ) Total purchase price $ 406.1 Acquisitions of Solar Generation Facilities in Texas Upon commercial operation in December 2024, WECI completed the acquisition of a 90 % ownership interest in Delilah I, a 300 MW solar generating facility in Lamar, Franklin, Hopkins, and Red River counties in Texas. Delilah I was acquired for $ 462.5  million, which included transaction costs and was net of cash acquired. The project has offtake agreements for all of the energy to be produced by the facility for a period of 15 years from the date of commercial operation. Delilah I qualifies for PTCs and is included in the non-utility energy infrastructure segment. The table below shows the allocation of the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of the acquisition. (in millions) Other current assets $ 0.1 Net property, plant, and equipment 579.8 Other long-term assets 12.4 Other long-term liabilities ( 78.3 ) Noncontrolling interest ( 51.5 ) Total purchase price $ 462.5 In February 2023, WECI completed the acquisition of an 80 % ownership interest in Samson I, a commercially operational 250 MW solar generating facility in Lamar, Franklin, Hopkins, and Red River counties in Texas. Samson I was acquired for $ 257.3  million, which included transaction costs and was net of cash acquired. 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 in May 2022. Samson I qualifies for PTCs and is included in the non-utility energy infrastructure segment. In January 2024, WECI acquired an additional 10 % ownership interest in Samson I for $ 28.1  million. 2025 Form 10-K 105 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents The table below shows the allocation of the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of the original acquisition. (in millions) Accounts receivable $ 0.5 Other current assets 0.7 Net property, plant, and equipment 497.2 Other long-term assets 12.3 Accounts payable ( 0.5 ) Other current liabilities ( 0.8 ) Other long-term liabilities ( 186.4 ) Noncontrolling interest ( 65.7 ) Total purchase price $ 257.3 Acquisitions of Electric Generation Facilities in Illinois Upon commercial operation in November 2024, WECI completed the acquisition of a 90 % ownership interest in Maple Flats, a 250  MW solar generating facility in Clay County, Illinois. Maple Flats was acquired for $ 431.2  million, which included transaction costs and was net of cash acquired. 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. Maple Flats qualifies for PTCs and is included in the non-utility energy infrastructure segment. The table below shows the allocation of the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of the acquisition. (in millions) Net property, plant, and equipment $ 469.5 Other long-term assets 44.5 Other long-term liabilities ( 34.9 ) Noncontrolling interest ( 47.9 ) Total purchase price $ 431.2 In February 2023, upon achievement of commercial operation, WECI completed the acquisition of a 90 % ownership interest in Sapphire Sky, a 250 MW wind generating facility in McLean County, Illinois, for a total investment of $ 442.6  million, which includes transaction costs and is net of cash acquired. The project has an offtake agreement for all of the energy to be produced by the facility for a period of 12 years from the date of commercial operation. Sapphire Sky qualifies for PTCs and is included in the non-utility energy infrastructure segment. The table below shows the allocation of the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of the acquisition. (in millions) Accounts receivable $ 0.8 Net property, plant, and equipment 642.6 Other long-term assets 1.4 Accounts payable ( 1.0 ) Other long-term liabilities ( 152.0 ) Noncontrolling interest ( 49.2 ) Total purchase price $ 442.6 2025 Form 10-K 106 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Acquisitions of Electric Generation Facilities in Wisconsin In December 2025, WE and WPS, along with an unaffiliated utility, signed an agreement to acquire Whitetail, a wind-powered electric generation project with a total capacity of 67.2 MW. This project will be located in Grant County, Wisconsin and WE will own 80 % and WPS will own 10 %. WE's share of the purchase price is expected to be approximately $ 178  million and WPS's share of the purchase price is expected to be approximately $ 22  million. The project is expected to close in late 2027 and it is expected to qualify for PTCs. In May 2024, WE completed the acquisition of an additional 100 MWs of West Riverside's nameplate capacity for $ 97.9  million. West Riverside is a commercially operational dual fueled combined cycle generation facility in Beloit, Wisconsin. In June 2023, WE completed the first acquisition of 100 MWs for $ 95.3  million. After the second acquisition, WE owns 200 MWs, or 27.5 %, of West Riverside at a total cost of $ 193.2  million. In April 2023, WPS, along with an unaffiliated utility, completed the acquisition of Red Barn, a commercially operational utility-scale wind-powered electric generating facility. The project is located in Grant County, Wisconsin and WPS owns 82  MWs of this project. WPS's share of the cost of this project was $ 145.9  million. Red Barn qualifies for PTCs. In January 2023, WE and WPS completed the acquisition of Whitewater, a commercially operational 236.5 MW dual fueled (natural gas and low sulfur fuel oil) combined cycle electric generation facility in Whitewater, Wisconsin, for $ 76.0  million. NOTE 3— DISPOSITION Wisconsin Segment Sale of Certain Real Estate by Wisconsin Electric Power Company In June 2023, we sold approximately 192 acres of real estate at WE's former Pleasant Prairie power plant site that was no longer being utilized in its operations, for $ 23.0  million, which is net of closing costs. As a result of the sale, a pre-tax gain in the amount of $ 22.2  million was recorded within other operation and maintenance expense on our income statement. The book value of the real estate included in the sale was not material and, therefore, was not presented as held for sale. 2025 Form 10-K 107 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents NOTE 4— OPERATING REVENUES For more information about our significant accounting policies related to operating revenues, see Note 1(d), Operating Revenues. Disaggregation of Operating Revenues The following tables present our operating revenues disaggregated by revenue source. We do not have any revenues associated with our electric transmission segment, which includes investments accounted for using the equity method. We disaggregate revenues into categories that depict how the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenues and cash flows are affected by economic factors. For our segments, revenues are further disaggregated by electric and natural gas operations and then by customer class. Each customer class within our electric and natural gas operations has different expectations of service, energy and demand requirements, and can be impacted differently by regulatory activities within their jurisdictions. (in millions) Wisconsin Illinois Other States Total Utility Operations Non-Utility Energy Infrastructure Corporate and Other Reconciling Eliminations WEC Energy Group Consolidated Year ended December 31, 2025 Electric $ 5,529.6   $ —   $ —   $ 5,529.6   $ —   $ —   $ —   $ 5,529.6 Natural gas 1,741.6   1,717.6   508.1   3,967.3   47.0   —   ( 44.5 ) 3,969.8 Total regulated revenues 7,271.2   1,717.6   508.1   9,496.9   47.0   —   ( 44.5 ) 9,499.4 Other non-utility revenues —   —   21.8   21.8   243.6   —   ( 9.2 ) 256.2 Total revenues from contracts with customers 7,271.2   1,717.6   529.9   9,518.7   290.6   —   ( 53.7 ) 9,755.6 Other operating revenues 24.3   ( 34.0 ) ( 2.4 ) ( 12.1 ) 479.6   —   ( 423.0 ) (1) 44.5 Total operating revenues $ 7,295.5   $ 1,683.6   $ 527.5   $ 9,506.6   $ 770.2   $ —   $ ( 476.7 ) $ 9,800.1 (in millions) Wisconsin Illinois Other States Total Utility Operations Non-Utility Energy Infrastructure Corporate and Other Reconciling Eliminations WEC Energy Group Consolidated Year ended December 31, 2024 Electric $ 4,908.4   $ —   $ —   $ 4,908.4   $ —   $ —   $ —   $ 4,908.4 Natural gas 1,402.4   1,499.6   419.7   3,321.7   48.4   —   ( 46.0 ) 3,324.1 Total regulated revenues 6,310.8   1,499.6   419.7   8,230.1   48.4   —   ( 46.0 ) 8,232.5 Other non-utility revenues —   —   20.4   20.4   223.9   —   ( 9.1 ) 235.2 Total revenues from contracts with customers 6,310.8   1,499.6   440.1   8,250.5   272.3   —   ( 55.1 ) 8,467.7 Other operating revenues 19.7   102.8   9.7   132.2   419.0   —   ( 419.0 ) (1) 132.2 Total operating revenues $ 6,330.5   $ 1,602.4   $ 449.8   $ 8,382.7   $ 691.3   $ —   $ ( 474.1 ) $ 8,599.9 (in millions) Wisconsin Illinois Other States Total Utility Operations Non-Utility Energy Infrastructure Corporate and Other Reconciling Eliminations WEC Energy Group Consolidated Year Ended December 31, 2023 Electric $ 4,994.6   $ —   $ —   $ 4,994.6   $ —   $ —   $ —   $ 4,994.6 Natural gas 1,606.7   1,480.5   493.7   3,580.9   61.9   —   ( 60.2 ) 3,582.6 Total regulated revenues 6,601.3   1,480.5   493.7   8,575.5   61.9   —   ( 60.2 ) 8,577.2 Other non-utility revenues —   —   19.6   19.6   197.5   0.1   ( 9.1 ) 208.1 Total revenues from contracts with customers 6,601.3   1,480.5   513.3   8,595.1   259.4   0.1   ( 69.3 ) 8,785.3 Other operating revenues 24.6   77.3   5.8   107.7   407.1   —   ( 407.1 ) (1) 107.7 Total operating revenues $ 6,625.9   $ 1,557.8   $ 519.1   $ 8,702.8   $ 666.5   $ 0.1   $ ( 476.4 ) $ 8,893.0 (1)     Amounts eliminated represent lease revenues related to certain plants that We Power leases to WE to supply electricity to its customers. Lease payments are billed from We Power to WE and then recovered in WE's rates as authorized by the PSCW and the FERC. WE operates the plants and is authorized by the PSCW and Wisconsin state law to fully recover prudently incurred operating and maintenance costs in electric rates. 2025 Form 10-K 108 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Revenues from Contracts with Customers Electric Utility Operating Revenues The following table disaggregates electric utility operating revenues into customer class: Year Ended December 31 (in millions) 2025 2024 2023 Residential $ 2,249.6   $ 1,996.3   $ 1,992.3 Small commercial and industrial 1,763.6   1,613.0   1,641.1 Large commercial and industrial 1,057.8   942.6   978.4 Other 30.9   30.2   30.5 Total retail revenues 5,101.9   4,582.1   4,642.3 Wholesale 107.6   102.6   120.4 Resale 267.6   176.7   195.4 Steam 28.4   22.4   25.2 Other utility revenues 24.1   24.6   11.3 Total electric utility operating revenues $ 5,529.6   $ 4,908.4   $ 4,994.6 Natural Gas Utility Operating Revenues The following tables disaggregate natural gas utility operating revenues into customer class: (in millions) Wisconsin Illinois Other States Total Natural Gas Utility Operating Revenues Year ended December 31, 2025 Residential $ 1,100.2   $ 1,174.9   $ 316.5   $ 2,591.6 Commercial and industrial 563.9   320.0   164.4   1,048.3 Total retail revenues 1,664.1   1,494.9   480.9   3,639.9 Transportation 105.1   291.8   38.8   435.7 Other utility revenues (1) (2) ( 27.6 ) ( 69.1 ) ( 11.6 ) ( 108.3 ) Total natural gas utility operating revenues $ 1,741.6   $ 1,717.6   $ 508.1   $ 3,967.3 (in millions) Wisconsin Illinois Other States Total Natural Gas Utility Operating Revenues Year ended December 31, 2024 Residential $ 893.1   $ 945.5   $ 250.5   $ 2,089.1 Commercial and industrial 416.8   274.5   123.9   815.2 Total retail revenues 1,309.9   1,220.0   374.4   2,904.3 Transportation 96.8   272.2   33.6   402.6 Other utility revenues (1) ( 4.3 ) 7.4   11.7   14.8 Total natural gas utility operating revenues $ 1,402.4   $ 1,499.6   $ 419.7   $ 3,321.7 2025 Form 10-K 109 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents (in millions) Wisconsin Illinois Other States Total Natural Gas Utility Operating Revenues Year Ended December 31, 2023 Residential $ 1,012.0   $ 966.0   $ 324.4   $ 2,302.4 Commercial and industrial 506.7   267.1   175.3   949.1 Total retail revenues 1,518.7   1,233.1   499.7   3,251.5 Transportation 93.0   231.9   32.5   357.4 Other utility revenues (1) ( 5.0 ) 15.5   ( 38.5 ) ( 28.0 ) Total natural gas utility operating revenues $ 1,606.7   $ 1,480.5   $ 493.7   $ 3,580.9 (1)     Includes the revenues subject to the purchased gas recovery mechanisms of our utilities, which fluctuate by segment based on actual natural gas costs incurred at our utilities, compared with the recovery of natural gas costs that were anticipated in rates. (2)     For our Illinois segment, includes a $ 75.0  million reduction in revenues recorded in the fourth quarter of 2025 for future billing credits to customers, based on the terms of a proposed settlement in February 2026 to resolve open QIP and UEA proceedings. Other Non-Utility Operating Revenues Other non-utility operating revenues consist primarily of the following: Year Ended December 31 (in millions) 2025 2024 2023 Renewable generation revenues $ 209.8   $ 190.5   $ 164.9 We Power revenues 24.6   24.3   23.5 Appliance service revenues 21.8   20.4   19.6 Other —   —   0.1 Total other non-utility operating revenues $ 256.2   $ 235.2   $ 208.1 Other Operating Revenues Other operating revenues consist primarily of the following: Year Ended December 31 (in millions) 2025 2024 2023 Late payment charges $ 48.1   $ 48.5   $ 56.5 Bespoke resources current return (1) 4.1   —   — Alternative revenues (2) ( 67.7 ) 79.8   47.0 Other 60.0   3.9   4.2 Total other operating revenues $ 44.5   $ 132.2   $ 107.7 (1)     Bespoke resources current return consists of carrying costs earned during the construction of bespoke resources assigned to WE's VLCs. See Note 1(d), Operating Revenues, for more information. (2)     Alternative revenues consist of amounts to be recovered or refunded to customers subject to decoupling mechanisms, wholesale true-ups, and conservation improvement rider true-ups. Negative amounts can result from alternative revenues being reversed to revenues from contracts with customers as the customer is billed for these alternative revenues. For more information about our alternative revenues, see Note 1(d), Operating Revenues. 2025 Form 10-K 110 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents NOTE 5— CREDIT LOSSES We have included tables below that show our gross third-party receivable balances and the related allowance for credit losses at December 31, 2025 and 2024, by reportable segment. (in millions) Wisconsin Illinois Other States Total Utility Operations Non-Utility Energy Infrastructure Corporate and Other WEC Energy Group Consolidated December 31, 2025 Accounts receivable and unbilled revenues $ 1,368.8   $ 654.8   $ 130.2   $ 2,153.8   $ 50.3   $ 7.3   $ 2,211.4 Allowance for credit losses 61.7   82.3   4.7   148.7   —   —   148.7 Accounts receivable and unbilled revenues, net  (1) $ 1,307.1   $ 572.5   $ 125.5   $ 2,005.1   $ 50.3   $ 7.3   $ 2,062.7 Total accounts receivable, net – past due greater than 90 days (1) $ 46.4   $ 36.8   $ 6.6   $ 89.8   $ —   $ —   $ 89.8 Past due greater than 90 days – collection risk mitigated by regulatory mechanisms (1) 94.6   % 100.0   % —   % 89.9   % —   % —   % 89.9   % (in millions) Wisconsin Illinois Other States Total Utility Operations Non-Utility Energy Infrastructure Corporate and Other WEC Energy Group Consolidated December 31, 2024 Accounts receivable and unbilled revenues $ 1,149.9   $ 535.6   $ 100.6   $ 1,786.1   $ 40.0   $ 6.0   $ 1,832.1 Allowance for credit losses 73.6   83.9   5.3   162.8   —   —   162.8 Accounts receivable and unbilled revenues, net  (1) $ 1,076.3   $ 451.7   $ 95.3   $ 1,623.3   $ 40.0   $ 6.0   $ 1,669.3 Total accounts receivable, net – past due greater than 90 days (1) $ 51.8   $ 30.1   $ 2.5   $ 84.4   $ —   $ —   $ 84.4 Past due greater than 90 days – collection risk mitigated by regulatory mechanisms (1) 93.8   % 100.0   % —   % 93.2   % —   % —   % 93.2   % (1)     Our exposure to credit losses for certain regulated utility customers is mitigated by regulatory mechanisms we have in place. Specifically, rates related to all of the customers in our Illinois segment, as well as the residential rates of WE, WPS, and WG in our Wisconsin segment, include riders or other mechanisms for cost recovery or refund of uncollectible expense based on the difference between the actual provision for credit losses and the amounts recovered in rates. As a result, at December 31, 2025, $ 1,290.2  million, or 62.5 %, of our net accounts receivable and unbilled revenues balance had regulatory protections in place to mitigate the exposure to credit losses. See Note 26, Regulatory Environment, for more information on PGL and NSG's UEA rider for cost recovery or refund of uncollectible expense based on the difference between actual uncollectible write-offs and amounts recovered in rates. A rollforward of the allowance for credit losses by reportable segment for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, is included below: (in millions) Wisconsin Illinois Other States WEC Energy Group Consolidated Balance at January 1, 2025 $ 73.6   $ 83.9   $ 5.3   $ 162.8 Provision for credit losses 85.0   55.8   2.0   142.8 Provision for credit losses deferred for future recovery or refund 4.9   ( 28.7 ) —   ( 23.8 ) Write-offs charged against the allowance ( 151.4 ) ( 81.2 ) ( 8.4 ) ( 241.0 ) Recoveries of amounts previously written off 49.6   52.5   5.8   107.9 Balance at December 31, 2025 $ 61.7   $ 82.3   $ 4.7   $ 148.7 On a consolidated basis, there was a $ 14.1  million decrease in the allowance for credit losses during the year ended December 31, 2025. This decrease is largely driven by customer write-offs in Wisconsin in addition to a decrease in past due account balances in Wisconsin that we believe was related to a continued focus on collection efforts and lower energy bills in the spring and summer months, enabling customers to pay down their arrears. 2025 Form 10-K 111 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents (in millions) Wisconsin Illinois Other States WEC Energy Group Consolidated Balance at January 1, 2024 $ 77.4   $ 109.7   $ 6.4   $ 193.5 Provision for credit losses 52.1   52.3   0.5   104.9 Provision for credit losses deferred for future recovery or refund 43.8   ( 8.0 ) —   35.8 Write-offs charged against the allowance ( 141.8 ) ( 95.0 ) ( 6.6 ) ( 243.4 ) Recoveries of amounts previously written off 42.1   24.9   5.0   72.0 Balance at December 31, 2024 $ 73.6   $ 83.9   $ 5.3   $ 162.8 On a consolidated basis, there was a $ 30.7  million decrease in the allowance for credit losses during the year ended December 31, 2024, largely driven by customer write-offs. We also believe that the lower energy costs that customers were seeing, which were driven by warmer than normal weather conditions during most of 2024 and low average natural gas prices, contributed to a reduction in past due accounts receivable balances and a related decrease in the allowance for credit losses. (in millions) Wisconsin Illinois Other States WEC Energy Group Consolidated Balance at January 1, 2023 $ 82.0   $ 111.0   $ 6.3   $ 199.3 Provision for credit losses 40.9   26.3   4.8   72.0 Provision for credit losses deferred for future recovery or refund 52.5   35.8   —   88.3 Write-offs charged against the allowance ( 131.6 ) ( 85.4 ) ( 6.6 ) ( 223.6 ) Recoveries of amounts previously written off 33.6   22.0   1.9   57.5 Balance at December 31, 2023 $ 77.4   $ 109.7   $ 6.4   $ 193.5 On a consolidated basis, there was a $ 5.8  million decrease in the allowance for credit losses during the year ended December 31, 2023, primarily related to lower customer energy costs (driven by the warmer weather during the fourth quarter of 2023 when compared to the same quarter in 2022 and lower natural gas prices), which contributed to a reduction in past due accounts receivable balances and a related decrease in the allowance for credit losses. Customer write-offs also contributed to the decrease in the allowance for credit losses. 2025 Form 10-K 112 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents NOTE 6— REGULATORY ASSETS AND LIABILITIES The following regulatory assets were reflected on our balance sheets as of December 31: (in millions) 2025 2024 See Note Regulatory assets (1) (2) Plant retirement related items (3) $ 768.6   $ 810.5 Environmental remediation costs (4) 566.0   570.1   24 Pension and OPEB costs (5) 564.5   684.9   20, 26 Income tax related items 493.4   438.5   16 AROs 185.1   166.7   1(l), 9 Uncollectible expense 123.9   151.5   5 SSR (6) 92.6   102.9 Securitization 67.5   76.5   23 Derivatives 57.7   38.2   1(s) Decoupling 43.8   110.0   1(d) Bluewater (7) 37.7   57.7 Finance and operating leases 36.0   22.0   15 Electric transmission costs (8) 30.7   0.4 Energy efficiency programs (9) 11.6   26.5 Other, net 94.5   122.3 Total regulatory assets $ 3,173.6   $ 3,378.7 Balance sheet presentation Other current assets $ 17.3   $ 39.0 Regulatory assets 3,156.3   3,339.7 Total regulatory assets $ 3,173.6   $ 3,378.7 (1)     Based on prior and current rate treatment, we believe it is probable that our utilities will continue to recover from customers the regulatory assets in this table. In accordance with GAAP, our regulatory assets do not include the allowance for ROE that is capitalized for regulatory purposes. This allowance was $ 20.9  million and $ 26.7 million at December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. (2)     As of December 31, 2025, we had $ 183.1 million of regulatory assets not earning a return, $ 1.3 million of regulatory assets earning a return based on short-term interest rates, $ 106.1 million of regulatory assets earning a return based on long-term interest rates, and $ 5.5  million of regulatory assets earning a return based on the applicable utility's ROE. The regulatory assets not earning a return primarily relate to certain environmental remediation costs, decoupling mechanisms, electric transmission costs, unamortized loss on reacquired debt, and uncollectible expense. The other regulatory assets in the table either earn a return at the applicable utility's weighted average cost of capital or the cash has not yet been expended, in which case the regulatory assets are offset by liabilities. (3)     Primarily represents the net book value of power plants we have both abandoned and retired. For all of these plants, we have approval to collect a return of their remaining net book value. We also have approval to collect a return on all but $ 100  million of their remaining net book value. For information on the securitization of this $ 100  million, see Note 23, Variable Interest Entities. These regulatory assets are amortized on a straight-line basis, using the composite depreciation rates approved before the plants were retired, and the amortization is included in depreciation and amortization in the income statement. (4)     As of December 31, 2025, we had made cash expenditures of $ 81.9 million related to these environmental remediation costs. The remaining $ 484.1 million represents our estimated future cash expenditures. (5)     Primarily represents the unrecognized future pension and OPEB costs related to our defined benefit pension and OPEB plans. We are authorized recovery of these regulatory assets over the average remaining service life of each plan. (6)     This regulatory asset relates to WE's 2014 announcement to retire the PIPP. Despite WE's intent to retire the PIPP, MISO designated the PIPP as a SSR, which meant the PIPP's operation was necessary for reliability, and the plant could not be shut down until new generation or transmission facilities were built. In December 2014, the PSCW authorized escrow accounting for WE's SSR revenues because of the fluctuations in the actual revenues WE received under the PIPP SSR agreements. The rate order WE received from the PSCW in December 2019 authorized recovery of this SSR regulatory asset over a 15 -year period that began on January 1, 2020. (7)     Primarily relates to costs associated with the long-term service agreements our Wisconsin utilities have with Bluewater for natural gas storage services. The PSCW has approved escrow accounting for these costs. As a result, our Wisconsin utilities defer as a regulatory asset or liability the difference between actual storage costs and those included in rates until recovery or refund is authorized in a future rate proceeding. 2025 Form 10-K 113 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents (8)     In accordance with the PSCW's approval of escrow accounting for ATC and MISO network transmission expenses for our Wisconsin electric utilities, 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. (9)     Represents amounts recoverable from customers related to programs at the utilities designed to meet energy efficiency standards. The following regulatory liabilities were reflected on our balance sheets as of December 31: (in millions) 2025 2024 See Note Regulatory liabilities Income tax related items $ 1,802.4   $ 1,825.4   16 Removal costs (1) 1,584.7   1,458.2 Pension and OPEB benefits (2) 301.5   308.5   20, 26 Proposed settlement related to QIP and UEA riders 125.0   —   26 Energy costs refundable through rate adjustments 119.2   160.8   1(d) Uncollectible expense 73.1   47.2   5 Earnings sharing mechanisms 35.8   7.1   26 Derivatives 27.4   36.9   1(s) MERC property tax tracker (3) 23.1   19.3 Revenue requirements of renewable generation facilities (4) 14.5   44.2 Other, net 103.5   95.7 Total regulatory liabilities $ 4,210.2   $ 4,003.3 Balance sheet presentation Other current liabilities $ 88.9   $ 45.3 Regulatory liabilities 4,121.3   3,958.0 Total regulatory liabilities $ 4,210.2   $ 4,003.3 (1)     Represents amounts collected from customers to cover the future cost of property, plant, and equipment removals that are not legally required. Legal obligations related to the removal of property, plant, and equipment are recorded as AROs. See Note 9, Asset Retirement Obligations, for more information on our legal obligations. (2)     Primarily represents the unrecognized future pension and OPEB benefits related to our defined benefit pension and OPEB plans. We will amortize these regulatory liabilities into net periodic benefit cost over the average remaining service life of each plan. (3)     MERC defers as a regulatory asset or liability the difference between actual property tax expense and the amount included in rates until recovery or refund is authorized in a future rate proceeding. (4)     These amounts represent the deferral of the incremental revenue requirement impact from the delayed in-service date of certain renewable generation facilities constructed by our electric utilities. Oak Creek Power Plant Units 5-6 In May 2024, OCPP Units 5 and 6 were retired. Due to the retirement of these units and the determination that recovery was probable, their net book value of $ 68.3  million at December 31, 2025 was classified as a regulatory asset. In addition, a $ 45.0  million cost of removal reserve related to the units continued to be classified as a regulatory liability at December 31, 2025. Not included in these amounts was $ 6.3  million of deferred tax liabilities previously recorded for the retired units. Effective with its rate order issued by the PSCW in December 2022, WE received approval to collect a return of and on the entire net book value of OCPP Units 5 and 6 and, as a result, will continue to amortize the regulatory asset on a straight-line basis, using the composite depreciation rates approved by the PSCW before the units were retired. The amortization is included in depreciation and amortization on the income statement. WE also has FERC approval to continue to collect the net book value of OCPP Units 5 and 6 using the approved composite depreciation rates, in addition to a return on the remaining net book value. 2025 Form 10-K 114 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents NOTE 7— PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT Property, plant, and equipment consisted of the following at December 31: (in millions) 2025 2024 Electric – generation $ 7,998.3   $ 6,685.0 Electric – distribution 10,048.9   9,298.9 Natural gas – distribution, storage, and transmission 16,175.0   15,673.0 Property, plant, and equipment to be retired, net 621.7   906.3 Other 2,431.2   2,410.8 Less: Accumulated depreciation 10,180.2   9,401.0 Net 27,094.9   25,573.0 CWIP 3,364.4   1,653.6 Net utility and non-utility property, plant, and equipment 30,459.3   27,226.6 We Power generation 3,250.7   3,284.3 Renewable generation 5,252.4   4,720.8 Natural gas storage 299.6   298.6 Net non-utility energy infrastructure 8,802.7   8,303.7 Corporate services 167.6   172.3 Other 11.3   14.1 Less: Accumulated depreciation 1,559.1   1,393.9 Net 7,422.5   7,096.2 CWIP 60.8   41.3 Net other property, plant, and equipment 7,483.3   7,137.5 Property under finance leases 351.8   291.3 Less: Accumulated amortization 16.3   10.0 Net leased facilities 335.5   281.3 Total property, plant, and equipment $ 38,278.1   $ 34,645.4 Severance Liability for Plant Retirements We have severance liabilities related to past and future plant retirements recorded in other current and other long-term liabilities on our balance sheets. Activity related to these severance liabilities for the years ended December 31 was as follows: (in millions) 2025 2024 2023 Severance liability at January 1 $ 13.4   $ 17.8   $ 16.2 Severance expense —   ( 3.9 ) (1) 1.6 Severance payments ( 0.7 ) ( 0.5 ) — Total severance liability at December 31 $ 12.7   $ 13.4   $ 17.8 (1)     The severance accrual was lowered in 2024 due to workforce realignment efforts. Wisconsin Segment Plant to be Retired Oak Creek Power Plant Units 7 and 8 As a result of a PSCW approval in December 2022 for the acquisition and construction of Darien, the retirement of OCPP Units 7 and 8 became probable. Subsequently, we have received PSCW approval for several other renewable and other projects and have also acquired additional projects. On June 25, 2025, we announced plans to extend the lives of OCPP Units 7 and 8, and expect to have the units available to meet high energy demand periods through the end of 2026. These units were originally scheduled to be retired at the end of 2025. The total net book value of WE's ownership share of OCPP Units 7 and 8 was $ 621.7  million at December 31, 2025, which does not include deferred taxes. This amount was classified as plant to be retired within property, plant, and equipment 2025 Form 10-K 115 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents on our balance sheet. These units are included in rate base, and WE continues to depreciate them on a straight-line basis using the composite depreciation rates approved by the PSCW. Columbia Energy Center Units 1 and 2 As a result of a MISO ruling received in June 2021, retirement of the jointly-owned Columbia Units 1 and 2 became probable. Through June 30, 2025, Columbia Units 1 and 2 were expected to be retired by the end of 2029 and, therefore, met the criteria to be considered probable of abandonment. In conjunction with our new capital plan, we and the other co-owners currently plan to continue coal operations at Columbia Units 1 and 2 through at least 2029, and continue to evaluate the conversion of both units to natural gas. As a result, we and the other co-owners concluded that Columbia Units 1 and 2 (net book value of WPS's ownership share of Columbia Units 1 and 2 was $ 236.8  million at December 31, 2025, which does not include deferred taxes) no longer meet the criteria necessary to be considered probable of abandonment. At December 31, 2025, these units continue to be included in rate base, and WPS continues to depreciate them on a straight-line basis using the composite depreciation rates approved by the PSCW. Samson Solar Energy LLC and Delilah Solar Energy LLC – Storm Damage During several storms that occurred in 2023 and 2024, certain sections of our Samson I solar facility incurred damage. We had previously recognized an impairment loss of $ 2.8  million related to damage from these storms, and recorded an offsetting $ 2.8  million receivable for future insurance recoveries. However, in the second quarter of 2025, we determined it was no longer probable that we would receive insurance proceeds sufficient to recover our losses associated with the 2023 and 2024 storms. As a result, the insurance receivable balance was written off, resulting in the recognition of the $ 2.8  million impairment loss within other operation and maintenance expense on our income statement. In addition, in March 2025, both our Samson I and Delilah I solar facilities experienced damage from a storm. In the second quarter of 2025, we recognized an impairment loss within other operation and maintenance expense on our income statement in the amount of $ 8.8  million, related to damage incurred associated with the March 2025 storm. The impairment loss associated with the March 2025 storm was increased from $ 8.8  million to $ 12.0  million in the third quarter of 2025 as a result of ongoing damage assessment. The Peoples Gas Light and Coke Company and North Shore Gas Company Impairments In the fourth quarter of 2025, PGL recorded a $ 130.0  million impairment to property, plant, and equipment related to the terms of a proposed settlement that would resolve its open QIP proceedings. In August 2024, the ICC issued a final order on PGL's 2016 QIP annual reconciliation, which included a disallowance of certain capital costs. As a result, we recorded a $ 12.1  million impairment to property, plant, and equipment in 2024. In November 2023, the ICC issued written rate orders that disallowed $ 177.2  million of previously incurred capital costs related to the construction and improvement of PGL’s service centers and $ 1.7  million of capital costs related to NSG's construction of a gas infrastructure project. As a result of these disallowances, we recorded a $ 178.9  million non-cash impairment to property, plant, and equipment in 2023. See Note 26, Regulatory Environment, for more information. 2025 Form 10-K 116 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents NOTE 8— JOINTLY-OWNED UTILITY FACILITIES Our electric utilities hold joint ownership interests in certain electric generating facilities. We are entitled to our share of generating capability and output of each facility equal to our respective ownership interest. We have supplied our own financing for all jointly owned projects. We pay our ownership share of additional construction costs, fuel inventory purchases, and operating expenses, unless specific agreements have been executed to limit our maximum exposure to additional costs. We record our proportionate share of significant jointly owned electric generating facilities as property, plant, and equipment on the balance sheets. In addition, our proportionate share of direct expenses for the joint operation of these plants is recorded within operating expenses in the income statements. Information related to jointly owned utility facilities in-service at December 31, 2025 was as follows: Company Jointly-Owned Utility Facilities Ownership Share of Capacity (MW) In-Service /Acquisition Date Operating Owner Property, Plant, and Equipment Accumulated Depreciation CWIP (in millions, except for percentages and MW) We Power (1) ER 1 & ER 2 (2) 83.34   % 1,083.4   2010 & 2011 WE $ 2,489.4   $ ( 542.0 ) $ 4.6 WPS Weston Unit 4 (2) 70.0   % 379.8   2008 WPS 600.6   ( 242.7 ) 4.5 WPS Columbia Units 1 & 2 (2) 27.5   % 306.2   1975 & 1978 WPL 439.1   ( 201.6 ) 5.0 WPS Forward Wind (3) 44.6   % 61.5   2008 WPS 120.3   ( 63.3 ) 13.9 WPS Two Creeks (4) 66.7   % 100.0   2020 WPS 135.7   ( 22.9 ) — WPS Badger Hollow I (4) 66.7   % 100.0   2021 WPS 146.0   ( 19.0 ) — WPS Red Barn (3) 90.0   % 82.4   2023 WPS 150.7   ( 12.8 ) — WE West Riverside (2) (5) 27.5   % 190.2   2023 & 2024 WPL 223.6   ( 36.7 ) 2.2 WE Badger Hollow II (4) 66.7   % 100.0   2023 WE 179.3   ( 11.8 ) — WE, WPS Paris Solar (4) 90.0   % 180.0   2024 WE 359.3   ( 11.0 ) — WE, WPS Paris Battery 90.0   % 99.0 2025 WE 236.8   ( 5.5 ) — WE, WPS Darien Solar (4) 90.0   % 225.0 2025 WE 460.1   ( 10.7 ) — (1)     We Power leases its ownership interest in ER 1 and ER 2 to WE. (2)     Capacity 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 2026 established by tests and may change slightly from year to year. The summer period is the most relevant for capacity planning purposes. This is a result of continually reaching demand peaks in the summer months, primarily due to air conditioning demand. (3)      Capacity for wind generating facilities is based on nameplate capacity, which is the amount of energy a turbine should produce at optimal wind speeds. (4)      Capacity for solar generating facilities is based on nameplate capacity, which is the maximum output that a generator should produce at continuous full power. (5)     WE acquired a 13.8 % ownership interest in June 2023 and acquired an additional 13.7 % ownership interest in May 2024. See Note 2, Acquisitions, for more information. 2025 Form 10-K 117 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Information related to jointly owned utility facilities approved by the PSCW at December 31, 2025 was as follows: Company Jointly-Owned Utility Facilities Ownership Share of Capacity (MW) Date of Expected In-Service CWIP (in millions, except for percentages and MW) WE, WPS Koshkonong Solar 90.0   % 270.0 2026 $ 460.6 WE, WPS Koshkonong Battery 90.0   % 149.0 2027 150.7 WE, WPS Darien Battery 90.0   % 68.0 2027 68.3 WE, WPS High Noon Solar 90.0   % 270.0 2027 404.2 WE, WPS High Noon Battery 90.0   % 149.0 2027 150.8 WE, WPS Ursa Solar Electric Generation Facility 90.0   % 180.0 2027 57.1 WE, WPS Saratoga Solar 90.0   % 135.0 2028 39.2 WE, WPS Saratoga Battery 90.0   % 45.0 2028 53.2 WE, WPS Badger Hollow Wind Energy Generation Facility 90.0   % 100.0 2027 50.0 WE, WPS Whitetail 90.0   % 60.0 2027 9.0 NOTE 9— ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS Our utilities have recorded AROs primarily for the removal of natural gas distribution mains and service pipes (including asbestos and PCBs); asbestos abatement at certain generation and substation facilities, office buildings, and service centers; the removal and dismantlement of a biomass generation facility; the dismantling of wind and solar generation projects; the removal and dismantlement of a battery storage facility; the disposal of PCB-contaminated transformers; the closure of CCR landfills at certain generation facilities; and the removal of above ground and underground storage tanks. Regulatory assets and liabilities are established by our utilities to record the differences between ongoing expense recognition under the ARO accounting rules and the ratemaking practices for retirement costs authorized by the applicable regulators. WECI has also recorded AROs for the dismantling of our non-utility renewable generation projects. The following table shows changes to our AROs during the years ended December 31: (in millions) 2025 2024 2023 Balance as of January 1 $ 580.0   $ 374.2   $ 479.3 Accretion 26.6   18.8   17.2 Additions 29.6   192.7 (1) 24.0 Revisions to estimated cash flows 23.7   6.4   ( 133.5 ) (2) Liabilities settled ( 12.9 ) ( 12.1 ) ( 12.8 ) Balance as of December 31 $ 647.0   $ 580.0   $ 374.2 (1)     AROs increased primarily as a result of AROs being recorded related to the new EPA CCR Rule that was enacted in April 2024. See Note 24, Commitments and Contingencies, for more information. (2)     AROs decreased primarily due to revisions made to estimated cash flows for changes in removal cost estimates and settlements dates for mains and services at PGL and NSG. 2025 Form 10-K 118 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents NOTE 10— GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLES Goodwill Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquisition over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired. The table below shows our goodwill balances by segment at December 31, 2025. We had no changes to the carrying amount of goodwill during the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024. (in millions) Wisconsin Illinois Other States Non-Utility Energy Infrastructure Total Goodwill (1) $ 2,104.3   $ 758.7   $ 183.2   $ 6.6   $ 3,052.8 (1)     We had no accumulated impairment losses related to our goodwill as of December 31, 2025. During the third quarter of 2025, annual impairment tests were completed at all of our reporting units that carried a goodwill balance as of July 1, 2025. No impairments resulted from these tests. Other Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets At December 31, 2025 and 2024, we had $ 44.4  million and $ 29.3  million, respectively, of other indefinite-lived intangible assets included in other long-term assets on our balance sheets. These assets consist of $ 24.1  million of spectrum frequencies, which enable our utilities to transmit data and voice communications over a wavelength dedicated to us throughout our service territories. We also have $ 5.2  million of other indefinite-lived intangible assets, consisting of a MGU trade name from a previous acquisition. In October 2025, we entered into an option agreement for exclusive rights to purchase land for future generation development in Wisconsin. We made the first annual option payment and incurred costs of $ 15.1  million during 2025, with a right to exercise our option on or before December 31, 2030. Finite-Lived Intangible Asset At December 31, 2025 and 2024, we had a finite-lived intangible asset with a gross carrying amount of $ 18.8  million and $ 13.0  million, respectively, related to a PPA for Maple Flats acquired by WECI in November 2024. The PPA will be amortized over a useful life of 15 years and expires in 2039. At December 31, 2025 and 2024, accumulated amortization related to the intangible asset was not material. This finite-lived intangible asset is included in other long-term assets on our balance sheet. Amortization expense related to the intangible asset was not material for the year ended December 31, 2025 and 2024. Amortization expense to be recorded as a decrease to operating revenues is expected to be $ 1.3  million in each of the next five years. See Note 2, Acquisitions, for more information on the acquisition of Maple Flats. Intangible Liabilities The intangible liabilities below were all obtained through acquisitions by WECI. December 31, 2025 December 31, 2024 (in millions) Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount PPAs (1) $ 751.2   $ ( 176.5 ) $ 574.7   $ 679.6   $ ( 119.3 ) $ 560.3 Proxy revenue swap (2) 7.2   ( 4.9 ) 2.3   7.2   ( 4.2 ) 3.0 Interconnection agreements (3) 4.7   ( 1.4 ) 3.3   4.7   ( 1.2 ) 3.5 Total intangible liabilities $ 763.1   $ ( 182.8 ) $ 580.3   $ 691.5   $ ( 124.7 ) $ 566.8 (1)     Represents PPAs related to the acquisition of Blooming Grove, Tatanka Ridge, Jayhawk, Thunderhead, Samson I, Sapphire Sky, Delilah I, and Hardin III expiring between 2030 and 2040. The weighted-average remaining useful life of the PPAs is 10 years. See Note 2, Acquisitions, for more information on recent WECI acquisitions. (2)     Represents an agreement with a counterparty to swap the market revenue of Upstream's wind generation for fixed quarterly payments over 10 years, which expires in 2029. The remaining useful life of the proxy revenue swap is three years . 2025 Form 10-K 119 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents (3)     Represents interconnection agreements related to the acquisitions of Tatanka Ridge and Bishop Hill III, expiring in 2040 and 2041, respectively. These agreements relate to payments for connecting our facilities to the infrastructure of another utility to facilitate the movement of power onto the electric grid. The weighted-average remaining useful life of the interconnection agreements is 15 years. Amortization related to these intangible liabilities for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023 was $ 58.1  million, $ 53.7  million, and $ 50.6  million, respectively. Amortization for the next five years is estimated to be: For the Years Ending December 31 (in millions) 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 Amortization to be recorded as an increase to operating revenues $ 59.9   $ 59.9   $ 59.9   $ 59.9   $ 59.9 Amortization to be recorded as a decrease to other operation and maintenance 0.2   0.2   0.2   0.2   0.2 NOTE 11— COMMON EQUITY Stock-Based Compensation The following table summarizes our pre-tax stock-based compensation expense and the related tax benefit recognized in income for the years ended December 31: (in millions) 2025 2024 2023 Stock options $ 4.1   $ 4.9   $ 5.3 Restricted stock 6.2   7.6   6.6 Performance units 37.9   26.8   ( 2.2 ) (1) Stock-based compensation expense $ 48.2   $ 39.3   $ 9.7 Related tax benefit $ 13.2   $ 10.8   $ 2.7 (1)     The reduction in expense was due to a decrease in the fair value of the outstanding performance units. Stock-based compensation costs capitalized during 2025, 2024, and 2023 were not significant. Stock Options The following is a summary of our stock option activity during 2025: Stock Options Number of Options Weighted-Average Exercise Price Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in millions) Outstanding as of January 1, 2025 2,916,902   $ 82.32 Granted 231,024   94.55 Exercised ( 575,758 ) 67.92 Forfeited ( 1,351 ) 91.11 Expired ( 1,330 ) 52.90 Outstanding as of December 31, 2025 2,569,487   86.65   5.3 $ 48.3 Exercisable as of December 31, 2025 1,937,953   85.29   4.4 $ 39.1 The aggregate intrinsic value of outstanding and exercisable options in the above table represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value that would have been received by the option holders had they exercised all of their options on December 31, 2025. This is calculated as the difference between our closing stock price on December 31, 2025, and the option exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money stock options. The intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023 was $ 22.8 million, $ 11.2 million, and $ 5.2 million, respectively. The tax benefit from option exercises for the same years was approximately $ 6.3 million, $ 3.1 million, and $ 1.4 million, respectively. These amounts do not account for the compensation limitations under Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m). As of December 31, 2025, approximately $ 1.4 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested and outstanding stock options was expected to be recognized over the next 1.7 years on a weighted-average basis. 2025 Form 10-K 120 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents During the first quarter of 2026, the Compensation Committee awarded 269,085 non-qualified stock options with a weighted-average exercise price of $ 106.09 and a weighted-average grant date fair value of $ 21.20 per option to certain of our officers and other key employees under its normal schedule of awarding long-term incentive compensation. Restricted Shares The following restricted stock activity occurred during 2025: Restricted Shares Number of Shares Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Outstanding and unvested as of January 1, 2025 105,242   $ 87.61 Granted 79,170   94.55 Released ( 58,725 ) 88.48 Forfeited ( 6,774 ) 90.88 Outstanding and unvested as of December 31, 2025 118,913   91.61 The intrinsic value of restricted stock released was $ 5.7 million, $ 8.6 million, and $ 5.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively. The tax benefit from released restricted shares for the same years was $ 1.6 million, $ 2.4  million, and $ 1.6 million, respectively. These amounts do not account for the compensation limitations under Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m). As of December 31, 2025, approximately $ 4.9 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested and outstanding restricted stock was expected to be recognized over the next 1.7 years on a weighted-average basis. During the first quarter of 2026, the Compensation Committee awarded 75,222 restricted shares to certain of our directors, officers, and other key employees under its normal schedule of awarding long-term incentive compensation. The grant date fair value of these awards was $ 106.09 per share. Performance Units During 2025, 2024, and 2023, the Compensation Committee awarded 185,945 ; 205,051 ; and 157,035 performance units, respectively, to officers and other key employees under the WEC Energy Group Performance Unit Plan. Performance units with an intrinsic value of $ 15.4 million, $ 2.4 million, and $ 10.2 million were settled during 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively. The tax benefit from the distribution of performance units for the same years was $ 3.8 million, $ 0.6 million, and $ 2.6  million, respectively. At December 31, 2025, we had 502,733 performance units outstanding, including dividend equivalents. A liability of $ 57.1 million was recorded on our balance sheet at December 31, 2025 related to these outstanding units. As of December 31, 2025, approximately $ 31.3 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested and outstanding performance units was expected to be recognized over the next 1.7 years on a weighted-average basis. During the first quarter of 2026, we settled performance units with an intrinsic value of $ 25.2 million. The tax benefit from the distribution of these awards was $ 5.7 million. This amount and the tax benefits disclosed above do not account for the compensation limitations under Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m). In January 2026, the Compensation Committee also awarded 182,146 performance units to certain of our officers and other key employees under its normal schedule of awarding long-term incentive compensation. Restrictions Our ability as a holding company to pay common stock dividends primarily depends on the availability of funds received from our utility subsidiaries, We Power, Bluewater, ATC Holding, and WECI. 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. All of our utility subsidiaries, with the exception of UMERC and MGU, are prohibited from loaning funds to us, either directly or indirectly. 2025 Form 10-K 121 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents In accordance with their most recent rate orders, WE, WPS, and WG may not pay common dividends above the test year forecasted amounts reflected in their respective rate cases, if it would cause their average common equity ratio, on a financial basis, to fall below their authorized level of 53.0 %. A return of capital in excess of the test year amount can be paid by each company at the end of the year provided that their respective average common equity ratios do not fall below the authorized level. WE may not pay common dividends to us under WE's Restated Articles of Incorporation if any dividends on its outstanding preferred stock have not been paid. In addition, pursuant to the terms of WE's 3.60 % Serial Preferred Stock, WE's ability to declare common dividends would be limited to 75 % or 50 % of net income during a 12 -month period if its common stock equity to total capitalization, as defined in the preferred stock designation, is less than 25 % and 20 %, respectively. NSG's long-term debt obligations contain provisions and covenants restricting the payment of cash dividends and the purchase or redemption of its capital stock. The long-term debt obligations of UMERC, Bluewater Gas Storage, and ATC Holding contain a provision requiring them to maintain a total funded debt to capitalization ratio of 65 % or less. The long-term debt obligations of WECI Wind Holding I, WECI Wind Holding II, and WECI Energy Holding III contain various conditions that must be met prior to them making any cash distributions. Included in these provisions is a requirement to maintain a debt service coverage ratio of 1.2 or greater prior to the distribution. WEC Energy Group has the option to defer interest payments on its 2024A Junior Notes, 2024B Junior Notes, and 2025 Junior Notes, from time to time, for one or more periods of up to 10 consecutive years per period. During any period in which it defers interest payments, it may not declare or pay any dividends or distributions on, or redeem, repurchase or acquire, its common stock. See Note 13, Short-Term Debt and Lines of Credit, for discussion of certain financial covenants related to short-term debt obligations. As of December 31, 2025, restricted net assets of our consolidated subsidiaries totaled approximately $ 14 billion. Our equity in undistributed earnings of investees accounted for by the equity method was approximately $ 615 million. We do not believe that these restrictions will materially affect our operations or limit any dividend payments in the foreseeable future. Common Stock As of January 1, 2024, we began issuing new shares of common stock to fulfill our obligations under various stock-based employee benefit and compensation plans and to provide shares to participants in our dividend reinvestment and stock purchase plan. During 2023, we instructed our independent agents to purchase shares on the open market to fulfill obligations under these plans. As such, no new shares of common stock were issued during the year ended December 31, 2023. In August 2024, we entered into an EDA, under which we could offer and sell, from time to time, shares of our common stock having an aggregate sales price of up to $ 1.5  billion through an at-the-market offering program, which included an equity forward sales component. This EDA was terminated on October 31, 2025. Prior to its termination, we issued 7,610,457 shares of common stock under this EDA and received proceeds of $ 797.3  million, which was net of $ 9.2  million of commissions and other fees. We did not enter into any forward sales agreements under the August 2024 EDA. In connection with our termination of the August 2024 EDA, we entered into a new EDA on October 31, 2025, under which we may offer and sell, from time to time, shares of our common stock having an aggregate sales price of up to $ 3.0  billion through an at-the-market offering program, which also includes an equity forward sales component and a collared forward sales component. We may offer and sell our common shares through the sales agents party to the EDA during the term of the agreement. The October 2025 EDA will terminate upon the earliest of (i) the sale of all common stock subject to the EDA, (ii) termination of the EDA pursuant to its terms, or (iii) October 31, 2028. Actual sales of common stock under the EDA will depend on a variety of factors, including market conditions, the trading price of our common stock, capital needs, and our determination of the appropriate sources of funding. As of December 31, 2025, we had not issued any shares of common stock under the October 2025 EDA. 2025 Form 10-K 122 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents In November 2025, we entered into a forward sales contract pursuant to our October 2025 EDA. Pursuant to the terms of the contract, 58,533 shares were sold with an initial forward price of $ 110.7748 per share. The initial forward price is subject to adjustment on a daily basis based on a floating interest rate factor and will decrease by other fixed amounts as specified in the contract. No amounts are recorded on our balance sheet with respect to this contract until actual settlement occurs. The contract requires us to, at our election on or before June 30, 2027, either (i) physically settle the transaction by issuing shares of our stock in exchange for net cash proceeds at the then-applicable forward sales price or (ii) net settle the transaction through the delivery or receipt of cash or shares in accordance with the contract provisions. As of December 31, 2025, no shares were settled under this contract. At December 31, 2025, we could have settled this forward sales contract with physical delivery of 58,533 shares of common stock to the counterparties in exchange for cash proceeds of $ 6.5  million. The forward sales contract could have alternatively been settled with delivery of approximately $ 0.3  million of cash or approximately 3,084 shares of common stock to us, if we had elected to net cash or net share settle, respectively, at December 31, 2025. Any shares offered and sold under our EDAs were done pursuant to our registration statement on Form S-3 filed with the SEC on August 5, 2024 and the related prospectus supplements. We had the following changes to our outstanding common stock during the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024: 2025 2024 Common stock shares outstanding at beginning of period 317,680,855   315,434,531 Shares issued: At-the-market offering program 6,579,783   1,030,674 Stock-based compensation 609,995   455,474 401(k) 247,889   336,800 Stock investment plan 342,997   423,376 Common stock shares outstanding at end of period 325,461,519   317,680,855 The following is a summary of shares purchased to fulfill exercised stock options and restricted stock awards during the years ended December 31: (in millions, except share amounts) 2025 2024 2023 Shares purchased 13,795   23,292   182,795 Cost of shares purchased $ 1.3   $ 3.2   $ 16.6 During the year ended December 31, 2025, our Board of Directors declared common stock dividends which are summarized below: Date Declared Date Payable Per Share Period January 16, 2025 March 1, 2025 $ 0.8925 First quarter April 17, 2025 June 1, 2025 $ 0.8925 Second quarter July 17, 2025 September 1, 2025 $ 0.8925 Third quarter October 16, 2025 December 1, 2025 $ 0.8925 Fourth quarter On January 22, 2026, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $ 0.9525 per share, which equates to an annual dividend of $ 3.81 per share. The dividend is payable on March 1, 2026, to shareholders of record on February 13, 2026. 2025 Form 10-K 123 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Earnings Per Share The following table shows the computation of our basic and diluted EPS for the years ended December 31: (in millions, except per share amounts) 2025 2024 2023 Numerator: Net income attributed to common shareholders $ 1,557.5   $ 1,527.2   $ 1,331.7 Denominator: Weighted average basic shares outstanding 321.9 316.2 315.4 Dilutive effect of stock-based compensation awards 0.6   0.3   0.5 Dilutive effect of convertible senior notes 1.3   —   — Weighted average diluted shares 323.8   316.5   315.9 Basic EPS $ 4.84   $ 4.83   $ 4.22 Diluted EPS $ 4.81   $ 4.83   $ 4.22 NOTE 12— PREFERRED STOCK The following table shows preferred stock authorized and outstanding at December 31, 2025 and 2024: (in millions, except share and per share amounts) Shares Authorized Shares Outstanding Redemption Price Per Share Total WEC Energy Group $ 0.01 par value Preferred Stock 15,000,000   —   —   $ — WE $ 100 par value, Six Per Cent. Preferred Stock 45,000   44,498   —   4.4 $ 100 par value, Serial Preferred Stock 3.60 % Series 2,286,500   260,000   $ 101   26.0 $ 25 par value, Serial Preferred Stock 5,000,000   —   —   — WPS $ 100 par value, Preferred Stock 1,000,000   —   —   — PGL $ 100 par value, Cumulative Preferred Stock 430,000   —   —   — NSG $ 100 par value, Cumulative Preferred Stock 160,000   —   —   — Total $ 30.4 NOTE 13— SHORT-TERM DEBT AND LINES OF CREDIT The following table shows our short-term borrowings and their corresponding weighted-average interest rates as of December 31: (in millions, except percentages) 2025 2024 Commercial paper Amount outstanding at December 31 $ 1,921.3   $ 1,114.4 Average interest rate on amounts outstanding at December 31 3.89   % 4.63   % Operating expense loans Amount outstanding at December 31 (1) $ 3.4   $ 2.2 (1)     Coyote Ridge, Tatanka Ridge, Samson I, and Jayhawk have entered into operating expense loans. In accordance with their limited liability company operating agreements, they received loans from the holders of their noncontrolling interests in proportion to their ownership interests. 2025 Form 10-K 124 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Our average amount of commercial paper borrowings based on daily outstanding balances during 2025, was $ 1,124.2 million with a weighted-average interest rate during the period of 4.43 %. WEC Energy Group, WE, PGL, WPS, and WG have entered into bank back-up credit facilities to maintain short-term credit liquidity which, among other terms, require them to maintain, subject to certain exclusions, a total funded debt to capitalization ratio of 70.0 %, 65.0 %, 65.0 %, 65.0 %, and 65.0 % or less, respectively. As of December 31, 2025, all companies were in compliance with their respective ratio. The information in the table below relates to our revolving credit facilities used to support our commercial paper borrowing programs, including remaining available capacity under these facilities as of December 31: (in millions) Maturity 2025 Revolving credit facility (WEC Energy Group) (1) (2) (3) August 2030 $ 1,700.0 Revolving credit facility (WE) (1) (2) August 2030 800.0 Revolving credit facility (PGL) (1) (2) August 2030 600.0 Revolving credit facility (WPS) (1) (2) August 2030 450.0 Revolving credit facility (WG) (1) (4) August 2030 350.0 Total short-term credit capacity   $ 3,900.0 Less: Letters of credit issued inside credit facilities   $ 2.3 Commercial paper outstanding   1,921.3 Available capacity under existing facilities   $ 1,976.4 (1)     These revolving credit facilities have a renewal provision for two extensions, subject to lender approval. Each extension is for a period of one year . (2)     In August 2025, the capacity of the credit facilities for each of WEC Energy Group, WE, PGL, and WPS was increased to $ 1,700.0 million, $ 800.0  million, $ 600.0 million, and $ 450.0 million, respectively, and the maturity for each facility was extended to August 2030. (3)     In August 2025, WEC Energy Group terminated its $ 200.0 million bilateral credit facility. (4)     In August 2025, WG extended the maturity of its credit facility to August 2030. The bank back-up credit facilities contain customary covenants, including certain limitations on the respective companies' ability to sell assets. The credit facilities also contain customary events of default, including payment defaults, material inaccuracy of representations and warranties, covenant defaults, bankruptcy proceedings, certain judgments, Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 defaults, and change of control. In addition, pursuant to the terms of WEC Energy Group's credit agreement, we must ensure that certain of our subsidiaries comply with several of the covenants contained therein. 2025 Form 10-K 125 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents NOTE 14— LONG-TERM DEBT The following table is a summary of our long-term debt outstanding as of December 31: 2025 2024 (in millions) Maturity Date Weighted Average Interest Rate Balance Weighted Average Interest Rate Balance WEC Energy Group Senior Notes (unsecured) 2026-2033 3.96   % $ 6,325.0   4.13   % $ 6,045.0 WEC Energy Group Junior Notes (unsecured) (1) (2) 2055-2056 6.24   % 1,350.0   6.72   % 750.0 WE Debentures (unsecured) 2028-2095 4.55   % 4,485.0   4.55   % 3,935.0 WEPCo Environmental Trust (secured, nonrecourse) (5) (10) 2026-2035 1.58   % 78.8   1.58   % 88.0 WPS Senior Notes (unsecured) 2028-2051 3.99   % 1,975.0   4.17   % 2,275.0 WG Debentures (unsecured) 2028-2046 4.34   % 940.0   3.92   % 840.0 PGL First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds (secured) (3) 2027-2047 3.56   % 1,995.0   3.56   % 1,995.0 NSG First Mortgage Bonds (secured) (4) 2027-2043 3.81   % 177.0   3.81   % 177.0 MERC Senior Notes (unsecured) 2027-2047 3.64   % 210.0   3.04   % 210.0 MGU Senior Notes (unsecured) 2027-2047 4.38   % 190.0   3.45   % 175.0 UMERC Senior Notes (unsecured) 2029-2035 4.23   % 280.0   3.26   % 160.0 Bluewater Gas Storage Senior Notes (unsecured) (5) 2026-2047 4.07   % 128.0   4.07   % 131.9 ATC Holding Senior Notes (unsecured) 2028-2030 4.02   % 390.0   4.05   % 475.0 We Power Subsidiaries Notes (secured, nonrecourse) (5) (6) 2026-2041 5.71   % 769.9   5.67   % 814.3 WECC Notes (unsecured) 2028 6.94   % 50.0   6.94   % 50.0 WECI Wind Holding I Senior Notes (secured, nonrecourse)  (5) (7) 2026-2032 2.75   % 202.1   2.75   % 246.4 WECI Wind Holding II Senior Notes (secured, nonrecourse)  (5) (8) 2026-2031 6.38   % 147.9   6.38   % 167.6 WECI Energy Holding III Senior Notes (secured, nonrecourse)  (5) (9) 2026-2039 5.73   % 446.2   5.73   % 488.7 Total 20,139.9   19,023.9 Jayhawk acquisition 7.5   7.5 Unamortized debt issuance costs ( 110.4 ) ( 103.2 ) Unamortized discount, net and other ( 19.5 ) ( 21.1 ) Total long-term debt, including current portion 20,017.5   18,907.1 Current portion of long-term debt ( 1,519.4 ) ( 1,729.0 ) Total long-term debt $ 18,498.1   $ 17,178.1 (1)     In November 2025, we issued our 2025 Junior Notes. Our 2025 Junior Notes are fixed-to-fixed reset rate junior subordinated notes. The rate for our 2025 Junior Notes was 5.625 % as of December 31, 2025. The rate for our 2025 Junior Notes will reset on May 15, 2031; provided the reset rate will not be less than 5.625 %. (2)     In December 2024, we issued our 2024A Junior Notes and 2024B Junior Notes. Our 2024A Junior Notes and 2024B Junior Notes are fixed-to-fixed reset rate junior subordinated notes. The rate for our 2024A Junior Notes was 6.69 % as of December 31, 2025. The rate for our 2024A Junior Notes will reset on June 15, 2030. The rate for our 2024B Junior Notes was 6.74 % as of December 31, 2025. The rate for our 2024B Junior Notes will reset on June 15, 2035. (3)     PGL's First Mortgage Bonds are subject to the terms and conditions of PGL's First Mortgage Indenture dated January 2, 1926, as supplemented. Under the terms of the Indenture, substantially all property owned by PGL is pledged as collateral for these outstanding debt securities. PGL has used certain First Mortgage Bonds to secure tax exempt interest rates. The Illinois Finance Authority has issued Tax Exempt Bonds, and the proceeds from the sale of these bonds were loaned to PGL. In return, PGL issued $ 100  million of collateralized First Mortgage Bonds. (4)     NSG's First Mortgage Bonds are subject to the terms and conditions of NSG's First Mortgage Indenture dated April 1, 1955, as supplemented. Under the terms of the Indenture, substantially all property owned by NSG is pledged as collateral for these outstanding debt securities. (5)     The long-term debt of Bluewater, WECI Wind Holding I, WECI Wind Holding II, WECI Energy Holding III, WEPCo Environmental Trust, and We Power's subsidiaries requires periodic principal payments. (6)     We Power's subsidiaries' senior notes are secured by a collateral assignment of the leases between We Power's subsidiaries and WE related to PWGS and ERGS, as applicable. 2025 Form 10-K 126 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents (7)     WECI Wind Holding I's Senior Notes are secured by a first priority security interest in the ownership interest of its subsidiaries, as well as a pledge of equity in WECI Wind Holding I. (8)     WECI Wind Holding II's Senior Notes are secured by a first priority security interest in the ownership interest of its subsidiaries, as well as a pledge of equity in WECI Wind Holding II. (9)     WECI Energy Holding III's Senior Notes are secured by a first priority security interest in the ownership interest of its subsidiaries, as well as a pledge of equity in WECI Energy Holding III. (10)     WEPCo Environmental Trust’s ETBs are secured by a pledge of and lien on environmental control property, which includes the right to impose, collect and receive a non-bypassable environmental control charge paid by all of WE's retail electric distribution customers, the right to obtain true-up adjustments of the environmental control charges, and all revenues or other proceeds arising from those rights and interests. See Note 23, Variable Interest Entities, for more information. We amortize debt premiums, discounts, and debt issuance costs over the life of the debt and we include the costs in interest expense. In December 2024, the DOE issued to WE a conditional commitment for a federal loan guarantee for up to $ 2.5 billion of borrowings that would be used by WE to fund a portion of the costs to construct certain utility-scale renewable generation projects. The conditional commitment was issued pursuant to provisions of the IRA. Under the conditional commitment, the guaranteed borrowings would be senior, unsecured borrowings of WE made through the Federal Financing Bank and reduce WE's issuance of senior, unsecured obligations in the capital markets. Final approval and issuance of a loan guarantee by the DOE is subject to numerous conditions, including negotiation of definitive agreements, completion of due diligence by the DOE, receipt of any necessary regulatory approvals, and the satisfaction of other conditions. While we continue to work with the DOE, there can be no assurance that the DOE will issue the loan guarantee for WE. WEC Energy Group, Inc. In June 2025, the remaining $ 120.0 million outstanding of our 3.55 % Senior Notes, due June 15, 2025, matured, and principal and accrued interest were paid with proceeds received from issuing commercial paper. In September 2025, our $ 500.0 million of 5.00 % Senior Notes due September 27, 2025, matured, and principal and accrued interest were paid with proceeds received from issuing commercial paper. In November 2025, we issued $ 600.0 million of 5.625 % 2025 Junior Notes due May 15, 2056, and used the net proceeds to repay short-term debt and for other general corporate purposes. In January 2026, our $ 1,000.0 million of 4.75 % Senior Notes due January 9, 2026, matured, and principal and accrued interest were paid with proceeds received from issuing commercial paper. Convertible Senior Notes 2028 Notes In June 2025, we issued $ 900.0 million of 2028 Notes. The 2028 Notes are senior unsecured obligations and bear interest at an annual rate of 3.375 %, payable semiannually beginning on December 1, 2025. Proceeds from the offering were used to repay short-term debt and for other general corporate purposes. The 2028 Notes will mature on June 1, 2028, unless earlier converted or repurchased in accordance with their terms. No sinking fund is provided for the 2028 Notes. Upon the occurrence of a fundamental change, as defined in the related indenture, holders may require us to repurchase for cash all or any portion of their 2028 Notes. We may not redeem the 2028 Notes prior to their maturity date. Any fundamental change repurchases of the 2028 Notes will be at a price equal to 100 % of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest. 2025 Form 10-K 127 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Holders may convert all or any portion of their notes at their option at any time prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding March 1, 2028, only under the following circumstances: • During any calendar quarter commencing after the calendar quarter ending on September 30, 2025, (and only during such calendar quarter), if the last reported sale price of our common stock for at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) during a period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on, and including, the last trading day of the immediately preceding calendar quarter is greater than or equal to 130 % of the conversion price of such series of notes on each applicable trading day; • During the five consecutive business day period immediately after any ten consecutive trading day period (measurement period) in which the trading price per $ 1,000 principal amount of notes, as determined following a request by a holder or holders, for each trading day of the measurement period was less than 98 % of the product of the last reported sale price of our common stock and the conversion rate of such series of notes on each such trading day; or • Upon the occurrence of specified corporate events, as defined in the related indenture. Holders may convert all or any portion of their notes at any time, regardless of the foregoing circumstances, on or after March 1, 2028, until the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date. Upon conversion, we will pay cash up to the aggregate principal amount of the notes to be converted and pay or deliver cash, shares of our common stock, or a combination of cash and shares of our common stock, at our election, in respect of the remainder, if any, of our conversion obligation in excess of the aggregate principal amount of the notes being converted. The initial conversion rate for the 2028 Notes is 7.7901 shares of common stock per $ 1,000 principal amount, which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $ 128.37 per share of our common stock. The conversion rate is subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain specified events, as defined in the related indenture, but will not be adjusted for any accrued and unpaid interest. In addition, upon the occurrence of a make-whole fundamental change, as defined in the related indenture, we will, in certain circumstances, increase the conversion rate by a number of additional shares of common stock for conversions in connection with the make-whole fundamental change. 2027 Notes and 2029 Notes In the second quarter of 2024, we issued $ 862.5 million of 2027 Notes and $ 862.5 million of 2029 Notes. The 2027 Notes and 2029 Notes are senior unsecured obligations and bear interest at an annual rate of 4.375 %, payable semiannually beginning on December 1, 2024. Proceeds from the offerings were used to repay short-term debt and for general corporate purposes. The 2027 Notes will mature on June 1, 2027, and the 2029 Notes will mature on June 1, 2029, unless earlier converted or repurchased in accordance with their terms, or in the case of the 2029 Notes, redeemed by us. No sinking fund is provided for either series of the notes. Upon the occurrence of a fundamental change, as defined in the related indenture, holders may require us to repurchase for cash all or any portion of their 2027 or 2029 Notes. We may not redeem the 2027 Notes prior to their maturity date. We may redeem for cash all or part of the 2029 Notes, at our option, on or after June 1, 2027 and on or before the 41 st scheduled trading day immediately preceding their maturity date, if the last reported sale price per share of our common stock has been at least 130 % of the conversion price of the 2029 Notes then in effect for at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) during any 30 consecutive trading day period. Any redemptions or fundamental change repurchases of the 2027 Notes or 2029 Notes will be at a price equal to 100 % of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest. Holders may convert all or any portion of their notes at their option at any time prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding March 1, 2027, in the case of the 2027 Notes, and March 1, 2029, in the case of the 2029 Notes, only under the following circumstances: • During any calendar quarter commencing after the calendar quarter ending on September 30, 2024 (and only during such calendar quarter), if the last reported sale price of our common stock for at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) during a period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on, and including, the last trading day of the immediately preceding calendar quarter is greater than or equal to 130 % of the conversion price of such series of notes on each applicable trading day; • During the five consecutive business day period immediately after any ten consecutive trading day period (measurement period) in which the trading price per $ 1,000 principal amount of notes of such series for each trading day of the measurement period 2025 Form 10-K 128 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents was less than 98 % of the product of the last reported sale price of our common stock and the conversion rate of such series of notes on each such trading day; • Upon the occurrence of specified corporate events, as defined in the related indenture; • In the case of the 2029 Notes only, if we call any of the 2029 Notes for redemption, at any time prior to the close of business on the second scheduled trading day prior to the redemption date, but only with respect to the 2029 Notes called (or deemed called) for redemption. Holders may convert all or any portion of their notes at any time, regardless of the foregoing circumstances, on or after March 1, 2027, in the case of the 2027 Notes, or March 1, 2029, in the case of the 2029 Notes, until the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date of such series of notes. Upon conversion, we will pay cash up to the aggregate principal amount of the notes to be converted and pay or deliver cash, shares of our common stock, or a combination of cash and shares of our common stock, at our election, in respect of the remainder, if any, of our conversion obligation in excess of the aggregate principal amount of the notes being converted. The initial conversion rate for both the 2027 Notes and 2029 Notes is 10.1243 shares of common stock per $ 1,000 principal amount, which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $ 98.77 per share of our common stock. The conversion rate is subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain specified events, as defined in the related indenture, but will not be adjusted for accrued and unpaid interest. In addition, upon the occurrence of a make-whole fundamental change, as defined in the related indenture, we will, in certain circumstances, increase the conversion rate by a number of additional shares of common stock for conversions in connection with the make-whole fundamental change. As of December 31, 2025, the conditions allowing holders to convert their notes were not met. In accordance with the guidance in ASC Subtopic 470-20, Debt – Debt with Conversion and Other Options, the 2027 Notes, 2028 Notes, and 2029 Notes were accounted for in their entirety as a liability on our balance sheet. The following is a summary of our convertible debt instruments as of December 31, 2025: (in millions) Principal Amount Unamortized Debt Issuance Costs Net Carrying Amount Fair Value Amount (1) 2027 Notes $ 862.5   $ ( 4.7 ) $ 857.8   $ 977.8 2028 Notes 900.0   ( 8.5 ) 891.5   912.6 2029 Notes 862.5   ( 6.8 ) 855.7   1,011.7 (1)     The fair values are categorized in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. See Note 1(r), Fair Value Measurements, for more information on the levels of the fair value hierarchy. The following table provides a summary of the interest expense recorded for each of the 2027 Notes, 2028 Notes, and 2029 Notes for the year ended December 31: (in millions) 2025 2024 2027 Notes Contractual interest expense $ 37.7   $ 22.3 Amortization of debt issuance costs 3.3   1.9 Total interest expense – 2027 Notes 41.0   24.2 2028 Notes Contractual interest expense $ 17.0   $ — Amortization of debt issuance costs 1.8   — Total interest expense – 2028 Notes 18.8   — 2029 Notes Contractual interest expense 37.7   22.3 Amortization of debt issuance costs 2.0   1.2 Total interest expense – 2029 Notes $ 39.7   $ 23.5 2025 Form 10-K 129 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Wisconsin Electric Power Company In June 2025, WE's $ 250.0 million of 3.10 % Debentures, due June 1, 2025, matured, and outstanding principal and accrued interest were paid with proceeds received from issuing commercial paper. In September 2025, WE issued $ 500.0 million of 4.15 % Debentures, due October 15, 2030, and used the net proceeds to repay short-term debt and for other general corporate purposes. In December 2025, WE issued $ 300.0 million of 3.95 % Debentures, due March 1, 2029, and used the net proceeds to repay short-term debt and for other general corporate purposes. Wisconsin Public Service Corporation In November 2025, WPS's $ 300.0 million of 5.35 % Senior Notes, due November 10, 2025, matured, and outstanding principal and accrued interest were paid with proceeds received from issuing commercial paper. In January 2026, WPS issued $ 300.0 million of 4.25 % Senior Notes, due January 15, 2031, and used the net proceeds to repay short-term debt and for other general corporate purposes. Wisconsin Gas LLC In September 2025, WG issued $ 175.0 million of 4.70 % Debentures, due October 1, 2030, and $ 125.0 million of 5.39 % Debentures, due October 1, 2035, and used the net proceeds to repay $ 200.0 million of WG's 3.53 % Debentures that matured on September 30, 2025, and to repay short-term debt and for other general limited liability company purposes. Minnesota Energy Resources Corporation In April 2025, MERC issued $ 50.0 million of 5.20 % Senior Notes, due May 1, 2030, and used the net proceeds to repay MERC's $ 50.0  million of 2.69 % Senior Notes that matured on May 1, 2025. Michigan Gas Utilities Corporation In April 2025, MGU issued $ 75.0 million of 5.20 % Senior Notes, due May 1, 2030, and used the net proceeds to repay MGU's $ 60.0  million of 2.69 % Senior Notes that matured on May 1, 2025 and intercompany short-term debt to its parent, Integrys. Upper Michigan Energy Resources Corporation In August 2025, UMERC issued $ 80.0 million of 5.31 % Senior Notes, due August 14, 2030, and $ 40.0 million of 5.93 % Senior Notes, due August 14, 2035, and used the net proceeds to repay intercompany short-term debt to its parent, WEC Energy Group, and for other general corporate purposes. ATC Holding LLC In December 2025, ATC's $ 85.0 million of 4.18 % Debentures, due December 20, 2025, matured, and outstanding principal and accrued interest were paid with a contribution received from WEC Energy Group. 2025 Form 10-K 130 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Maturities of Long-Term Debt Outstanding The following table shows the long-term debt securities maturing within one year of December 31, 2025: (in millions) Interest Rate Maturity Date (1) Principal Amount WEC Energy Group Senior Notes (unsecured) 4.75 % January $ 1,000.0 WEC Energy Group Senior Notes (unsecured) 5.60 % September 350.0 WEPCo Environmental Trust (secured, nonrecourse) 1.58 % Semi-annually 9.3 Bluewater Gas Storage Senior Notes (unsecured) 3.76 % Semi-annually 3.1 Bluewater Gas Storage Senior Notes (unsecured) 5.41 % Semi-annually 1.0 We Power Subsidiaries Notes – PWGS (secured, nonrecourse) 4.91 % Monthly 8.9 We Power Subsidiaries Notes – ERGS (secured, nonrecourse) 5.209 % Semi-annually 17.1 We Power Subsidiaries Notes – ERGS (secured, nonrecourse) 4.673 % Semi-annually 12.8 We Power Subsidiaries Notes – PWGS (secured, nonrecourse) 6.00 % Monthly 7.9 WECI Wind Holding I Senior Notes (secured, nonrecourse) 2.75 % Semi-annually 45.1 WECI Wind Holding II Senior Notes (secured, nonrecourse) 6.38 % Semi-annually 22.6 WECI Energy Holding III Senior Notes (secured, nonrecourse) 5.73 % Semi-annually 41.6 Total $ 1,519.4 (1)     Maturity dates listed as semi-annually and monthly are associated with debt that requires periodic principal payments. The following table shows the future maturities of our long-term debt outstanding as of December 31, 2025: (in millions) Payments 2026 $ 1,519.4 2027 2,137.3 2028 3,203.2 2029 2,943.4 2030 1,691.9 Thereafter 8,644.7 Total $ 20,139.9 Certain long-term debt obligations contain financial and other covenants related to payment of principal and interest when due, maintaining certain total funded debt to capitalization ratios, and various other obligations. Failure to comply with these covenants could result in an event of default, which could result in the acceleration of outstanding debt obligations. NOTE 15— LEASES In accordance with ASC Subtopic 980-842, Regulated Operations – Leases (Subtopic 980-842), the timing of expense recognition associated with our leases is modified to conform to the rate treatment. The difference between the lease expense that is allowed for rate-making purposes and the unadjusted lease expense calculated under Topic 842 is deferred as a regulatory asset on our balance sheets. For our finance leases, amortization of the right-of-use asset is modified so that the total of the imputed interest and amortization costs equals the lease expense that is allowed for rate-making purposes in accordance with Subtopic 980-842. Obligations Under Operating Leases We have recorded right of use assets and lease liabilities primarily associated with the following operating leases: • Leases of office space, primarily related to several floors we are leasing in the Aon Center office building in Chicago, Illinois, through April 2039. • Land we are leasing related to our Rothschild biomass plant through June 2051. • Rail cars we are leasing to transport coal to various generating facilities through June 2027. • Land we are leasing related to our utility and non-utility solar generation projects through May 2075. The operating leases generally require us to pay property taxes, insurance premiums, and operating and maintenance costs associated with the leased property. Certain of our leases contain options for early termination or to renew past the initial term, as 2025 Form 10-K 131 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents set forth in the lease agreements. These options are included in our calculation of the lease obligations if it is reasonably certain that they will be exercised. Obligations Under Finance Leases Land Leases – Utility Solar Generation We have various land leases related to our investments in utility solar generation. Each lease has an initial term and one or more optional extensions. We expect the optional extensions to be exercised, and, as a result, all of the land leases are being amortized over an extended term which can range from 40 to 50 years. Once a solar project achieves commercial operation, the lease liability is remeasured to reflect the final total acres being leased. Our payments related to these leases are being recovered through rates. Land Leases – Non-Utility Energy Infrastructure Solar Generation We have various land leases related to our investments in non-utility solar generation. Each lease has an initial term and one or more optional extensions. We expect the optional extensions to be exercised, and, as a result, all of the land leases are being amortized over an extended term of approximately 50 years. Amounts Recognized in the Financial Statements and Other Information The components of lease expense and supplemental cash flow information related to our leases for the years ended December 31 are as follows: (in millions) 2025 2024 2023 Finance lease expense Amortization of right of use assets (1) $ 1.1   $ 0.2   $ — Interest on lease liabilities (2) 6.9   1.8   0.8 Operating lease expense (3) 7.8   5.2   4.7 Short-term lease expense (3) 0.2   0.6   1.2 Total lease expense $ 16.0   $ 7.8   $ 6.7 Other information Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities Operating cash flows from finance leases $ 6.4   $ 1.8   $ 0.8 Operating cash flows from operating leases 7.5   7.1   6.8 Financing cash flows from finance leases 0.9   —   — Non-cash activities Right of use assets obtained in exchange for finance lease liabilities (4) $ 63.8   $ 153.2   $ 32.8 Right of use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities 43.5   2.6   18.3 Weighted-average remaining lease term – finance leases 49.6 years 50.2 years 49.4 years Weighted-average remaining lease term – operating leases 35.8 years 25.1 years 22.4 years Weighted-average discount rate – finance lease (5) 6.0   % 5.9   % 5.3   % Weighted average discount rate – operating leases (5) 6.3   % 5.9   % 5.8   % (1)     Amortization of right of use assets was included as a component of depreciation and amortization expense. (2)     Interest on lease liabilities was included as a component of interest expense. (3)     Operating and short-term lease expense were included as a component of other operation and maintenance expense. (4)     Amounts are net of any reductions to right of use assets and finance lease liabilities resulting from remeasurements. (5)     Because our leases do not provide an implicit rate of return, we used an estimate of the fully collateralized incremental borrowing rates based upon information available for similarly rated companies in determining the present value of lease payments. 2025 Form 10-K 132 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents The following table summarizes our finance and operating lease right of use assets and obligations at December 31: (in millions) 2025 2024 Balance Sheet Location Right of use assets Operating lease right of use assets, net $ 69.5   $ 32.1   Other long-term assets Finance lease right of use assets, net Land leases – utility solar generation $ 291.5   $ 235.8 Land leases –non-utility energy infrastructure solar generation 42.3   43.5 Other 1.7   2.0 Total finance lease right of use assets, net (1) $ 335.5   $ 281.3   Property, plant, and equipment, net Lease obligations Current operating lease liabilities $ 3.1   $ 4.3   Other current liabilities Long-term operating lease liabilities $ 73.0   $ 37.5   Other long-term liabilities Current finance lease liabilities Other $ 0.2   $ 0.2   Other current liabilities Long-term finance lease liabilities Land leases – utility solar generation $ 327.3   $ 257.9 Land leases –non-utility energy infrastructure solar generation 43.3   43.8 Other 1.4   1.6 Total long-term finance lease liabilities $ 372.0   $ 303.3   Finance lease obligations (1)     Amounts are net of accumulated amortization of $ 16.3 million and $ 10.0 million at December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. Future minimum lease payments under our operating and finance leases and the present value of our net minimum lease payments as of December 31, 2025, were as follows: (in millions) Total Operating Leases Land Leases - Utility Solar Generation Land Leases - Non-Utility Energy Infrastructure Solar Generation Other Total Finance Leases 2026 $ 7.0   $ 9.5   $ 2.2   $ 0.3   $ 12.0 2027 6.3   13.8   2.3   0.3   16.4 2028 5.2   15.9   2.3   0.1   18.3 2029 5.2   16.2   2.3   0.1   18.6 2030 5.0   16.6   2.4   0.1   19.1 Thereafter 208.2   1,221.0   156.6   2.5   1,380.1 Total minimum lease payments 236.9   1,293.0   168.1   3.4   1,464.5 Less: Interest ( 160.8 ) ( 965.7 ) ( 124.8 ) ( 1.8 ) ( 1,092.3 ) Present value of minimum lease payments 76.1   327.3   43.3   1.6   372.2 Less: Short-term lease liabilities ( 3.1 ) —   —   ( 0.2 ) ( 0.2 ) Long-term lease liabilities $ 73.0   $ 327.3   $ 43.3   $ 1.4   $ 372.0 As of February 20, 2026, we have not entered into any material leases that have not yet commenced. NOTE 16— INCOME TAXES We adopted the new disclosure provisions of ASU No. 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, effective January 1, 2025. See Note 1(q), Income Taxes, for more information on the adoption of this ASU. 2025 Form 10-K 133 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Income Tax Expense The following table is a summary of the components of income tax expense for the years ended December 31: (in millions) 2025 2024 2023 Current tax expense (benefit) Federal $ ( 242.5 ) $ ( 178.5 ) $ ( 36.7 ) State ( 8.0 ) ( 128.5 ) 21.9 Deferred tax expense, net Federal 240.9   386.2   130.1 State 135.6   152.5   99.8 ITCs, net ( 8.0 ) ( 9.7 ) ( 10.5 ) Total income tax expense $ 118.0   $ 222.0   $ 204.6 Statutory Rate Reconciliation The provision for income taxes for each of the years ended December 31 differs from the amount of income tax determined by applying the applicable United States statutory federal income tax rate to income before income taxes as a result of the following: 2025 2024 2023 (in millions) Amount Effective Tax Rate Amount Effective Tax Rate Amount Effective Tax Rate Income before income taxes $ 1,673.5   $ 1,746.3   $ 1,536.3 US federal statutory income tax rate $ 351.9   21.0   % $ 367.3   21.0   % $ 322.6   21.0   % State and local income taxes net of federal tax effect (1) 101.2   6.0   % 108.0   6.2   % 94.3   6.1   % Tax credits PTCs, net (2) ( 261.3 ) ( 15.6 ) % ( 200.1 ) ( 11.5 ) % ( 168.2 ) ( 10.9 ) % Other ( 8.2 ) ( 0.5 ) % ( 10.0 ) ( 0.6 ) % ( 10.9 ) ( 0.7 ) % Nontaxable or nondeductible items AFUDC-Equity (3) ( 21.0 ) ( 1.3 ) % ( 12.6 ) ( 0.7 ) % ( 12.4 ) ( 0.8 ) % Other 11.0   0.7   % 4.0   0.2   % 4.4   0.2   % Changes in unrecognized tax benefits ( 2.0 ) ( 0.1 ) % ( 0.4 ) —   % ( 1.8 ) ( 0.1 ) % Other adjustments Federal excess deferred tax amortization (4) ( 43.0 ) ( 2.6 ) % ( 36.7 ) ( 2.1 ) % ( 37.6 ) ( 2.4 ) % Other, net ( 10.6 ) ( 0.5 ) % 2.5   0.2   % 14.2   0.9   % Total income tax expense $ 118.0   7.1   % $ 222.0   12.7   % $ 204.6   13.3   % (1)     State taxes in Wisconsin made up the majority of the tax effect in this category. (2)     PTCs are an inflation adjusted US federal income tax credit for each kilowatt hour of electricity generated by certain renewable energy projects. (3)     AFUDC-Equity represents the cost of capital (i.e. ROE) that is added to the construction cost of an asset while it is being built. The tax benefit for regulated utilities from AFUDC-Equity is a regulatory gross-up to allow the recovery of income taxes on the equity portion of construction costs, even though it is not a tax deductible expense. (4)     The Tax Legislation required our regulated utilities to remeasure their deferred income taxes and we began to amortize the resulting excess deferred income taxes beginning in 2018, in accordance with normalization requirements. The decrease in income tax expense related to the amortization of the deferred tax benefits is offset by a decrease in revenue as the benefits are returned to customers, resulting in no impact on net income. 2025 Form 10-K 134 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities The components of deferred income taxes as of December 31 were as follows: (in millions) 2025 2024 Deferred tax assets Tax gross up – regulatory items $ 416.9   $ 420.1 Future tax benefits 240.9   165.4 Deferred revenues 76.8   76.0 Other 206.1   167.9 Total deferred tax assets 940.7   829.4 Valuation allowance ( 1.1 ) ( 1.1 ) Net deferred tax assets $ 939.6   $ 828.3 Deferred tax liabilities Property-related $ 5,041.5   $ 4,545.2 Investment in affiliates 1,143.6   1,103.9 Employee benefits and compensation 229.2   231.4 Deferred costs – plant retirements 178.0   194.3 Other 239.0   268.2 Total deferred tax liabilities 6,831.3   6,343.0 Deferred tax liability, net $ 5,891.7   $ 5,514.7 Consistent with ratemaking treatment, deferred taxes related to our regulated utilities in the table above are offset for temporary differences that have related regulatory assets and liabilities. The components of net deferred tax assets associated with federal and state tax benefit carryforwards as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 are summarized in the tables below: 2025 (in millions) Gross Value Deferred Tax Effect Valuation Allowance Earliest Year of Expiration Future tax benefits as of December 31, 2025 Federal tax credit $ —   $ 206.5   $ —   2042 State net operating loss 685.6   34.1   ( 1.1 ) 2032 Other state benefits —   0.3   —   2029 Balance as of December 31, 2025 $ 685.6   $ 240.9   $ ( 1.1 ) 2024 (in millions) Gross Value Deferred Tax Effect Valuation Allowance Earliest Year of Expiration Future tax benefits as of December 31, 2024 Federal tax credit $ —   $ 157.9   $ —   2042 State net operating loss 107.5   7.2   ( 1.1 ) 2032 Other state benefits —   0.3   —   2028 Balance as of December 31, 2024 $ 107.5   $ 165.4   $ ( 1.1 ) Unrecognized Tax Benefits A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows: (in millions) 2025 2024 2023 Balance as of January 1 $ 4.4   $ 4.6   $ 6.3 Additions for tax positions of prior years 0.1   —   0.2 Reductions for tax positions of prior years ( 1.5 ) ( 0.2 ) ( 1.9 ) Balance as of December 31 $ 3.0   $ 4.4   $ 4.6 2025 Form 10-K 135 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents The amount of unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, excludes deferred tax assets related to uncertainty in income taxes of $ 0.7 million and $ 1.0 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, the net amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate for continuing operations was $ 2.3 million and $ 3.4  million, respectively. Interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits is as follows: (in millions) 2025 2024 2023 Balance as of January 1 $ 0.9   $ 0.6   $ 0.5 Interest expense (income) related to unrecognized tax benefits ( 0.6 ) 0.3   0.1 Balance as of December 31 $ 0.3   $ 0.9   $ 0.6 For the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, we recognized no penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in our consolidated income statements. At December 31, 2025 and 2024, we had no amounts accrued for penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits. We file income tax returns in the United States federal jurisdiction and state tax returns based on income in our major state operating jurisdictions of Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, and Minnesota. We also file tax returns in other state and local jurisdictions with varying statutes of limitations. As of December 31, 2025, with a few exceptions, we were subject to examination by federal and state or local tax authorities for the 2021 through 2025 tax years in our major operating jurisdictions as follows: Jurisdiction Years Federal 2022–2025 Illinois 2021–2025 Michigan 2021–2025 Minnesota 2021–2025 Wisconsin 2021–2025 Cash Received For Income Taxes, Net The table below is a summary of income taxes paid (received) by jurisdiction for the years ended December 31: (in millions) 2025 2024 2023 Federal $ ( 256.3 ) (1) $ ( 265.0 ) (2) $ ( 75.0 ) (3) State ( 25.0 ) 0.8   16.1 Total income taxes received, net $ ( 281.3 ) $ ( 264.2 ) $ ( 58.9 ) (1)     Includes $ 256.3 million related to 2025 and 2024 PTCs that were sold to third parties. (2)     Includes $ 269.1 million related to 2024 and 2023 PTCs that were sold to third parties. (3)     Includes $ 75.0 million related to 2023 PTCs that were sold to third parties. Income taxes received or paid (net of refunds) exceeded 5 percent of total income taxes received or paid (net of refunds) in the following jurisdiction: (in millions) 2025 2024 2023 Wisconsin $ ( 25.0 ) $ — (1) $ 12.0 (1)     Jurisdiction below the threshold for the period presented. 2025 Form 10-K 136 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents NOTE 17— FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS The following tables summarize our financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis, categorized by level within the fair value hierarchy: December 31, 2025 (in millions) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Derivative assets Natural gas contracts $ 1.5   $ 18.3   $ —   $ 19.8 FTRs and TCRs —   —   6.5   6.5 Total derivative assets $ 1.5   $ 18.3   $ 6.5   $ 26.3 Investments held in rabbi trust $ 42.0   $ —   $ —   $ 42.0 Derivative liabilities Natural gas contracts $ 23.3   $ 8.4   $ —   $ 31.7 FTRs and TCRs —   —   0.8   0.8 Total derivative liabilities $ 23.3   $ 8.4   $ 0.8   $ 32.5 December 31, 2024 (in millions) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Derivative assets Natural gas contracts $ 19.6   $ 13.7   $ —   $ 33.3 FTRs and TCRs —   —   7.8   7.8 Total derivative assets $ 19.6   $ 13.7   $ 7.8   $ 41.1 Investments held in rabbi trust $ 52.1   $ —   $ —   $ 52.1 Derivative liabilities Natural gas contracts $ 7.1   $ 6.8   $ —   $ 13.9 The derivative assets and liabilities listed in the tables above include options, futures, physical commodity contracts, and other instruments used to manage market risks related to changes in commodity prices. They also include FTRs and TCRs, which are used at our electric utilities and certain of our non-utility wind parks to manage electric transmission congestion costs in the MISO Energy Markets and the Southwest Power Pool, Inc. Integrated Marketplace, respectively. We hold investments in the Integrys rabbi trust. These investments are used to fund participants' benefits under the Integrys deferred compensation plan and certain Integrys non-qualified pension plans. These investments are included in other long-term assets on our balance sheets. During the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, the net unrealized gains included in earnings related to the investments held at the end of the period were $ 5.8  million, $ 9.0  million, and $ 10.0  million, respectively. The following table summarizes the changes to derivatives classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy at December 31: (in millions) 2025 2024 2023 Balance at the beginning of the period $ 7.8   $ 7.2   $ 7.8 Purchases 23.7   28.7   21.0 Net realized and unrealized losses included in earnings (1) —   ( 0.7 ) ( 0.5 ) Sales ( 1.0 ) —   — Settlements ( 24.8 ) ( 27.4 ) ( 21.1 ) Balance at the end of the period $ 5.7   $ 7.8   $ 7.2 Net unrealized gains included in earnings attributable to Level 3 derivatives held at the end of the reporting period (1) $ 0.1   $ —   $ 0.5 (1)     Amounts relate to FTRs and TCRs included in our non-utility energy infrastructure segment. These net realized and unrealized gains and losses are recorded in operating revenues on our income statements. 2025 Form 10-K 137 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Fair Value of Financial Instruments The following table shows the financial instruments included on our balance sheets that are not recorded at fair value at December 31: 2025 2024 (in millions) Carrying Amount Fair Value Carrying Amount Fair Value Preferred stock of subsidiary $ 30.4   $ 21.2   $ 30.4   $ 21.2 Long-term debt, including current portion 20,017.5   19,609.1   18,907.1   17,840.8 The fair values of our long-term debt and preferred stock are categorized within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. NOTE 18— DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS Derivative assets and liabilities are included in the other current and other long-term line items on our balance sheets. The following table shows our derivative assets and derivative liabilities. None of the derivatives shown below were designated as hedging instruments. December 31, 2025 December 31, 2024 (in millions) Derivative Assets Derivative Liabilities Derivative Assets Derivative Liabilities Current Natural gas contracts $ 19.7   $ 30.0   $ 29.2   $ 13.9 FTRs and TCRs 6.5   0.8   7.8   — Total current 26.2   30.8   37.0   13.9 Long-term Natural gas contracts 0.1   1.7   4.1   — Total $ 26.3   $ 32.5   $ 41.1   $ 13.9 Realized gains and losses on derivatives used in our regulated utility operations are recorded in cost of sales upon settlement; however, they may be subsequently deferred for future rate recovery or refund as the gains and losses are included in our utilities’ fuel and natural gas cost recovery mechanisms. Realized gains and losses on FTRs and TCRs used in our non-utility operations are recorded in operating revenues on the income statements. Our realized gains and losses and the estimated notional volumes related to these settlements were as follows for the years ended: December 31, 2025 December 31, 2024 December 31, 2023 (in millions) Volumes Gains (Losses) Volumes Gains (Losses) Volumes Gains (Losses) Natural gas contracts 202.4 Dth $ ( 19.2 ) 206.3 Dth $ ( 127.8 ) 198.0 Dth $ ( 259.1 ) FTRs and TCRs Regulated utility operations 26.3 MWh 18.9 28.4 MWh 8.3 29.3 MWh 27.4 Non-utility operations 0.7 MWh ( 0.1 ) 1.3 MWh ( 0.1 ) 0.9 MWh ( 1.5 ) Total $ ( 0.4 ) $ ( 119.6 ) $ ( 233.2 ) At December 31, 2025 and 2024, we had posted cash collateral of $ 41.4 million and $ 16.0 million, respectively. We had also received cash collateral of $ 4.2  million at December 31, 2024. 2025 Form 10-K 138 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents The following table shows derivative assets and derivative liabilities if derivative instruments by counterparty were presented net on our balance sheets: December 31, 2025 December 31, 2024 (in millions) Derivative Assets Derivative Liabilities Derivative Assets Derivative Liabilities Gross amount recognized on the balance sheet $ 26.3   $ 32.5   $ 41.1   $ 13.9 Gross amount not offset on the balance sheet ( 2.0 ) ( 23.8 ) (1) ( 11.5 ) (2) ( 7.3 ) Net amount $ 24.3   $ 8.7   $ 29.6   $ 6.6 (1)     Includes cash collateral posted of $ 21.8  million. (2)     Includes cash collateral received of $ 4.2 million. Cash Flow Hedges We previously entered into forward interest rate swap agreements to mitigate the interest rate exposure associated with the issuance of long-term debt related to the acquisition of Integrys. These swap agreements were settled in 2015, and we continue to amortize amounts out of accumulated other comprehensive loss into interest expense over the periods in which the interest costs are recognized in earnings. The derivative gains related to these swap agreements reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest expense during the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023 were not significant. At December 31, 2025, the amount expected to be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest expense over the next twelve months was also not significant. NOTE 19— GUARANTEES The following table shows our outstanding guarantees: Total Amounts Committed at December 31, 2025 Expiration (in millions) Less Than 1 Year 1 to 3 Years Over 3 Years Standby letters of credit (1) $ 188.2   $ 30.7   $ 30.2   $ 127.3 Surety bonds (2) 46.5   46.4   0.1   — Other guarantees (3) 9.6   —   —   9.6 Total guarantees $ 244.3   $ 77.1   $ 30.3   $ 136.9 (1)     At our request or the request of our subsidiaries, financial institutions have issued standby letters of credit for the benefit of third parties that have extended credit to our subsidiaries. These amounts are not reflected on our balance sheets. (2)     Primarily for environmental remediation, workers compensation self-insurance programs, and obtaining various licenses, permits, and rights-of-way. These amounts are not reflected on our balance sheets. (3)     Related to workers compensation coverage for which a liability was recorded on our balance sheets. NOTE 20— EMPLOYEE BENEFITS Pension and Other Postretirement Employee Benefits We and our subsidiaries have defined benefit pension plans that cover substantially all of our employees, as well as several unfunded non-qualified retirement plans. In addition, we and our subsidiaries offer multiple OPEB plans to employees. The benefits for a portion of these plans are funded through irrevocable trusts, as allowed for income tax purposes. We also offer medical, dental, and life insurance benefits to active employees and their dependents. We expense the costs of these benefits as incurred. Generally, other than those employees who receive a contribution to their 401(k) savings plan as described below, former Wisconsin Energy Corporation employees receive a benefit based on a percentage of their annual salary plus an interest credit. Wisconsin Energy Corporation management employees hired after December 31, 2014, and certain new represented employees hired after May 1, 2017, receive an annual company contribution to their 401(k) savings plan instead of being enrolled in the defined benefit plans. 2025 Form 10-K 139 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents For former Integrys employees, the defined benefit pension plans are closed to all new hires. In addition, the service accruals for the defined benefit pension plans were frozen for non-union employees as of January 1, 2013. These employees receive an annual company contribution to their 401(k) savings plan, which is calculated based on age, wages, and full years of vesting service as of December 31 each year. We use a year-end measurement date to measure the funded status of all of our pension and OPEB plans. Due to the regulated nature of our business, we have concluded that substantially all of the unrecognized costs resulting from the recognition of the funded status of our pension and OPEB plans qualify as a regulatory asset. The following tables provide a reconciliation of the changes in our plans' benefit obligations and fair value of assets: Pension Benefits OPEB Benefits (in millions) 2025 2024 2025 2024 Change in benefit obligation Obligation at January 1 $ 2,209.2   $ 2,352.4   $ 460.9   $ 448.1 Service cost 20.8   24.2   11.3   10.9 Interest cost 118.6   116.6   25.7   22.7 Participant contributions —   —   11.5   11.2 Plan amendments —   —   ( 0.4 ) — Actuarial (gain) loss 8.2   ( 99.6 ) 28.3   6.9 Benefit payments ( 193.7 ) ( 184.4 ) ( 46.8 ) ( 41.7 ) Federal subsidy on benefits paid N/A N/A 1.4   1.4 Transfer —   —   1.5   1.4 Obligation at December 31 $ 2,163.1   $ 2,209.2   $ 493.4   $ 460.9 Change in fair value of plan assets Fair value at January 1 $ 2,624.3   $ 2,665.8   $ 850.0   $ 829.6 Actual return on plan assets 221.6   129.8   87.9   49.5 Employer contributions net of plan transfer 11.8   13.1   1.9   1.4 Participant contributions —   —   11.5   11.2 Benefit payments ( 193.7 ) ( 184.4 ) ( 46.8 ) ( 41.7 ) Fair value at December 31 $ 2,664.0   $ 2,624.3   $ 904.5   $ 850.0 Funded status at December 31 $ 500.9   $ 415.1   $ 411.1   $ 389.1 In 2025, we had actuarial losses related to our pension benefit obligations of $ 8.2 million and actuarial gains in 2024 of $ 99.6  million. The primary driver for the actuarial loss was the decrease in discount rate. The primary driver for the actuarial gain was a higher discount rate in 2024. Partially offsetting the gain in 2024, was lower than expected asset returns. The discount rate for our pension benefits was 5.50 %, 5.69 %, and 5.19 % in 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively. In 2025 and 2024, we had actuarial losses related to our OPEB benefit obligation of $ 28.3 million and $ 6.9 million, respectively, both of which were driven by changes to medical trend assumptions and claims and premium updates. The 2025 loss was also driven by a lower discount rate. Partially offsetting the loss in 2024, was a higher discount rate. The discount rate for our OPEB benefits was 5.54 %, 5.71 %, and 5.16 % in 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively. The amounts recognized on our balance sheets at December 31 related to the funded status of the benefit plans were as follows: Pension Benefits OPEB Benefits (in millions) 2025 2024 2025 2024 Pension and OPEB assets $ 646.3   $ 562.4   $ 436.1   $ 406.1 Other long-term liabilities 145.4   147.3   25.0   17.0 Total net assets $ 500.9   $ 415.1   $ 411.1   $ 389.1 The accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans was $ 2,112.5 million and $ 2,156.8 million as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. 2025 Form 10-K 140 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents The following table shows information for pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets. Amounts presented are as of December 31: (in millions) 2025 2024 Accumulated benefit obligation $ 283.0   $ 286.0 Fair value of plan assets 141.7   143.2 The following table shows information for pension plans with a projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets. Amounts presented are as of December 31: (in millions) 2025 2024 Projected benefit obligation $ 287.1   $ 290.5 Fair value of plan assets 141.7   143.2 The following table shows information for OPEB plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets. Amounts presented are as of December 31: (in millions) 2025 2024 Accumulated benefit obligation $ 205.5   $ 194.0 Fair value of plan assets 180.5   177.0 The following table shows the amounts that had not yet been recognized in our net periodic benefit cost (credit) as of December 31: Pension Benefits OPEB Benefits (in millions) 2025 2024 2025 2024 Pre-tax accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (1) Net actuarial loss (gain) $ 11.6   $ 12.3   $ ( 1.0 ) $ ( 1.1 ) Net regulatory assets (liabilities) (2) Net actuarial loss (gain) $ 501.1   $ 578.7   $ ( 146.1 ) $ ( 148.8 ) Prior service credits ( 2.0 ) ( 2.1 ) ( 8.4 ) ( 15.8 ) Total $ 499.1   $ 576.6   $ ( 154.5 ) $ ( 164.6 ) (1)     Amounts related to the nonregulated entities are included in accumulated other comprehensive loss. (2)     Amounts related to the utilities and WBS are recorded as net regulatory assets or liabilities. The components of net periodic benefit cost (credit) (including amounts capitalized to our balance sheets) for the years ended December 31 were as follows: Pension Benefits OPEB Benefits (in millions) 2025 2024 2023 2025 2024 2023 Service cost $ 20.8   $ 24.2   $ 24.0   $ 11.3   $ 10.9   $ 9.8 Interest cost 118.6   116.6   122.3   25.7   22.7   21.6 Expected return on plan assets ( 175.1 ) ( 182.1 ) ( 187.4 ) ( 54.3 ) ( 52.7 ) ( 53.0 ) Plan settlement ( 1.2 ) 4.0   1.3   —   —   — Amortization of prior service cost (credit) ( 0.1 ) ( 0.1 ) —   ( 7.8 ) ( 13.5 ) ( 14.8 ) Amortization of net actuarial loss (gain) 41.1   59.5   33.0   ( 8.2 ) ( 7.6 ) ( 12.3 ) Net periodic benefit cost (credit) $ 4.1   $ 22.1   $ ( 6.8 ) $ ( 33.3 ) $ ( 40.2 ) $ ( 48.7 ) Effective January 1, 2023, the PSCW approved escrow accounting for pension and OPEB costs. As a result, as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, our balance sheet included a $ 14.7 million regulatory liability and a $ 24.9 million regulatory asset for pension costs, respectively, and a $ 0.7  million and a $ 38.2 million regulatory asset for OPEB costs, respectively. 2025 Form 10-K 141 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents The weighted-average assumptions used to determine the benefit obligations for the plans were as follows for the years ended December 31: Pension Benefits OPEB Benefits 2025 2024 2025 2024 Discount rate 5.50 % 5.69 % 5.54 % 5.71 % Rate of compensation increase 4.00 % 4.00 % N/A N/A Interest credit rate 4.83 % 4.85 % N/A N/A Assumed medical cost trend rate (Pre 65) N/A N/A 8.00 % 7.00 % Ultimate trend rate (Pre 65) N/A N/A 5.00 % 5.00 % Year ultimate trend rate is reached (Pre 65) N/A N/A 2032 2033 Assumed medical cost trend rate (Post 65) N/A N/A 9.92 % 6.10 % Ultimate trend rate (Post 65) N/A N/A 5.00 % 5.00 % Year ultimate trend rate is reached (Post 65) N/A N/A 2034 2030 The weighted-average assumptions used to determine the net periodic benefit cost for the plans were as follows for the years ended December 31: Pension Benefits 2025 2024 2023 Discount rate 5.69 % 5.18 % 5.49 % Expected return on plan assets 6.61 % 6.61 % 6.62 % Rate of compensation increase 4.00 % 4.00 % 4.00 % Interest credit rate 4.85 % 4.84 % 4.62 % OPEB Benefits 2025 2024 2023 Discount rate 5.71 % 5.16 % 5.50 % Expected return on plan assets 6.50 % 6.50 % 6.50 % Assumed medical cost trend rate (Pre 65) 7.00 % 6.25 % 6.50 % Ultimate trend rate (Pre 65) 5.00 % 5.00 % 5.00 % Year ultimate trend rate is reached (Pre 65) 2033 2031 2031 Assumed medical cost trend rate (Post 65) 6.10 % 6.39 % 6.00 % Ultimate trend rate (Post 65) 5.00 % 5.00 % 5.00 % Year ultimate trend rate is reached (Post 65) 2030 2030 2031 We consult with our investment advisors on an annual basis to help us forecast expected long-term returns on plan assets by reviewing historical returns as well as 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 trust. For 2026, the expected return on assets assumption is 6.61 % for the pension plans and 6.50 % for the OPEB plans. Plan Assets Current pension trust assets and amounts which are expected to be contributed to the trusts in the future are expected to be adequate to meet pension payment obligations to current and future retirees. The Investment Trust Policy Committee oversees investment matters related to all of our funded benefit plans. The Committee works with external actuaries and investment consultants on an on-going 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 allocations are determined utilizing projected benefit payment cash flows and risk analyses of appropriate investments. They 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. The target asset allocations are 25 % equity investments, 55 % fixed income investments, and 20 % private equity and real estate investments for both the legacy Wisconsin Energy Corporation and legacy Integrys pension trusts. The legacy Wisconsin Energy Corporation OPEB trust target asset allocations are 45 % equity investments, 45 % fixed income investments, and 10 % real estate 2025 Form 10-K 142 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents investments. The two largest legacy OPEB trusts for Integrys have the same target asset allocations of 45 % equity investments, 45 % fixed income investments, and 10 % real estate investments. Equity securities include investments in large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap companies. Fixed income securities include corporate bonds of companies from diversified industries, mortgage and other asset backed securities, commercial paper, and United States Treasuries. Pension and OPEB plan investments are recorded at fair value. See Note 1(r), Fair Value Measurements, for more information regarding the fair value hierarchy and the classification of fair value measurements based on the types of inputs used. The following tables provide the fair values of our investments by asset class: December 31, 2025 Pension Plan Assets OPEB Assets (in millions) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Asset Class Equity securities: United States equity $ 160.8   $ —   $ —   $ 160.8   $ 97.3   $ —   $ —   $ 97.3 International equity 173.7   —   —   173.7   100.8   —   —   100.8 Fixed income securities: (1) United States bonds —   933.5   1.4   934.9   110.6   219.3   0.1   330.0 International bonds —   63.5   —   63.5   —   7.7   —   7.7 $ 334.5   $ 997.0   $ 1.4   $ 1,332.9   $ 308.7   $ 227.0   $ 0.1   $ 535.8 Investments measured at net asset value: Equity securities 412.6   206.0 Fixed income securities 127.6   55.3 Other 790.9   107.4 Total $ 2,664.0   $ 904.5 (1)     This category represents investment grade bonds of United States and foreign issuers denominated in United States dollars from diverse industries. December 31, 2024 Pension Plan Assets OPEB Assets (in millions) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Asset Class Equity securities: United States equity $ 168.4   $ —   $ —   $ 168.4   $ 93.8   $ —   $ —   $ 93.8 International equity 158.2   —   —   158.2   86.4   —   —   86.4 Fixed income securities: (1) United States bonds —   880.1   —   880.1   99.0   205.6   —   304.6 International bonds —   81.6   —   81.6   —   11.2   —   11.2 $ 326.6   $ 961.7   $ —   $ 1,288.3   $ 279.2   $ 216.8   $ —   $ 496.0 Investments measured at net asset value: Equity securities 414.9   190.4 Fixed income securities 126.0   51.8 Other 795.1   111.8 Total $ 2,624.3   $ 850.0 (1)     This category represents investment grade bonds of United States and foreign issuers denominated in United States dollars from diverse industries. 2025 Form 10-K 143 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents The following tables set forth a reconciliation of changes in fair values of pension and OPEB plan assets categorized as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy: United States Bonds (in millions) Pension OPEB Beginning balance at January 1, 2025 $ —   $ — Purchases 1.4   0.1 Ending balance at December 31, 2025 $ 1.4   $ 0.1 Cash Flows We expect to contribute $ 16.5 million to the pension plans and $ 2.8 million to the OPEB plans in 2026, dependent upon various factors affecting us, including our liquidity position and possible tax law changes. The following table shows the payments, reflecting expected future service, that we expect to make for pension and OPEB over the next 10 years: (in millions) Pension Benefits OPEB Benefits 2026 $ 213.5   $ 35.5 2027 203.1   37.6 2028 193.5   38.7 2029 187.5   39.5 2030 182.1   39.8 2031-2035 801.3   197.8 Savings Plans We sponsor 401(k) savings plans which allow employees to contribute a portion of their pre-tax and/or after-tax income in accordance with plan-specified guidelines. A percentage of employee contributions are matched by us through a contribution into the employee's savings plan account, up to certain limits. The 401(k) savings plans include an Employee Stock Ownership Plan. Certain employees receive a retirement contribution in lieu of receiving a pension benefit. Total costs incurred under all of these plans were $ 67.3 million, $ 61.6 million, and $ 57.5 million in 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively. NOTE 21— INVESTMENT IN TRANSMISSION AFFILIATES We own approximately 60 % of ATC, a for-profit, transmission-only company regulated by the FERC for cost of service and certain state regulatory commissions for routing and siting of transmission projects. We also own approximately 75 % of ATC Holdco, a separate entity formed in December 2016 to invest in transmission-related projects outside of ATC's traditional footprint. ATC's corporate manager has an 11 -member board of directors, and ATC Holdco's corporate manager has a four -member board of directors. We have one representative on each board. Each member of the board has only one vote. The following tables provide a reconciliation of the changes in our investments in ATC and ATC Holdco: 2025 (in millions) ATC ATC Holdco Total Balance at January 1 $ 2,085.1   $ 23.8   $ 2,108.9 Add: Earnings from equity method investment 209.7   6.1   215.8 Add: Capital contributions 142.4   —   142.4 Less: Distributions 180.2   6.4   186.6 Less: Other 0.1   —   0.1 Balance at December 31 $ 2,256.9   $ 23.5   $ 2,280.4 2025 Form 10-K 144 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents 2024 (in millions) ATC ATC Holdco Total Balance at January 1 $ 1,980.8   $ 25.1   $ 2,005.9 Add: Earnings from equity method investment 205.4   2.1   207.5 Add: Capital contributions 45.5   —   45.5 Less: Distributions 146.7   3.4   150.1 Add: Other 0.1   —   0.1 Balance at December 31 $ 2,085.1   $ 23.8   $ 2,108.9 2023 (in millions) ATC ATC Holdco Total Balance at January 1 $ 1,884.6   $ 24.6   $ 1,909.2 Add: Earnings from equity method investment 175.1   2.4   177.5 Add: Capital contributions 63.7   —   63.7 Less: Distributions 142.6   1.9   144.5 Balance at December 31 $ 1,980.8   $ 25.1   $ 2,005.9 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. In November 2013, a complaint was filed arguing the base ROE for MISO transmission owners was too high. The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals issued an opinion in August 2022 for this ROE complaint that resulted in ATC recording a reserve for potential refunds based on a 9.88 % base ROE. In response to this opinion, the FERC issued an order in October 2024 that required ATC to adopt a 9.98 % base ROE. 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 2024. We pay ATC for network transmission and other related services it provides. In addition, we provide a variety of operational, maintenance, and project management work for ATC, which is reimbursed by ATC. We are also required to initially fund the construction of transmission infrastructure upgrades needed for new generation projects. ATC owns these transmission assets and reimburses us for these costs when the new generation is placed in service. The following table summarizes our significant related party transactions with ATC during the years ended December 31: (in millions) 2025 2024 2023 Charges to ATC for services and construction $ 20.2   $ 21.6   $ 17.4 Charges from ATC for network transmission services 466.9   413.3   377.5 Refund from ATC related to FERC ROE orders 5.2   —   — As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, our balance sheets included the following receivables and payables for services provided to or received from ATC: (in millions) 2025 2024 Accounts receivable for services provided to ATC $ 1.6   $ 1.4 Accounts payable for services received from ATC 38.4   34.4 Amounts due from ATC for transmission infrastructure upgrades (1) 32.2   54.5 (1)     The transmission infrastructure upgrades were primarily related to the construction of WE's, WPS's, and UMERC's renewable energy projects. 2025 Form 10-K 145 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Summarized financial data for ATC is included in the tables below: Year Ended December 31 (in millions) 2025 2024 2023 Income statement data Operating revenues $ 975.0   $ 911.3   $ 818.9 Operating expenses 472.6   442.4   407.6 Other expense, net 165.8   137.7   131.7 Net income $ 336.6   $ 331.2   $ 279.6 (in millions) December 31, 2025 December 31, 2024 Balance sheet data Current assets $ 137.5   $ 126.6 Noncurrent assets 7,590.8   6,792.6 Total assets $ 7,728.3   $ 6,919.2 Current liabilities $ 839.8   $ 482.4 Long-term debt 3,156.3   3,083.4 Other noncurrent liabilities 638.9   545.0 Members' equity 3,093.3   2,808.4 Total liabilities and members' equity $ 7,728.3   $ 6,919.2 NOTE 22— SEGMENT INFORMATION Our President and CEO, who is our CODM, reviews financial information presented on a segment basis for purposes of making operating decisions and assessing performance. The CODM regularly reviews net income attributed to common shareholders to measure segment profitability and to allocate resources, including assets, to our businesses. Net income attributed to common shareholders best measures our segment profitability as it reflects all revenues and costs, including the impact on our tax provision from tax credits generated through investments in renewable generation facilities. Our CODM allocates resources, such as employees, as well as financial and capital resources, to our segments during the annual review of budgets and the capital plan. Our CODM also reviews and revises the resources throughout the year during the monthly forecasting process in order to make timely decisions that align with our overall corporate strategy. The CODM uses each segment’s net income to evaluate performance by comparing actual results to budgeted and forecasted amounts, as well as the ROE earned for each utility within the various utility segments. Segments were determined based on a combination of factors, including the regulatory environment of each geographical jurisdiction in which the segment operates, equity investment interests, as well as the revenue streams for the products or services provided to customers through electric, natural gas, and renewable operations. See Note 4, Operating Revenues, for more information on disaggregation of operating revenues, including intercompany eliminations. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. At December 31, 2025, we reported six segments, which are described below. All of our operations are located within the United States. • The Wisconsin segment includes the electric and natural gas utility operations of WE, WPS, WG, and UMERC. • The Illinois segment includes the natural gas utility operations of PGL and NSG. • The other states segment includes the natural gas utility operations of MERC and MGU and the non-utility operations of MERC. 2025 Form 10-K 146 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents • The electric transmission segment includes our approximate 60 % ownership interest in ATC, a for-profit, transmission-only company regulated by the FERC for cost of service and certain state regulatory commissions for routing and siting of transmission projects, and our approximate 75 % ownership interest in ATC Holdco, which was formed to invest in transmission-related projects outside of ATC's traditional footprint. See Note 21, Investment in Transmission Affiliates, for more information on ATC and ATC Holdco. • 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 that provide approximately one-third of the current storage needs for our Wisconsin natural gas utilities, and ◦ WECI, which owns majority interests in multiple renewable generating facilities. See Note 2, Acquisitions, for more information on recent WECI acquisitions. • The corporate and other segment includes the operations of the WEC Energy Group holding company, the Integrys holding company, the PELLC holding company, Wispark, Wisvest, WECC, and WBS. 2025 Form 10-K 147 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents The following tables show summarized financial information related to our reportable segments for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023. Utility Operations 2025 (in millions) Wisconsin Illinois Other States Total Utility Operations Electric Transmission Non-Utility Energy Infrastructure Corporate and Other Reconciling Eliminations WEC Energy Group Consolidated External revenues $ 7,295.5   $ 1,683.6   $ 527.5   $ 9,506.6   $ —   $ 293.5   $ —   $ —   $ 9,800.1 Intersegment revenues —   —   —   —   —   476.7   —   ( 476.7 ) — Fuel and purchased power 1,674.9   —   —   1,674.9   —   —   —   —   1,674.9 Cost of natural gas sold 871.5   508.0   246.3   1,625.8   —   9.6   —   ( 44.5 ) 1,590.9 Other operation and maintenance 1,737.9   482.2   104.6   2,324.7   —   95.5   ( 10.2 ) ( 9.2 ) 2,400.8 Impairments related to Illinois segment —   130.0   —   130.0   —   —   —   —   130.0 Depreciation and amortization 1,008.1   259.7   49.8   1,317.6   —   240.2   21.6   ( 100.9 ) 1,478.5 Property and revenue taxes 178.7   55.5   26.2   260.4   —   19.6   0.1   —   280.1 Equity in earnings of transmission affiliates —   —   —   —   215.8   —   —   —   215.8 Other income, net  (1) 96.5   8.6   0.4   105.5   —   2.8   30.6   ( 31.0 ) 107.9 Interest expense 638.7   88.9   19.2   746.8   19.3   123.1   359.0   ( 353.1 ) 895.1 Income tax expense (benefit) 226.2   45.8   21.0   293.0   48.9   ( 122.9 ) ( 101.0 ) —   118.0 Preferred stock dividends of subsidiary 1.2   —   —   1.2   —   —   —   —   1.2 Net loss attributed to noncontrolling interests —   —   —   —   —   3.2   —   —   3.2 Net income (loss) attributed to common shareholders $ 1,054.8   $ 122.1   $ 60.8   $ 1,237.7   $ 147.6   $ 411.1   $ ( 238.9 ) $ —   $ 1,557.5 Other Segment Disclosures Capital expenditures and asset acquisitions $ 3,860.1   $ 306.1   $ 112.5   $ 4,278.7   $ —   $ 504.7   $ 20.8   $ —   $ 4,804.2 Equity method investments 17.8   —   —   17.8   2,280.4   —   55.7   —   2,353.9 Total assets (2) 33,984.7   8,167.7   1,733.3   43,885.7   2,282.8   7,762.9   1,227.6   ( 3,640.7 ) 51,518.3 (1) Includes amounts that are not material for interest income and other equity earnings from investments other than from transmission affiliates. (2)     Total assets at December 31, 2025 reflect an elimination of $ 2,594.8  million for all lease activity between We Power and WE. 2025 Form 10-K 148 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Utility Operations 2024 (in millions) Wisconsin Illinois Other States Total Utility Operations Electric Transmission Non-Utility Energy Infrastructure Corporate and Other Reconciling Eliminations WEC Energy Group Consolidated External revenues $ 6,330.5   $ 1,602.4   $ 449.8   $ 8,382.7   $ —   $ 217.2   $ —   $ —   $ 8,599.9 Intersegment revenues —   —   —   —   —   474.1   —   ( 474.1 ) — Fuel and purchased power 1,455.7   —   —   1,455.7   —   —   —   —   1,455.7 Cost of natural gas sold 661.9   376.7   198.6   1,237.2   —   9.1   —   ( 46.0 ) 1,200.3 Other operation and maintenance 1,547.9   461.5   93.9   2,103.3   —   75.1   ( 11.3 ) ( 9.1 ) 2,158.0 Impairments related to Illinois segment —   12.1   —   12.1   —   —   —   —   12.1 Depreciation and amortization 919.9   255.4   47.0   1,222.3   —   198.4   22.3   ( 88.5 ) 1,354.5 Property and revenue taxes 169.6   59.9   21.0   250.5   —   15.7   0.3   —   266.5 Equity in earnings of transmission affiliates —   —   —   —   207.5   —   —   —   207.5 Other income, net  (1) 146.6   7.6   0.3   154.5   —   1.0   54.4   ( 31.7 ) 178.2 Interest expense 637.3   94.7   16.4   748.4   19.4   99.7   310.0   ( 362.2 ) 815.3 Gain on debt extinguishments —   —   —   —   —   —   ( 23.1 ) —   ( 23.1 ) Income tax expense (benefit) 220.5   97.6   18.7   336.8   47.1   ( 82.4 ) ( 79.5 ) —   222.0 Preferred stock dividends of subsidiary 1.2   —   —   1.2   —   —   —   —   1.2 Net loss attributed to noncontrolling interests —   —   —   —   —   4.1   —   —   4.1 Net income (loss) attributed to common shareholders $ 863.1   $ 252.1   $ 54.5   $ 1,169.7   $ 141.0   $ 380.8   $ ( 164.3 ) $ —   $ 1,527.2 Other Segment Disclosures Capital expenditures and asset acquisitions $ 2,347.1   $ 343.0   $ 118.3   $ 2,808.4   $ —   $ 945.8   $ 20.6   $ —   $ 3,774.8 Equity method investments 15.7   —   —   15.7   2,108.9   —   67.0   —   2,191.6 Total assets (2) 30,622.7   8,168.8   1,646.0   40,437.5   2,126.0   7,316.0   1,037.3   ( 3,553.6 ) 47,363.2 (1) Includes amounts that are not material for interest income and other equity earnings from investments other than from transmission affiliates. (2)     Total assets at December 31, 2024 reflect an elimination of $ 1,525.4 million for all lease activity between We Power and WE. 2025 Form 10-K 149 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Utility Operations 2023 (in millions) Wisconsin Illinois Other States Total Utility Operations Electric Transmission Non-Utility Energy Infrastructure Corporate and Other Reconciling Eliminations WEC Energy Group Consolidated External revenues $ 6,625.9   $ 1,557.8   $ 519.1   $ 8,702.8   $ —   $ 190.1   $ 0.1   $ —   $ 8,893.0 Intersegment revenues —   —   —   —   —   476.4   —   ( 476.4 ) — Fuel and purchased power 1,615.9   —   —   1,615.9   —   —   —   —   1,615.9 Cost of natural gas sold 894.7   443.0   277.2   1,614.9   —   20.5   —   ( 60.1 ) 1,575.3 Other operation and maintenance 1,531.3   397.9   94.5   2,023.7   —   80.1   5.8   ( 9.1 ) 2,100.5 Impairments related to Illinois segment —   178.9   —   178.9   —   —   —   —   178.9 Depreciation and amortization 851.5   237.3   43.3   1,132.1   —   188.7   20.9   ( 77.5 ) 1,264.2 Property and revenue taxes 179.2   29.9   24.4   233.5   —   16.5   0.2   —   250.2 Equity in earnings of transmission affiliates —   —   —   —   177.5   —   —   —   177.5 Other income, net  (1) 137.6   6.7   0.6   144.9   —   —   53.3   ( 20.5 ) 177.7 Interest expense 601.0   88.9   15.9   705.8   19.4   94.3   258.1   ( 350.2 ) 727.4 Gain on debt extinguishments —   —   —   —   —   —   ( 0.5 ) —   ( 0.5 ) Income tax expense (benefit) 237.4   48.6   16.3   302.3   39.0   ( 68.4 ) ( 68.3 ) —   204.6 Preferred stock dividends of subsidiary 1.2   —   —   1.2   —   —   —   —   1.2 Net loss attributed to noncontrolling interests —   —   —   —   —   1.2   —   —   1.2 Net income (loss) attributed to common shareholders $ 851.3   $ 140.0   $ 48.1   $ 1,039.4   $ 119.1   $ 336.0   $ ( 162.8 ) $ —   $ 1,331.7 Other Segment Disclosures Capital expenditures and asset acquisitions $ 2,134.4   $ 489.8   $ 103.5   $ 2,727.7   $ —   $ 754.4   $ 25.8   $ —   $ 3,507.9 Equity method investments 14.4   —   —   14.4   2,005.9   —   61.3   —   2,081.6 Total assets (2) 28,527.3   7,970.2   1,571.5   38,069.0   2,006.0   6,404.7   1,100.1   ( 3,640.1 ) 43,939.7 (1)     Includes amounts that are not material for interest income and other equity earnings from investments other than from transmission affiliates. (2)     Total assets at December 31, 2023 reflect an elimination of $ 1,630.6 million for all lease activity between We Power and WE. NOTE 23— VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES The primary beneficiary of a VIE must consolidate the entity's assets and liabilities. In addition, certain disclosures are required for significant interest holders in VIEs. We assess our relationships with potential VIEs, such as our coal suppliers, natural gas suppliers, coal transporters, natural gas transporters, and other counterparties related to PPAs, investments, and joint ventures. In making this assessment, we consider, along with other factors, the potential that our contracts or other arrangements provide subordinated financial support, the 2025 Form 10-K 150 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents obligation to absorb the entity's losses, the right to receive residual returns of the entity, and the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance. WEPCo Environmental Trust Finance I, LLC In November 2020, the PSCW issued a financing order approving the securitization of $ 100  million of undepreciated environmental control costs related to WE's retired Pleasant Prairie power plant, the carrying costs accrued on the $ 100  million during the securitization process, and the related financing fees. The financing order also authorized WE to form WEPCo Environmental Trust, a bankruptcy-remote special purpose entity, for the sole purpose of issuing ETBs to recover the costs approved in the financing order. WEPCo Environmental Trust is a wholly owned subsidiary of WE. In May 2021, WEPCo Environmental Trust issued ETBs and used the proceeds to acquire environmental control property from WE. The environmental control property is recorded as a regulatory asset on our balance sheets and includes the right to impose, collect, and receive a non-bypassable environmental control charge from WE's retail electric distribution customers until the ETBs are paid in full and all financing costs have been recovered. The ETBs are secured by the environmental control property. Cash collections from the environmental control charge and funds on deposit in trust accounts are the sole sources of funds to satisfy the debt obligation. The bondholders do not have any recourse to WE or any of WE's affiliates. WE acts as the servicer of the environmental control property on behalf of WEPCo Environmental Trust and is responsible for metering, calculating, billing, and collecting the environmental control charge. As necessary, WE is authorized to implement periodic adjustments of the environmental control charge. The adjustments are designed to ensure the timely payment of principal, interest, and other ongoing financing costs. WE remits all collections of the environmental control charge to WEPCo Environmental Trust's indenture trustee. WEPCo Environmental Trust is a VIE primarily because its equity capitalization is insufficient to support its operations. As described above, WE has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact WEPCo Environmental Trust's economic performance. Therefore, WE is considered the primary beneficiary of WEPCo Environmental Trust, and consolidation is required. The following table summarizes the impact of WEPCo Environmental Trust on our balance sheets: (in millions) December 31, 2025 December 31, 2024 Assets Other current assets (restricted cash) $ 2.0   $ 1.5 Regulatory assets 67.5   76.5 Other long-term assets (restricted cash) 0.6   0.6 Liabilities Current portion of long-term debt 9.3   9.2 Accounts payable 0.1   — Other current liabilities (accrued interest) 0.1   0.1 Long-term debt 67.4   76.4 Investment in Transmission Affiliates We own approximately 60 % of ATC, a for-profit, electric transmission company regulated by the FERC and certain state regulatory commissions. We have determined that ATC is a VIE but consolidation is not required since we are not ATC's primary beneficiary. As a result of our limited voting rights, we do not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact ATC's economic performance. Therefore, we account for ATC as an equity method investment. At December 31, 2025 and 2024, our equity investment in ATC was $ 2,256.9 million and $ 2,085.1 million, respectively, which approximates our maximum exposure to loss as a result of our involvement with ATC. We also own approximately 75 % of ATC Holdco, a separate entity formed in December 2016 to invest in transmission-related projects outside of ATC's traditional footprint. We have determined that ATC Holdco is a VIE but consolidation is not required since we are not ATC Holdco's primary beneficiary. As a result of our limited voting rights, we do not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact ATC Holdco's economic performance. Therefore, we account for ATC Holdco as an equity 2025 Form 10-K 151 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents method investment. At December 31, 2025 and 2024, our equity investment in ATC Holdco was $ 23.5 million and $ 23.8  million, respectively, which approximates our maximum exposure to loss as a result of our involvement with ATC Holdco. See Note 21, Investment in Transmission Affiliates, for more information, including any significant assets and liabilities related to ATC and ATC Holdco recorded on our balance sheets. NOTE 24— COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES We and our subsidiaries have significant commitments and contingencies arising from our operations, including those related to unconditional purchase obligations, environmental matters, and enforcement and litigation matters. Unconditional Purchase Obligations Our electric utilities have obligations to distribute and sell electricity to their customers, and our natural gas utilities have obligations to distribute and sell natural gas to their customers. The utilities expect to recover costs related to these obligations in future customer rates. In order to meet these obligations, we routinely enter into long-term purchase and sale commitments for various quantities and lengths of time. The renewable generation facilities that are part of our non-utility energy infrastructure segment have obligations to distribute and sell electricity through long-term offtake agreements with their customers for all of the energy produced. In order to support these sales obligations, these companies enter into easements and other service agreements associated with the generating facilities. The following table shows our minimum future commitments related to these purchase obligations as of December 31, 2025, including those of our subsidiaries: Payments Due By Period (in millions) Date Contracts Extend Through Total Amounts Committed 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 Later Years Electric utility: Nuclear 2033 $ 5,045.8   $ 681.6   $ 730.4   $ 782.6   $ 838.5   $ 898.5   $ 1,114.2 Coal supply and transportation 2028 412.1   242.2   127.7   37.0   3.5   1.7   — Purchased power 2063 335.3   61.6   56.3   52.4   25.6   5.9   133.5 Other 2043 85.5   12.0   12.1   9.6   8.4   8.5   34.9 Natural gas utility: Supply and transportation 2048 2,921.3   487.0   478.8   426.8   323.6   203.0   1,002.1 Non-utility energy infrastructure: Purchased power 2055 720.7   55.0   56.3   57.6   50.7   48.4   452.7 Natural gas storage and transportation 2048 4.6   3.9   —   0.1   —   —   0.6 Total $ 9,525.3   $ 1,543.3   $ 1,461.6   $ 1,366.1   $ 1,250.3   $ 1,166.0   $ 2,738.0 Environmental Matters Consistent with other companies in the energy industry, we face significant ongoing environmental compliance and remediation obligations related to current and past operations. Specific environmental issues affecting us include, but are not limited to, current and future regulation of air emissions such as SO 2 , NOx, fine particulates, ozone, mercury, and GHGs; water intake and discharges; management of coal combustion products such as fly ash; and remediation of impacted properties, including former manufactured gas plant sites. We have continued to pursue a proactive strategy to manage our environmental compliance obligations, including: • the development of additional sources of renewable electric energy supply, battery storage, and natural gas and LNG storage facilities; • the addition of improvements for water quality matters such as treatment technologies to meet regulatory discharge limits and improvements to our cooling water intake systems; • the addition of emission control equipment to existing facilities to comply with ambient air quality standards and federal clean air rules; 2025 Form 10-K 152 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents • the protection of wetlands and waterways, biodiversity including threatened and endangered species, and cultural resources associated with construction projects; • the retirement of older coal-fired power plants and conversion to modern, efficient, natural gas generation, super-critical pulverized coal generation, and/or replacement with renewable generation; • the beneficial use of ash and other products from coal-fired and biomass generating units; • the remediation of former manufactured gas plant sites; • the reduction of methane emissions across our natural gas distribution system by upgrading infrastructure; and • the tracking and reporting of GHG emissions. Federal Deregulatory Actions In March 2025, the EPA announced a large-scale deregulatory effort that will likely take multiple years to complete. Of the proposed deregulatory actions, those that would apply to us include actions impacting the Good Neighbor Rule, MATS, the PM2.5 Standard, the GHG Power Plant Rule, the Mandatory Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule, the ELG, and the CCR Rule. Any EPA actions will require formal rulemaking proceedings and are likely to be subject to legal challenges. We continue to monitor and evaluate these deregulatory actions for potential risks and benefits. In February 2026, the EPA published a final rule rescinding the 2009 declaration that determined that CO 2 and other GHGs endanger public health and welfare. The "endangerment finding" has been the legal underpinning of a host of climate regulations under the CAA. The rule is expected to face litigation. Air Quality Cross State Air Pollution Rule – Good Neighbor Rule In 2023, the EPA issued a final Good Neighbor Rule, which required significant reductions in ozone-forming emissions of NOx from power plants and industrial facilities. In June 2024, the rule was stayed by the Supreme Court with respect to the specific applicant states, pending ongoing judicial review. In response to the Supreme Court's order, in November 2024, the EPA administratively stayed the effectiveness of the Good Neighbor Rule through an interim final rule which extends a stay to all states to which the rule originally applied, including states in which we operate. The interim final rule also includes provisions to ensure that covered facilities in states with previously established requirements to mitigate interstate air pollution with respect to the 2008 ozone NAAQS will remain subject to equivalent requirements while the Good Neighbor Rule's effectiveness is stayed. Regardless of the outcome, we believe we are well positioned to comply with either standard. See the Federal Deregulatory Actions discussion above for more information regarding potential deregulatory actions regarding this rule. Mercury and Air Toxics Standards The EPA issued the MATS rule to limit emissions of mercury, acid gases, and other hazardous air pollutants. In May 2024, the EPA finalized amendments to the MATS rule (the "2024 Amendments") which among other things, lowered the PM limit from 0.03  lb/MMBtu to 0.01 lb/MMBtu. We believe we are well positioned to comply with the requirements of the 2024 Amendments. In June 2025, the EPA proposed to repeal the 2024 Amendments which would result in a return of the PM limit to 0.03 lb/MMBtu. In December 2025, the EPA submitted a draft of the rule to the OMB for interagency review. Following completion of the OMB review process, the EPA has stated it expects the rule to be finalized in the first quarter of 2026. National Ambient Air Quality Standards Ozone After completing its review of the 2008 ozone standard, the EPA released a final rule in October 2015, creating a more stringent standard than the 2008 NAAQS. The 2015 ozone standard lowered the 8-hour limit for ground-level ozone. The EPA's initial ozone nonattainment area designation was effective August 2018, and the attainment status is evaluated every 3 years thereafter until attainment is achieved. The Milwaukee, Sheboygan, and Chicago, IL-IN-WI nonattainment areas did not meet the marginal attainment deadline of August 2021, so in April 2022 the EPA proposed "moderate" nonattainment status based on the 2015 2025 Form 10-K 153 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents standard. In October 2022, the EPA published its final reclassifications from "marginal" to "moderate" for these areas, effective November 2022. After the most recent evaluation, the EPA issued a final rule in December 2024 that determined that parts of Southeast Wisconsin failed to attain 2015 ozone NAAQS and consequently would be reclassified from "moderate" to "serious", effective January 2025. In February 2025, the State of Wisconsin filed a petition for review of this reclassification in the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. Wisconsin subsequently moved for a stay of the reclassification, which was granted in September 2025, pending the Court's review. This means that Southeast Wisconsin has returned to "moderate" status while the underlying lawsuit proceeds. A nonattainment status of "serious" could have a material adverse effect on future permitting activities for our facilities in applicable locations, including additional costs associated with more strenuous emission control requirements or the need to purchase emission reduction credits. Particulate Matter All counties within our service territories are currently in attainment with current 2012 NAAQS for PM2.5. In February 2024, the EPA finalized a rule which lowered the primary (health-based) annual PM2.5 NAAQS from 12 µg/m 3 to 9 µg/m 3 (the "2024 PM2.5 Standard"). In February 2025, the WDNR submitted a State Implementation Plan to the EPA recommending Wisconsin be designated as an attainment area under the 2024 PM2.5 Standard. The EPA has not yet issued its attainment designations and has indicated it may extend the designation period. A designation of nonattainment status could impact future permitting activities for facilities in applicable locations, including the potential need for improved or new air pollution control equipment. With our planned transition from coal-fired plants to natural gas-fired plants and renewable generating facilities, we do not expect the 2024 PM2.5 Standard to have a material impact on our units. In November 2025, the EPA filed a motion with the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals to vacate the 2024 PM2.5 Standard. The 2024 PM2.5 Standard remains in effect while the motion is being considered. See the Federal Deregulatory Actions discussion above for more information regarding potential deregulatory actions regarding this rule. New Source Performance Standards Nitrogen Oxides In January 2026, the EPA released a pre-publication version of its final rule regulating NOx for CTs constructed, modified, or reconstructed after December 13, 2024. The final rule, which became effective January 15, 2026 and established NOx emissions standards for several subcategories of new, modified, and reconstructed CTs based on the size, rates of utilization, design efficiency, and fuel type of these turbines. We believe we are well positioned to comply with this rule. Climate Change Pursuant to the final GHG Power Plant Rule, there are no applicable GHG emission standards for coal plants until the end of 2031. Thereafter, the applicable standard is dependent upon the unit's retirement date. Numerous parties have challenged the GHG Power Plant Rule through litigation pending in the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, and it is being held in abeyance at the request of the parties. In March 2024, the EPA announced it had removed regulations on existing natural gas CTs from the rule. At that time, the EPA indicated it would work on new rulemaking in phases, focusing on CO 2 emissions, as well as NOx and hazardous air pollutants emissions. See New Source Performance Standards - Nitrogen Oxides above for a discussion of the EPA's recent actions addressing NOx. In June 2025, the EPA issued a proposed rule that contains a primary and an alternative proposal which, depending on which version is finalized, would result in either a broad repeal of GHG emissions standards or a more narrow repeal of the rule's carbon capture and storage requirements. We do not expect either alternative to have any impact on its current capital plan. Any final rule would likely be subject to litigation. See the Federal Deregulatory Actions discussion above for more information regarding potential deregulatory actions regarding this rule. 2025 Form 10-K 154 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents In April 2024, the EPA issued its final Mandatory Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule, which includes updates to the global warming potentials to determine CO 2 equivalency for threshold reporting and the addition of a new section regarding energy consumption. In its current form, the rule will impact the reporting required for our electric generation facilities, LDCs, and underground natural gas storage facilities. In May 2024, the EPA also issued its final rule to amend reporting requirements for petroleum and natural gas systems. Under the current form of this rule, new leak emission factors and reporting requirements for large release events will impact the reporting required for our LDCs and underground natural gas storage facilities; however, under the Federal Deregulatory Actions discussion above, in September 2025, the EPA released a proposal to amend the GHG Reporting Program to permanently remove program obligations for most source categories, including our generation facilities. The EPA is also proposing to suspend program reporting requirements that would be applicable to our underground storage, LNG, and transmission affiliates until 2034. We continue to monitor the status of these deregulatory actions. Our capital plan includes the planned retirement of older, fossil-fueled generation, to be replaced with natural gas-fired generation and zero-carbon-emitting renewables. We have retired nearly 2,500 MWs of fossil-fueled generation since the beginning of 2018. We expect to retire approximately 900 MWs of additional coal-fired generation by the end of 2031. In conjunction with our new capital plan, we and the other co-owners of Columbia Units 1 and 2 currently plan to continue coal operations at these units through at least 2029, and continue to evaluate the conversion of both units to natural gas. See Note 7, Property, Plant, and Equipment, for more information related to Columbia Units 1 and 2 and our planned power plant retirements. We have a long-term goal to achieve net carbon-neutral electric generation by the end of 2050. We expect to achieve this goal by continuing to make operating refinements, retiring less efficient generating units, and executing our capital plan. As part of our path toward this goal, we started implementing co-firing with natural gas at the ERGS coal-fired units and at Weston Unit 4 in 2025. We expect to use coal only as a backup fuel by the end of 2030 and to be in a position to eliminate coal as an energy source by the end of 2032. We also continue to focus on methane emission reductions by improving and upgrading our natural gas distribution systems and using RNG throughout our natural gas utility systems. Water Quality Clean Water Act Cooling Water Intake Structure Rule The Clean Water Act Cooling Water Intake Structure Rule requires the location, design, construction, and capacity of cooling water intake structures at existing power plants reflect the BTA for minimizing adverse environmental impacts. The rule applies to all of our existing generating facilities with cooling water intake structures, except for the ERGS units, which were permitted and received a final BTA determination under the rules governing new facilities. Other than OCPP Units 7 and 8, we have received final or interim BTA determinations for all generation facilities where applicable. We believe existing technology at OCPP Units 7 and 8 also meets the rule requirements for BTA and anticipate that the units will receive that determination when their Wisconsin Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit is reissued, which is expected in 2026. Steam Electric Effluent Limitation Guidelines The EPA's 2024 Supplemental ELG Rule (the "2024 ELG Rule") established ZLD requirements for bottom ash transport water, flue gas desulfurization, and combustion residual leachate wastewaters at coal-fueled facilities. The 2024 ELG Rule also established a new subcategory, providing an alternative compliance pathway for facility owners that commit to the PCCC at a particular facility by December 31, 2034. In exchange for this commitment, ZLD technologies will not be required and less stringent standards will apply at applicable facilities. The 2024 ELG Rule also allows owners of coal-fired units who opted into a cessation of coal subcategory to operate beyond the end of 2034 if needed for reliability concerns (i.e., energy emergencies and reliability must run agreements) as determined by the United States DOE, a public utility commission, or independent system operator. Based on current electric generation resource planning, in December 2025, we filed Notice of Planned Participations to opt into the PCCC subcategory for certain of our past and current coal-fueled facilities. In December 2025, the EPA published a final rule, effective March 2, 2026, that extends the deadline for facility owners to opt into a subcategory under the 2024 ELG Rule, allowing them more time to assess potential compliance pathways to continue producing low-cost electricity into the future while meeting wastewater standards. 2025 Form 10-K 155 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents When the deadline extension rule was proposed, the EPA also solicited public comments related to the economic achievability and technical availability of ZLD technologies. Additional ELG rulemaking is anticipated that may lead to substantive changes to the ZLD technology-based requirements established in the 2024 ELG Rule. In addition, numerous parties have challenged the 2024 ELG Rule through litigation in SWEPCO v. U.S. EPA pending in the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, which has been held in abeyance since February 2025. The 2024 ELG Rule, as well as the deadline extension rule, remain in effect during the pendency of the legal challenge. The outcome of this case may affect our compliance plans. Land Quality Manufactured Gas Plant Remediation We have identified sites at which our utilities or a predecessor company owned or operated a manufactured gas plant or stored manufactured gas. We have also identified other sites that may have been impacted by historical manufactured gas plant activities. Our natural gas utilities are responsible for the environmental remediation of these sites. We are working with the EPA as well as various state jurisdictions, as applicable, in our investigation and remediation planning and efforts. These sites are at various stages of investigation, monitoring, remediation, and closure. The future costs for detailed site investigation, future remediation, and monitoring are dependent upon several variables including, among other things, the extent of remediation, changes in technology, and changes in regulation. Historically, our regulators have allowed us to recover incurred costs, net of insurance recoveries and recoveries from potentially responsible parties, associated with the remediation of manufactured gas plant sites. Accordingly, we have established regulatory assets for costs associated with these sites. We have established the following regulatory assets and reserves for manufactured gas plant sites as of December 31: (in millions) 2025 2024 Regulatory assets for environmental remediation costs $ 566.0   $ 570.1 Reserves for future environmental remediation 484.1   445.8 Coal Combustion Residuals Rule An EPA rule for CCR that applies to landfills, historic fill sites, and projects where CCR was placed at a power plant site became effective in November 2024. The rule also regulates previously exempt closed landfills. We anticipate this rule will have an impact on some of our coal ash landfills, requiring additional remediation that is not currently required under the state programs. We expect the cost of additional remediation would be recoverable through future rates. The rule is being challenged through litigation pending in the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals. In December 2025, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals granted the EPA's motion to extend the ongoing abeyance while the EPA reconsiders certain aspects of the rule. In February 2026, the EPA published a final rule extending certain deadlines and making various corrections to the 2024 CCR rule. The EPA has stated it plans to publish a new final rule by the end of 2026. See the Federal Deregulatory Actions discussion above for more information regarding potential deregulatory actions regarding this rule. Renewables, Efficiency, and Conservation Wisconsin Legislation In 2005, Wisconsin enacted Act 141, which established a goal that 10 % of all electricity consumed in Wisconsin be generated by renewable resources annually. WE and WPS have achieved their required renewable energy percentages of 8.27 % and 9.74 %, respectively, by constructing various wind and solar facilities, a biomass facility, and by also relying on renewable energy purchases. WE and WPS continue to review their renewable energy portfolios and acquire cost-effective renewables as needed to meet their requirements on an ongoing basis. The PSCW administers the renewable program related to Act 141, and each utility funds the program based on 1.2 % of its annual retail operating revenues. 2025 Form 10-K 156 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Michigan Legislation In December 2016, Michigan enacted Act 342, which required 12.5 % of the state's electric energy to come from renewables for 2019 and 2020, and energy optimization (efficiency) targets up to 1 % annually. The renewable requirement increased to 15.0 % for 2021 and beyond. UMERC was in compliance with its requirements under this statute as of December 31, 2025. The legislation continues to allow recovery of costs incurred to meet the standards and provides for ongoing review and revision to assure the measures taken are cost-effective. In November 2023, Michigan enacted Acts 229, 231 and 235. The acts require electric providers to file a renewable energy plan every two years and to set renewable energy portfolio targets from now until 2040. The proposed renewable energy targets include 15 % through 2029, 50 % from 2030 through 2034, and 60 % renewable energy by 2035 and thereafter. The bill also sets clean energy standards of 80 % from 2035 through 2039 and 100 % after 2040. The acts only allow natural gas to count as clean energy if it is accompanied with carbon capture and storage. The new acts also revise the requirement a utility must meet in filing its energy waste reduction plans. They require a utility to file a plan every two years until 2025, then every three years thereafter. In February 2025, we filed an AREP with the MPSC addressing UMERC's compliance with the Act 235 renewable portfolio standards. At the same time, we are working with a coalition of members of the Michigan legislature to seek exemption from Act 235 for our new RICE units. In December 2025, the MPSC issued an order denying UMERC's AREP, requiring UMERC to file a new AREP in October 2026. Enforcement and Litigation Matters We and our subsidiaries are involved in legal and administrative proceedings before various courts and agencies with respect to matters arising in the ordinary course of business. Although we are unable to predict the outcome of these matters, management believes that appropriate reserves have been established and that final settlement of these actions will not have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations. NOTE 25— SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION The following table provides additional information regarding our statements of cash flows: Year Ended December 31 (in millions) 2025 2024 2023 Cash paid for interest, net of amount capitalized $ 858.5   $ 785.7   $ 653.4 Cash received for income taxes, net ( 281.3 ) ( 264.2 ) ( 58.9 ) Significant non-cash investing and financing transactions: Accounts payable related to construction costs 232.0   285.7   171.3 Common stock issued for stock-based compensation plans 3.2   6.4   — Increase in receivables related to property damage insurance proceeds 3.5   2.3   3.5 Increase in receivables for corporate-owned life insurance proceeds —   5.8   1.4 Liabilities accrued for software licensing agreements 21.1   0.2   — Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash The statements of cash flows include our activity related to cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash. The following table reconciles the cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash amounts reported within the balance sheets at December 31 to the total of these amounts shown on the statements of cash flows: (in millions) 2025 2024 2023 Cash and cash equivalents $ 27.6   $ 9.8   $ 42.9 Restricted cash included in other current assets 9.1   5.3   70.1 Restricted cash included in other long-term assets 34.2   27.1   52.2 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash $ 70.9   $ 42.2   $ 165.2 Our restricted cash primarily consisted of the following: • Cash held in the Integrys rabbi trust, which is used to fund participants' benefits under the Integrys deferred compensation plan and certain Integrys non-qualified pension plans. 2025 Form 10-K 157 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents • Cash on deposit in financial institutions that is restricted to satisfy the requirements of certain debt agreements at WECI Wind Holding I, WECI Wind Holding II, WECI Energy Holding III, and WEPCo Environmental Trust. • Cash related to WECI's ownership interests in certain renewable generation projects. These projects are required to deposit into an escrow account in order to fund future decommissioning. NOTE 26— REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT Wisconsin Electric Power Company, Wisconsin Public Service Corporation, and Wisconsin Gas LLC Very Large Customer and Bespoke Resources Tariffs In March 2025, WE filed an application with the PSCW requesting approval to implement a VLC Tariff and a Bespoke Resources Tariff. WE subsequently filed testimony in October 2025 slightly modifying the initial proposals. Under these proposed inter-connected tariffs, VLCs (new customers using 500 MWs or more, such as large data centers) will have access to reliable power to meet their needs and will directly pay for the electricity they consume, along with the power plants and distribution facilities built to serve them and operating and transmission costs allocated to their usage. The proposed tariffs are designed so that the costs associated with these VLCs are not subsidized by or shifted to residential or business customers. The two new tariffs will work in tandem as VLCs will be required to sign a service agreement and subscribe to a portion of one or more "Bespoke Resources," including renewable generation facilities, battery storage, and natural gas generation units. Under these agreements, if a VLC terminates or downsizes its plans, it will still be required to pay for the Bespoke Resources and dedicated distribution facilities that have been built to support its forecasted load, unless the facilities can be repurposed, subject to PSCW approval. Service agreements under the Bespoke Resources Tariff will be effective for the depreciable life of the resource, except for wind or solar resources which will have a term of 20 years. As currently proposed, the ROE (can range from 10.48 % to 10.98 % as agreed upon with the customer) and equity ratio ( 57 %) will both be fixed for the entire term of the agreement, and the revenue and costs recovered through the tariffs will be excluded from future rate case proceedings and earnings sharing mechanisms. We expect a decision from the PSCW in the second quarter of 2026. Prior to the PSCW approving the tariffs, for infrastructure investments that have not received regulatory approval, WE requires VLCs to enter into payment and cancellation agreements which obligate the VLC to reimburse WE for all costs associated with projects, including any associated costs incurred by ATC for transmission infrastructure projects, requested by the customer until service agreements are executed under the approved tariffs. Reimbursement is required if, among other things, the VLC terminates the payment and cancellation agreement or reduces its anticipated load, or regulatory approval is not received for the construction of a project. 2025 and 2026 Rates In April 2024, WE, WPS, and WG filed requests with the PSCW to increase their retail electric, natural gas, and steam rates, as applicable. The primary drivers of the requested increases in electric rates were continued capital investments to transition our generation fleets from coal to renewables and natural gas-fueled generation, increased costs driven by higher inflation and interest rates, and the recovery of regulatory assets previously approved by the PSCW. The requested increases in natural gas rates were driven by the companies' ongoing capital investments in reliability and safety projects, including LNG storage facilities, as well as the impacts from higher inflation and increased interest rates. 2025 Form 10-K 158 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents In December 2024, the PSCW issued final written orders approving electric, natural gas, and steam base rate increases, effective January 1, 2025 and 2026, as applicable. The final written orders reflected the following: WE WPS WG 2025 rate increase Electric (1) $ 144.0    million / 4.2 % $ 55.1    million / 4.5 % N/A Gas $ 41.3    million / 7.1 % $ 14.9    million / 3.8 % $ 34.5    million / 4.2 % Steam $ 1.5    million / 5.0 % N/A N/A 2026 rate increase (2) Electric (1) $ 169.5    million / 4.5 % $ 30.0    million / 2.3 % N/A Gas $ 29.8    million / 4.5 % $ 13.5    million / 3.1 % $ 23.5    million / 2.6 % ROE 9.8 % 9.8 % 9.8 % Common equity component average on a financial basis 53.0 % 53.0 % 53.0 % (1)     Amounts reflect the impact to our Wisconsin retail electric operations and include the incremental decrease resulting from updated fuel costs. (2)     The 2026 rate increases are incremental to the previously authorized revenue plus the approved rate increases for 2025. Effective January 1, 2025, WE was required to implement a new earnings sharing mechanism, under which, if WE earns above its authorized ROE: (i) it retains 100.0 % of earnings for the first 15 basis points above the authorized ROE; (ii) 50.0 % of the next 25 basis points is required to be refunded to ratepayers; and (iii) 100.0 % of any remaining excess earnings is required to be refunded to ratepayers. WPS and WG were required to maintain their then current earnings sharing mechanism. Under this mechanism, if the utility earns above its authorized ROE: (i) the utility retains 100.0 % of earnings for the first 15 basis points above the authorized ROE; (ii) 50.0 % of the next 60 basis points is required to be refunded to ratepayers; and (iii) 100.0 % of any remaining excess earnings is required to be refunded to ratepayers. 2024 Limited Rate Case Re-Opener In accordance with their rate orders approved by the PSCW in December 2022, WE, WPS, and WG filed requests for limited electric and natural gas rate case re-openers, as applicable, with the PSCW in May 2023. The WE and WPS limited electric rate case re-openers included updated fuel costs and revenue requirements for the generation projects that were previously approved by the PSCW and were placed into service in 2023 or were expected to be placed into service in 2024. WE's limited electric re-opener also included the projected savings from the retirement of the OCPP Units 5 and 6, which were retired in May 2024. WE and WG also filed a request for a limited natural gas rate case re-opener to reflect the additional revenue requirements associated with their previously approved LNG projects. WE's and WG's LNG projects were placed into service in November 2023 and February 2024, respectively. In December 2023, the PSCW issued final written orders approving electric and natural gas rate increases and decreases, effective January 1, 2024. The final orders reflected the following: WE WPS WG 2024 incremental rate increases (decreases) Electric (1) $ 82.2    million / 2.5 % $ ( 32.7 )  million / ( 2.6 )% N/A Gas $ 23.9    million / 4.5 % N/A $ 21.6    million / 2.8 % (1)     Amounts reflect the impact to our Wisconsin retail electric operations and include any incremental increases (WE) or decreases (WPS) resulting from updated fuel costs. The utilities' ROE and common equity component averages were not addressed in the limited rate case re-openers. 2023 and 2024 Rates In April 2022, WE, WPS, and WG filed requests with the PSCW to increase their retail electric, natural gas, and steam rates, as applicable. These requests were updated in July 2022 to reflect new developments that impacted the original proposals. The requested increases in electric rates were driven by capital investments in new wind, solar, and battery storage; capital investments 2025 Form 10-K 159 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents in natural gas generation; reliability investments, including grid hardening projects to bury power lines and strengthen WE's distribution system against severe weather; and changes in wholesale business with other utilities. Many of these investments had already been approved by the PSCW. The requested increases in natural gas rates primarily related to capital investments previously approved by the PSCW, including LNG storage for our natural gas distribution system. In December 2022, the PSCW issued final written orders approving electric, natural gas, and steam base rate increases, effective January 1, 2023. The final orders reflected the following: WE WPS WG 2023 base rate increase Electric $ 283.5    million / 9.1 % $ 120.5    million / 9.8 % N/A Gas $ 46.1    million / 9.6 % $ 26.4    million / 7.1 % $ 46.5    million / 6.4 % Steam $ 7.6    million / 35.3 % N/A N/A ROE 9.8 % 9.8 % 9.8 % Common equity component average on a financial basis 53.0 % 53.0 % 53.0 % In addition to the above, the final orders included the following terms: • The utilities kept their then current earnings sharing mechanisms, under which, if a utility earned above its authorized ROE: (i) the utility retained 100.0 % of earnings for the first 15 basis points above the authorized ROE; (ii) 50.0 % of the next 60 basis points was refunded to ratepayers; and (iii) 100.0 % of any remaining excess earnings was required to be refunded to ratepayers. • WE and WPS were required to complete an analysis of alternative recovery scenarios for generating units that will be retired prior to the end of their useful life. • WE and WPS were not allowed to propose any changes to their real time pricing rates for large commercial and industrial electric customers through the end of 2024. • WE and WPS were required to lower monthly residential and small commercial electric customer fixed charges by $ 1.00 and $ 3.33 , respectively, from previously authorized rates. • WE and WPS were required to offer an additional voluntary renewable energy pilot for commercial and industrial customers. • WE and WPS were required to continue to work with PSCW staff and other interested parties to develop alternative low income assistance programs. WE and WPS also collectively contributed $ 4.0  million to the Keep Wisconsin Warm Fund. • WE, WPS, and WG were required to implement escrow accounting treatment for pension and OPEB costs. As a result, they 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. • As discussed above, WE and WPS were authorized to file a limited electric rate case re-opener for 2024, and WE and WG were authorized to file a limited natural gas rate case re-opener for 2024. The Peoples Gas Light and Coke Company and North Shore Gas Company 2026 Rate Application In January 2026, PGL and NSG filed requests with the ICC to increase their natural gas base rates. They are requesting rate increases of $ 201.3  million ( 20.95 %) and $ 12.7  million ( 12.2 %), respectively. The requested rate increases are primarily driven by capital investments made to strengthen the safety and reliability of each utility’s natural gas distribution system. PGL's rate request includes the estimated revenue requirements associated with its PRP projects. As discussed below, projects completed under PGL's PRP are to meet the ICC's directive to retire all cast and ductile iron pipe that has a diameter under 36 inches by January 1, 2035. PGL's rate request includes the revenue requirements associated with approximately $ 360  million of capital investments planned under its PRP in 2027. Higher operating costs, driven by inflation, and increases in the cost of capital, also drove the requested rate increases. Both companies are requesting an ROE of 10.10 % and a common equity component average of 54.0 %. An ICC decision is anticipated in the fourth quarter of 2026, with new rates expected to be effective by January 1, 2027. 2025 Form 10-K 160 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents 2023 Rate Order In January 2023, PGL and NSG filed requests with the ICC to increase their natural gas base rates. The requested rate increases were primarily driven by capital investments made to strengthen the safety and reliability of each utility’s natural gas distribution system. PGL was also seeking to recover costs incurred to upgrade its natural gas storage field and operations facilities and to continue improving customer service. PGL did not request an extension of the QIP rider as PGL returned to the traditional rate making process to recover the costs of necessary infrastructure improvements. In November 2023, the ICC issued final written orders approving base rate increases for PGL and NSG. The written orders were subsequently amended for various technical corrections. The amended written orders approved the following base rate increases: • A $ 304.6  million ( 43.5 %) base rate increase for PGL’s natural gas customers, effective December 1, 2023. This amount includes the recovery of costs that were previously being recovered under its QIP rider. • An $ 11.0  million ( 11.6 %) base rate increase for NSG’s natural gas customers. The new rates at NSG were not effective until February 1, 2024 as changes were required to NSG's billing system as a result of the final rate order. The ICC approved an authorized ROE of 9.38 % for both PGL and NSG, and set the common equity component average at 50.79 % and 52.58 % for PGL and NSG, respectively. As part of its decisions, the ICC, among other things, disallowed $ 236.2  million of capital costs related to the construction and improvement of PGL’s shops and facilities and $ 1.7  million of capital costs related to NSG's construction of a gas infrastructure project. In addition, the ICC ordered PGL to pause spending on its projects to upgrade its natural gas delivery system until the ICC had a proceeding to determine the optimal method for replacing aging natural gas infrastructure and a prudent investment level. In December 2023, PGL and NSG filed an application for rehearing with the ICC requesting reconsideration of various issues in the ICC's November 2023 written orders. The ICC granted PGL and NSG a limited-scope rehearing focused exclusively on the authorized spending for the completion of projects to upgrade PGL's natural gas delivery system that started in 2023 and emergency repairs needed to ensure the safety and reliability of the delivery system. In May 2024, the ICC issued a written order on the rehearing. The order approved $ 28.5  million of additional spending for emergency work, representing a $ 1.6  million increase to PGL's annual revenue requirement. As the ICC did not grant a rehearing on the disallowance of PGL's and NSG's capital costs, we recorded a $ 178.9  million non-cash impairment of our property, plant, and equipment during the fourth quarter of 2023. This amount included $ 177.2  million of previously incurred disallowed costs at PGL related to its shops and facilities, and the $ 1.7  million of capital costs disallowed at NSG. The remaining disallowance of capital costs at PGL related to expected future spend. In June 2024, PGL and NSG filed a petition with the Illinois Appellate Court for review of the November 2023 and May 2024 orders. The appeal includes the ICC's $ 237.9  million combined disallowance of capital costs at PGL and NSG discussed above, along with the $ 116.0  million disallowance of capital investments needed to meet safety and reliability requirements of PGL's natural gas delivery system. Although the ICC ordered PGL to complete safety and reliability work in 2024, it denied the recovery of these costs in the current rates. In accordance with the November 2023 rate order, the ICC initiated a proceeding in January 2024 to determine the optimal method and a prudent investment level for replacing aging natural gas infrastructure. In February 2025, the ICC issued an order setting expectations for PGL's prospective operations. The ICC directed us to focus on retiring 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. PGL is working to retire this cast and ductile iron pipe through its PRP. Costs incurred under the PRP will be evaluated for prudency by the ICC in future rate cases. In addition, the program will be overseen by a safety monitor hired by the ICC. As discussed above, PGL initiated a general rate case proceeding in January 2026, which we anticipate will provide further regulatory clarity before we significantly increase our spend associated with the PRP. 2025 Form 10-K 161 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Illinois Riders 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 customers at PGL and NSG, respectively. These amounts were refunded over a period of nine months , which began on September 1, 2023. Upon appeal by PGL and NSG, the Illinois Appellate Court affirmed the ICC order and the related disallowance. The Illinois Supreme Court denied a subsequent petition for review and reversal of the order in March 2025. As of December 31, 2025, there can be no assurance that all costs incurred under the UEA rider during the open reconciliation years will be deemed recoverable by the ICC. Future disallowances by the ICC could be material. The combined annual costs of PGL and NSG included in the rider, which reflect uncollectible write-offs in excess of what is recovered in base rates, have ranged from $ 10  million to $ 40  million. However, see Uncollectible Expense Adjustment and Qualifying Infrastructure Plant Riders Settlement below for information on a proposed settlement that would resolve all open proceedings. Qualifying Infrastructure Plant Rider In July 2013, Illinois Public Act 98-0057, The Natural Gas Consumer, Safety & Reliability Act, became law. This law provides natural gas utilities with a cost recovery mechanism that allows collection, through a surcharge on customer bills, of prudently incurred costs to upgrade Illinois natural gas infrastructure. In January 2014, the ICC approved a QIP rider for PGL, which was in effect until December 1, 2023. As discussed above, PGL has returned to the traditional rate-making process for recovery of these costs, and they are now included in PGL's base rates. Costs previously incurred under PGL's QIP rider are still 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. In October 2024, PGL filed a petition with the Illinois Appellate Court for review of the ICC's August 2024 order; however, in January 2026, PGL filed an unopposed motion to stay the appeal, which was granted by the court. PGL's QIP reconciliations from 2017 through 2023 are still pending. Future disallowances by the ICC could be material. The aggregate capital costs included in the rider during the open reconciliation years, along with any previously recognized return on these investments, totaled approximately $ 3.0  billion as of December 31, 2025. However, see Uncollectible Expense Adjustment and Qualifying Infrastructure Plant Riders Settlement below for information on a proposed settlement that would resolve all open proceedings. Uncollectible Expense Adjustment and Qualifying Infrastructure Plant Riders Settlement In February 2026, PGL and NSG agreed on the terms of a proposed settlement with the Illinois Attorney General that, if approved by the ICC, would resolve all open proceedings related to the UEA and QIP riders. PGL and NSG agreed to refund $ 49.0  million and $ 1.0  million, respectively, to customers as bill credits over a period of three years between 2026 and 2028 to resolve the open UEA proceedings. In order to resolve the open QIP proceedings, PGL agreed to permanently remove $ 130.0  million of qualified infrastructure investment costs from rate base starting in 2027 and to refund $ 75.0  million to customers as bill credits over a period of three years between 2026 and 2028. As a result of this agreement, we recorded a $ 205.0  million charge to income during the fourth quarter of 2025. The charge was recorded as a $ 130.0  million impairment to PGL's net property, plant, and equipment and a $ 75.0  million reduction to revenues. The total of the rate base reduction and the obligation to refund amounts to customers through bill credits recorded on our balance sheet at December 31, 2025 is $ 255.0  million. This includes the $ 205.0  million charge to income recorded during 2025 and a $ 50.0  million charge to income recorded in prior years. This proposed settlement is subject to ICC approval following a public review process. 2025 Form 10-K 162 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Minnesota Energy Resources Corporation 2023 Rate Order In November 2022, MERC initiated a rate proceeding with the MPUC to increase its retail natural gas base rates. In December 2022, the MPUC approved MERC's request for interim rates totaling $ 37.0  million, subject to refund. The interim rates went into effect on January 1, 2023. In November 2023, the MPUC issued a written order approving a settlement agreement MERC reached with certain intervenors. The settlement agreement reflected a natural gas base rate increase of $ 28.8  million ( 7.1 %), along with a 9.65 % ROE and a common equity component average of 53.0 %. The natural gas rate increase was primarily driven by increased capital investments as well as inflationary pressure on operating costs. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, MERC will continue the use of its decoupling mechanism for residential customers, and it will be expanded to include certain small commercial and industrial customers. Final rates went into effect on March 1, 2024. MERC’s customers were entitled to an $ 8.9  million refund due to the interim rate increase exceeding the final approved rate increase, which was retroactive to January 1, 2023. These amounts were refunded to customers during the second quarter of 2024. Michigan Gas Utilities Corporation 2026 Rate Application On December 19, 2025, MGU provided notification to the MPSC of its intent to file an application requesting an increase to its natural gas rates. The application is expected to be filed in March 2026 and to request new rates be effective January 1, 2027. MGU is currently in the process of evaluating its rate request. 2024 Rate Order In March 2024, MGU filed a request with the MPSC to increase its retail natural gas base rates. In September 2024, the MPSC issued a final order approving a settlement agreement, which authorized MGU to increase its natural gas base rates by $ 7.0  million ( 3.88 %). The rate increase was primarily driven by inflationary pressure on capital projects and operating and maintenance costs and the significant increase in interest rates over the past few years. The rate increase reflected a 9.86 % ROE and a common equity component average of 50.0 %. The new rates became effective January 1, 2025. The order also authorized MGU to defer any expenses incurred to implement the PHMSA's proposed rulemaking titled "Gas Pipeline Leak Detection and Repair." 2023 Rate Order In March 2023, MGU filed a request with the MPSC to increase its retail natural gas base rates. In August 2023, the MPSC issued a written order approving a comprehensive settlement that resolved all issues in MGU's rate case. The key terms of the settlement agreement included: • a natural gas base rate increase of $ 9.9  million ( 4.7 %); • an ROE of 9.8 %; • a common equity component average of 51.0 %; and, • a continuation of the existing MRP rider, effective January 1, 2025 through 2027, including forecasted increased costs for those projects. MRP costs were recovered in base rates in 2024. The rate increase was primarily driven by capital investments made to strengthen the safety and reliability of MGU's natural gas distribution system and to provide service to additional customers. Inflationary pressure on operating costs also contributed to the rate increase. The new rates were effective January 1, 2024. 2025 Form 10-K 163 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Upper Michigan Energy Resources Corporation Amended Renewable Energy Plan In accordance with Michigan Public Act 235, UMERC filed an AREP with the MPSC in February 2025. UMERC's AREP addressed its compliance with the Act 235 renewable portfolio standards and its proposal to recover the projected compliance costs through an incremental renewable energy surcharge. The projected compliance costs included the purchase of Michigan-sourced renewable energy credits and the revenue requirements for UMERC's previously approved investment in Renegade, a 100 MW utility-scale solar-powered electric generating facility, and any other incremental renewable generation resources required to meet the Act 235 renewable portfolio standards. On December 18, 2025, the MPSC issued an order denying UMERC's AREP and requiring UMERC to file a new AREP by October 15, 2026. Renegade is currently interconnected and delivering power to MISO, and it is expected to achieve commercial operation in the first quarter of 2026. The estimated cost of Renegade is approximately $ 226  million. As UMERC's proposal to recover the annual revenue requirement of Renegade through a renewable energy surcharge was denied, UMERC will recover a portion of these costs through its power supply cost recovery mechanism, and the MPSC advised UMERC to seek deferral accounting treatment for the remainder. UMERC filed its request for deferral accounting with the MPSC on January 27, 2026. 2024 Rate Order In May 2024, UMERC filed a request with the MPSC to increase its electric base rates for non-mine customers. In October 2024, the MPSC issued a final order approving a settlement agreement, which authorized UMERC to increase electric base rates for non-mine customers by $ 6.6  million ( 8.2 %). The new rates became effective January 1, 2025. The rate increase reflected a 9.86 % ROE and a common equity component average of 50.0 %. The rate increase was primarily driven by the construction of the now in-service RICE generation facilities located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and a reduction in sales volumes resulting from the implementation of limited retail choice since UMERC’s predecessor utilities last reset rates. A reduction of operation and maintenance costs partially offset these impacts. NOTE 27— OTHER INCOME, NET Total other income, net was as follows for the years ended December 31: (in millions) 2025 2024 2023 AFUDC-Equity $ 99.8   $ 59.8   $ 59.1 Gains from investments held in rabbi trust 8.1   11.7   13.7 Interest income 5.9   17.2   3.9 Non-service components of net periodic benefit costs 2.7   83.7   97.7 Earnings (losses) from equity method investments (1) ( 10.4 ) 4.7   ( 1.1 ) Other, net 1.8   1.1   4.4 Other income, net $ 107.9   $ 178.2   $ 177.7 (1)     Amounts do not include equity earnings of transmission affiliates as those earnings are shown as a separate line item on the income statements. NOTE 28— NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS Improvements to Interim Reporting In December 2025, the FASB issued ASU No. 2025-11, Interim Reporting (Topic 270) Narrow-Scope Improvements. The amendments clarify interim disclosure requirements and the applicability of Topic 270. The amendments include a comprehensive list of interim disclosures that are currently required under GAAP. The amendments also include a disclosure principle that requires entities to disclose events since the end of the last annual reporting period that have a material impact on the entity. Finally, the amendments clarify the types of interim reporting and the form and content of interim financial statements in accordance with GAAP. The amendments are effective for interim periods within annual periods beginning after December 15, 2027, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact this guidance may have on our financial statements and related disclosures. 2025 Form 10-K 164 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Accounting for Government Grants In December 2025, the FASB issued ASU No. 2025-10, Government Grants (Topic 832) Accounting for Government Grants Received by Business Entities. The amendments establish the accounting for a government grant received by a business entity, including guidance for a grant related to an asset and a grant related to income. The amendments also require disclosures, including the nature of the government grant received, the accounting policies used to account for the grant, and significant terms and conditions of the grant. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2028, and interim periods within those annual periods, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact this guidance may have on our financial statements and related disclosures. Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU No. 2024-03, Income Statement-Reporting Comprehensive Income-Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40) Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses. The amendments require disclosure of certain costs and expenses in the notes to financial statements, which are disaggregated from relevant expense captions on the income statement. The amendments also require additional qualitative disclosures of the amounts remaining in relevant expense captions that are not separately disaggregated quantitatively. Finally, the amendments require disclosure of the total amount of selling expenses and, in annual reporting periods, an entity's definition of selling expenses. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2027, with early adoption permitted. We plan to adopt these amendments beginning with our fiscal year ending on December 31, 2027, and are currently evaluating the impact this guidance may have on our financial statements and related disclosures. 2025 Form 10-K 165 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE None. ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES Disclosure Controls and Procedures Our management, with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon such evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that, as of the end of such period, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective: (i) in recording, processing, summarizing and reporting, on a timely basis, information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act; and (ii) to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our and our subsidiaries' internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on its evaluation, our management concluded that our and our subsidiaries' internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2025. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) during the fourth quarter of 2025 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm For Deloitte & Touche LLP's Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, attesting to the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting, see Section A of Item 8. ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION During the three months ended December 31, 2025, none of our directors or officers (as defined in Rule 16a-1 under the Exchange Act) adopted or terminated any contract, instruction, or written plan for the purchase or sale of our securities that was intended to satisfy the affirmative defense conditions of Rule 10b5-1(c) or any "non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement" (as defined in Item 408 of Regulation S-K). ITEM 9C. DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS Not applicable. 2025 Form 10-K 166 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents PART III ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE OF THE REGISTRANT The information under "Proposal 1: Election of Directors – Terms Expiring in 2027 – 2026 Director Nominees for Election," "Annual Meeting Attendance and Voting Information – Stockholder Nominees and Proposals," "Governance – Board Committees – Audit and Oversight," and "Governance – Additional Governance Matters – Insider Trading Policy" in our Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A to be filed with the SEC for our Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held May 7, 2026 (the "2026 Annual Meeting Proxy Statement") is incorporated herein by reference. Also see "Information about our Executive Officers" in Part I of this report. We have adopted a written code of ethics, referred to as our Code of Business Conduct, with which all of our directors, executive officers, and employees, including the principal executive officer, principal financial officer, and principal accounting officer, must comply with. We have posted our Code of Business Conduct on our website, www.wecenergygroup.com. We have not provided any waiver to the Code for any director, executive officer, or other employee. Any amendments to, or waivers for directors and executive officers from, the Code of Business Conduct will be disclosed on our website or in a current report on Form 8-K. Our website, www.wecenergygroup.com, also contains our Corporate Governance Guidelines and the charters of our Audit and Oversight, Corporate Governance, and Compensation Committees. Our Code of Business Conduct, Corporate Governance Guidelines, and committee charters are also available without charge to any shareholder of record or beneficial owner of our common stock by writing to the corporate secretary, Margaret C. Kelsey, at our principal business office, 231 West Michigan Street, P.O. Box 1331, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201. ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION The information under "Compensation Discussion and Analysis," "Executive Compensation Tables," "Governance – Director Compensation," and "Governance – Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation" in the 2026 Annual Meeting Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference. ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS The security ownership information called for by Item 12 of Form 10-K is incorporated herein by reference to this information included under "WEC Energy Group Common Stock Ownership" in the 2026 Annual Meeting Proxy Statement. Equity Compensation Plan Information The following table sets forth information about our equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2025: Plan Type Number of Securities to be Issued Upon Exercise of Outstanding Options, Warrants, and Rights (a) Weighted Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options, Warrants, and Rights (b) Number of Securities Remaining Available for Future Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans (Excluding Shares Reflected in Column (a)) (c) Equity Compensation Plans Approved by Security Holders 2,568,777  $ 86.66  6,503,836 (1) Equity Compensation Plans Not Approved by Security Holders N/A N/A N/A Total 2,568,777  $ 86.66  6,503,836 (1)     Includes shares available for future issuance under our Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan, all of which could be granted as awards of stock options, stock appreciation rights, performance units, restricted stock, or other stock based awards. 2025 Form 10-K 167 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE The information under "Governance – Additional Governance Matters – Related Party Transactions," "Proposal 1: Election of Directors – Terms Expiring in 2027 – Board Composition – Independence," and "Governance – Board Committees" in the 2026 Annual Meeting Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference. A full description of the guidelines our Board uses to determine director independence is located in Appendix A of our Corporate Governance Guidelines, which can be found on the Corporate Governance section of our Company's website at www.wecenergygroup.com/govern/governance.htm. ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES The information regarding the fees paid to, and services performed by, our independent auditors and the pre-approval policy of our AOC under "Proposal 2: Ratification of Deloitte & Touche LLP as Independent Auditors for 2026 – Independent Auditors' Fees and Services" in the 2026 Annual Meeting Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference. 2025 Form 10-K 168 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents PART IV ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

1. Financial Statements and Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Included in Part II of This Report Description Page in 10-K Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID No. 34 ) 84 Consolidated Income Statements for the three years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023. 87 Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023. 88 Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2025 and 2024. 89 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023. 90 Consolidated Statements of Equity for the three years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023. 91 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 92
2. Financial Statement Schedules Included in Part IV of This Report Schedule I, Condensed Parent Company Financial Statements, including Income Statements, Statements of Comprehensive Income, and Statements of Cash Flows for the three years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, and Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2025 and 2024. 175 Schedule II, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts, for the three years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023. 182 Other schedules are omitted because of the absence of conditions under which they are required or because the required information is given in the financial statements or notes thereto.
3. Exhibits and Exhibit Index The following exhibits are filed or furnished with or incorporated by reference in the report with respect to WEC Energy Group, Inc. (File No. 001-09057). An asterisk () indicates that the exhibit has previously been filed with the SEC and is incorporated herein by reference. Each management contract and compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed as an exhibit to this report pursuant to Item 15(b) of Form 10-K is identified below by two asterisks (**) following the description of the exhibit. Number Exhibit 3 Articles of Incorporation and By-laws 3.1 Restated Articles of Incorporation of WEC Energy Group, as amended effective May 21, 2012. (Exhibit 3.1 to Wisconsin Energy Corporation's 06/30/12 Form 10-Q.) 3.2* Articles of Amendment to the Restated Articles of Incorporation of WEC Energy Group, as amended. (Exhibit 3.1 to WEC Energy Group's 06/29/15 Form 8-K.) 3.3* Articles of Amendment to the Restated Articles of Incorporation of WEC Energy Group, as amended, dated May 9, 2024. (Exhibit 3.1 to WEC Energy Group's 06/30/2024 Form 10-Q.) 3.4* Bylaws of WEC Energy Group, as amended to January 19, 2023. (Exhibit 3.1 to WEC Energy Group's 01/20/23 Form 8-K.) 2025 Form 10-K 169 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Number Exhibit 4 Instruments defining the rights of security holders, including indentures 4.1* Reference is made to Article III of the Restated Articles of Incorporation and the Bylaws of WEC Energy Group. (See Exhibits  3.1 and 3.3 above.) 4.2* Description of WEC Energy Group's Common Stock. (Exhibit 4.2 to WEC Energy Group's 12/31/2024 Form 10-K.) Indentures and Securities Resolutions: 4.3* Indenture for Debt Securities of WE (the "WE Indenture"), dated December 1, 1995. (Exhibit (4)-1 under File No. 1-1245, WE's 12/31/95 Form 10-K.) 4.4* Securities Resolution No. 1 of WE under the WE Indenture, dated December 5, 1995. (Exhibit (4)-2 under File No. 1-1245, WE's 12/31/95 Form 10-K.) 4.5* Securities Resolution No. 3 of WE under the WE Indenture, dated May 27, 1998. (Exhibit (4)-1 under File No. 1-1245, WE’s 06/30/98 Form 10-Q.) 4.6* Securities Resolution No. 5 of WE under the WE Indenture, dated as of May 1, 2003. (Exhibit 4.47 filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to WE's Registration Statement on Form S-3. (File No. 333-101054), filed May 6, 2003.) 4.7* Securities Resolution No. 7 of WE under the WE Indenture, dated as of November 2, 2006. (Exhibit 4.1 under File No. 1-1245, WE's 11/02/06 Form 8-K.) 4.8* Securities Resolution No. 12 of WE under the WE Indenture, dated as of December 5, 2012. (Exhibit 4.1 under File No. 1-1245, WE's 12/05/12 Form 8-K.) 4.9* Securities Resolution No. 14 of WE under the WE Indenture, dated as of May 12, 2014. (Exhibit 4.1 under File No. 1-1245, WE's 05/12/14 Form 8-K.) 4.10* Securities Resolution No. 16 of WE under the WE Indenture, dated as of November 13, 2015. (Exhibit 4.1 under File No. 1-1245, WE's 11/13/15 Form 8-K.) 4.11* Securities Resolution No. 17 of WE under the WE Indenture, dated as of October 1, 2018. (Exhibit 4.1 under File No. 1-1245, WE's 10/01/18 Form 8-K.) 4.12* Securities Resolution No. 19 of WE under the WE Indenture, dated as of June 8, 2021. (Exhibit 4.1 under File No. 1-1245, WE's 06/15/21 Form 8-K.) 4.13* Securities Resolution No. 20 of WE under the WE Indenture, dated as of September 14, 2022. (Exhibit 4.1 under File No. 1-1245, WE's 09/22/22 Form 8-K.) 4.14* Securities Resolution No. 21 of WE under the WE Indenture, dated as of May 7, 2024. (Exhibit 4.1 under File No. 1-1245, WE's 05/14/2024 Form 8-K.) 4.15* Securities Resolution No. 22 of WE under the WE Indenture, dated as of September 9, 2024. (Exhibit 4.1 under File No. 1-1245, WE's 09/13/2024 Form 8-K.) 4.16* Securities Resolution No. 23 of WE under the WE Indenture, dated as of September 18, 2025. (Exhibit 4.1 under File No. 1-1245, WE's 09/25/2025 Form 8-K.) 4.17* Securities Resolution No. 24 of WE under the WE Indenture, dated as of December 2, 2025. (Exhibit 4.1 under File No. 1-1245, WE's 12/05/2025 Form 8-K.) 4.18* Indenture for Debt Securities of Wisconsin Energy Corporation (the "Wisconsin Energy Indenture"), dated as of March 15, 1999, between WEC Energy Group and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. (as successor to First National Bank of Chicago), as Trustee. (Exhibit 4.46 to Wisconsin Energy Corporation's 03/25/99 Form 8-K.) 4.19* Securities Resolution No. 4 of Wisconsin Energy Corporation under the Wisconsin Energy Indenture, dated as of March 17, 2003. (Exhibit 4.12 filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Wisconsin Energy Corporation's Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-69592), filed March 20, 2003.) 2025 Form 10-K 170 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Number Exhibit 4.20* Securities Resolution No. 10 of WEC Energy Group under the Wisconsin Energy Indenture, effective as of October 5, 2020. (Exhibit 4.1 to WEC Energy Group's 10/05/20 Form 8-K.) 4.21* Securities Resolution No. 12 of WEC Energy Group under the Wisconsin Energy Indenture, dated as of December 6, 2021. (Exhibit 4.1 to WEC Energy Group's 12/13/21 Form 8-K.) 4.22* Securities Resolution No. 13 of WEC Energy Group under the Wisconsin Energy Indenture, dated as of September 22, 2022. (Exhibit 4.1 to WEC Energy Group's 9/27/22 Form 8-K.) 4.23* Securities Resolution No. 14 of WEC Energy Group under the Wisconsin Energy Indenture, dated as of January 9, 2023. (Exhibit 4.1 to WEC Energy Group's 01/11/23 Form 8-K.) 4.24* Securities Resolution No. 15 of WEC Energy Group under the Wisconsin Energy Indenture, dated as of September 5, 2023. (Exhibit 4.1 to WEC Energy Group's 09/12/23 Form 8-K.) 4.25* Securities Resolution No. 16 of WEC Energy Group under the Wisconsin Energy Indenture, dated as of November 19, 2024. (Exhibit 4.25 to WEC Energy Group's 12/31/2024 Form 10-K.) 4.26* Securities Resolution No. 17 of WEC Energy Group under the Wisconsin Energy Indenture, dated as of November 19, 2024. (Exhibit 4.26 to WEC Energy Group's 12/31/2024 Form 10-K.) 4.27* Securities Resolution No. 18 of WEC Energy Group under the Wisconsin Energy Indenture, dated November 3, 2025. (Exhibit 4.1 to WEC Energy Group's 11/06/2025 Form 8-K.) 4.28* Indenture dated as of May 28, 2024, between WEC Energy Group and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. as Trustee, providing for the issuance of the Convertible Senior Notes due 2027. (Exhibit 4.1 to WEC Energy Group's 05/28/24 Form 8-K.) 4.29* Indenture dated as of May 28, 2024, between WEC Energy Group and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. as Trustee, providing for the issuance of the Convertible Senior Notes due 2029. (Exhibit 4.3 to WEC Energy Group's 05/28/24 Form 8-K.) 4.30* Indenture dated as of June 10, 2025, between WEC Energy Group and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. as Trustee, providing for the issuance of the Convertible Senior Notes Due 2028. (Exhibit 4.1 to WEC Energy Group's 06/10/2025 Form 8-K.) 4.31* Indenture, dated as of December 1, 1998, between WPS and U.S. Bank National Association (successor to Firstar Bank Milwaukee, N.A., National Association) (Exhibit 4A to Form 8-K filed December 18, 1998) (File No. 1-3016). 4.32* First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 1, 1998, between WPS and Firstar Bank Milwaukee, N.A., National Association (Exhibit 4C to Form 8-K filed December 18, 1998) (File No. 1-3016). 4.33* Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 1, 2006, by and between WPS and U.S. Bank National Association (Exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-K filed November 30, 2006) (File No. 1-3016). 4.34* Ninth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 1, 2012, by and between WPS and U.S. Bank National Association (Exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-K filed November 29, 2012) (File No. 1-3016). 4.35* Tenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 1, 2013, by and between WPS and U.S. Bank National Association (Exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-K filed November 18, 2013) (File No. 1-3016). 4.36* Thirteenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 14, 2019, by and between WPS and U.S. Bank National Association (Exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-K filed August 14, 2019) (File No. 1-3016). 4.37* Fourteenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 18, 2021, by and between WPS and U.S. Bank National Association (Exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-K filed November 18, 2021) (File No. 1-3016). 4.38* Sixteenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 6, 2024, by and between WPS and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association (successor to Firstar Bank, Milwaukee, N.A., National Association) (Exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-K filed December 6, 2024) (File No. 1-3016). 2025 Form 10-K 171 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Number Exhibit 4.39* Seventeenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of January 8, 2026, by and between WPS and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association (successor to Firstar Bank, Milwaukee, N.A., National Association) (Exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-K filed January 8, 2026) (File No. 1-3016). The forgoing list of exhibits does not include certain unregistered long-term debt instruments of the Registrant and its subsidiaries where the total amount of securities authorized to be issued under the instrument does not exceed 10 percent of the total assets of the Registrant and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. The Registrant agrees pursuant to Item 601(b)(4) of Regulation S-K to furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission, upon request, a copy of all such agreements and instruments. 10 Material Contracts 10.1* WEC Energy Group Supplemental Pension Plan, Amended and Restated Effective as of January 1, 2018.** 10.2* Legacy Wisconsin Energy Corporation Executive Deferred Compensation Plan, Amended and Restated as of January 1, 2018.** 10.3* WEC Energy Group Executive Deferred Compensation Plan, Amended and Restated Effective as of January 1, 2018.** 10.4* Amendment dated as of December 20, 2023 to the WEC Energy Group Executive Deferred Compensation Plan, Amended and Restated Effective as of January 1, 2018.** (Exhibit 10.4 to WEC Energy Group's 12/31/2023 Form 10-K.)** 10.5* Legacy Wisconsin Energy Corporation Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan, Amended and Restated Effective as of January 1, 2017. (Exhibit 10.4 to WEC Energy Group's 12/31/16 Form 10-K.)** 10.6* WEC Energy Group Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan, Amended and Restated Effective as of January 1, 2017. (Exhibit 10.5 to WEC Energy Group's 12/31/16 Form 10-K.)** 10.7* WEC Energy Group Non-Qualified Retirement Savings Plan, Amended and Restated Effective as of January 1, 2018.** 10.8* WEC Energy Group Supplemental Long Term Disability Plan, Amended and Restated Effective as of January 1, 2017.** 10.9* WEC Energy Group Short-Term Performance Plan, Amended and Restated Effective as of January 1, 2019.** 10.10* Wisconsin Energy Corporation 2014 Rabbi Trust by and between Wisconsin Energy Corporation and The Northern Trust Company dated February 23, 2015, regarding the trust established to provide a source of funds to assist in meeting the liabilities under various nonqualified deferred compensation plans made between Wisconsin Energy Corporation or its subsidiaries and various plan participants. (Exhibit 10.13 to Wisconsin Energy Corporation's 12/31/14 Form 10K.)** 10.11* Letter Agreement by and between WEC Energy Group and Xia Liu, dated March 24, 2020. (Exhibit 10.2 to WEC Energy Group's 03/31/20 Form 8-K.)** 10.12* Letter Agreement by and between Wisconsin Energy Corporation and Robert Garvin, dated January 31, 2011. (Exhibit 10.1 to Wisconsin Energy Corporation's 03/31/11 Form 10-Q.)** 10.13* Letter Agreement by and between WEC Energy Group and Margaret C. Kelsey, dated as of July 19, 2017. (Exhibit 10.1 to WEC Energy Group's 09/30/17 Form 10-Q.)** 10.14* Retention Agreement by and between WEC Energy Group and Scott J. Lauber, dated February 21, 2022. (Exhibit 10.16 to WEC Energy Group's 12/31/21 Form 10-K.)** 10.15* Letter Agreement between WEC Energy Group and Michael Hooper, dated March 7, 2024. (Exhibit 10.1 to WEC Energy Group's 03/12/24 Form 8-K.)** 2025 Form 10-K 172 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Number Exhibit 10.16.1* WEC Energy Group Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan, Amended and Restated effective as of January 1, 2016. (Exhibit 10.19 to WEC Energy Group's 12/31/15 Form 10-K.)** 10.16.2* WEC Energy Group Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan, amended and restated effective as of May 6, 2021. (Exhibit 10.1 to WEC Energy Group's 5/11/21 Form 8-K.)** 10.17* WEC Energy Group Performance Unit Plan, amended and restated effective as of January 1, 2023. (Exhibit 10.1 to WEC Energy Group's 12/02/22 Form 8-K.)** 10.18* 2016 WEC Energy Group Terms and Conditions Governing Non-Qualified Stock Option Award for option awards under the WEC Energy Group Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan. (Exhibit 10.29 to WEC Energy Group's 12/31/15 Form 10-K.)** 10.19* Non-Qualified Stock Option Award Terms and Conditions under the WEC Energy Group Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan. (Exhibit 10.2 to WEC Energy Group's 06/30/21 Form 10-Q.)** 10.20* Restricted Stock Award Terms and Conditions under the WEC Energy Group Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan. (Exhibit 10.3 to WEC Energy Group's 06/30/21 Form 10-Q.)** 10.21* Director Restricted Stock Award Terms and Conditions under the WEC Energy Group Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan. (Exhibit 10.5 to WEC Energy Group's 06/30/21 Form 10-Q.)** 10.22* PWGS I Facility Lease Agreement between PWG, as Lessor, and WE, as Lessee, dated as of May 28, 2003. (Exhibit 10.7 to WE's 06/30/03 Form 10-Q (File No. 001-01245).) 10.23* PWGS II Facility Lease Agreement between PWGS, as Lessor, and WE, as Lessee, dated as of May 28, 2003. (Exhibit 10.8 to WE's 06/30/03 Form 10-Q (File No. 001-01245).) 10.24* ER I Facility Lease Agreement between ERGS, as Lessor, and WE, as Lessee, dated as of November 9, 2004. (Exhibit 10.56 to Wisconsin Energy Corporation's 12/31/04 Form 10-K.) 10.25* ER II Facility Lease Agreement between ERGS, as Lessor, and WE, as Lessee, dated as of November 9, 2004. (Exhibit 10.57 to Wisconsin Energy Corporation's 12/31/04 Form 10-K.) 10.26* Point Beach PPA between FPL Energy Point Beach, LLC and WE, dated as of December 19, 2006 (the "PPA"). (Exhibit 10.1 to Wisconsin Energy Corporation's 03/31/08 Form 10-Q.) 10.27* Letter Agreement between WE and FPL Energy Point Beach, LLC dated October 31, 2007, which amends the PPA. (Exhibit 10.45 to Wisconsin Energy Corporation's 12/31/07 Form 10-K.) 10.28* Integrys Energy Group, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan, as Amended and Restated Effective January 1, 2016. (Exhibit 10.1 to WEC Energy Group's 06/30/16 Form 10-Q.)** 10.29* Integrys Energy Group, Inc. Pension Restoration and Supplemental Retirement Plan, as Amended and Restated Effective January 1, 2017. (Exhibit 10.1 to WEC Energy Group's 06/30/17 Form 10-Q.)** 19 Insider Trading Policies and Procedures 19.1 Corporate Securities Trading Policy. 21 Subsidiaries of the Registrant 21.1 Subsidiaries of WEC Energy Group. 23 Consents of Experts and Counsel 23.1 Deloitte & Touche LLP – Milwaukee, WI, Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for WEC Energy Group. 2025 Form 10-K 173 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Number Exhibit 31 Rule 13a-14(a) / 15d-14(a) Certifications 31.1 Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a), as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 31.2 Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a), as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 32 Section 1350 Certifications 32.1 Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 32.2 Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 97 Policy Relating to Recovery of Erroneously Awarded Compensation 97.1* Incentive-Based Compensation Clawback Policy ("Rule 10D-1 Policy"). (Exhibit 97.1 to WEC Energy Group's 12/31/2023 Form 10-K.)** 101 Interactive Data File 101.INS Inline XBRL Instance Document – the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document 101.SCH Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema 101.CAL Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase 101.DEF Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase 101.LAB Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase 101.PRE Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase 104 Cover Page Interactive Date File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101) ITEM 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY None. 2025 Form 10-K 174 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents SCHEDULE I CONDENSED PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS WEC ENERGY GROUP, INC. (PARENT COMPANY ONLY) A. INCOME STATEMENTS Year Ended December 31 (in millions) 2025 2024 2023 Operating expenses $ 3.6   $ 5.4   $ 2.5 Equity earnings of subsidiaries 1,819.2   1,724.2   1,502.5 Other income, net 26.5   32.0   19.6 Interest expense 399.3   333.6   260.8 Gain on debt extinguishments —   ( 23.1 ) — Income before income taxes 1,442.8   1,440.3   1,258.8 Income tax benefit 114.7   86.9   72.9 Net income attributed to common shareholders $ 1,557.5   $ 1,527.2   $ 1,331.7 The accompanying Notes to Condensed Parent Company Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements. 2025 Form 10-K 175 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents B. STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Year Ended December 31 (in millions) 2025 2024 2023 Net income attributed to common shareholders $ 1,557.5   $ 1,527.2   $ 1,331.7 Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Derivatives accounted for as cash flow hedges Reclassification of realized derivative gains to net income, net of tax ( 0.2 ) ( 0.3 ) ( 0.3 ) Defined benefit plans Pension and OPEB adjustments arising during the period, net of tax 0.2   —   ( 0.2 ) Amortization of pension and OPEB costs included in net periodic benefit cost, net of tax 0.1   0.1   0.1 Defined benefit plans, net 0.3   0.1   ( 0.1 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) from subsidiaries, net of tax 0.1   0.1   ( 0.5 ) Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 0.2   ( 0.1 ) ( 0.9 ) Comprehensive income attributed to common shareholders $ 1,557.7   $ 1,527.1   $ 1,330.8 The accompanying Notes to Condensed Parent Company Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements. 2025 Form 10-K 176 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents C. BALANCE SHEETS At December 31 (in millions) 2025 2024 Assets Current assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 0.1   $ — Accounts receivable from related parties 3.2   2.7 Notes receivable from related parties 63.0   63.2 Prepaid income taxes 14.9   16.3 Current assets 81.2   82.2 Long-term assets Investments in subsidiaries 22,222.1   19,809.0 Note receivable from WECI 460.0   300.0 Other 56.0   23.2 Long-term assets 22,738.1   20,132.2 Total assets $ 22,819.3   $ 20,214.4 Liabilities and Equity Current liabilities Short-term debt $ 702.9   $ 382.7 Current portion of long-term debt 1,350.0   620.0 Accounts payable to related parties 5.0   3.1 Notes payable to related parties 778.4   580.9 Other 69.5   69.4 Current liabilities 2,905.8   1,656.1 Long-term liabilities Long-term debt 6,280.2   6,135.4 Other 19.7   28.0 Long-term liabilities 6,299.9   6,163.4 Common shareholders' equity 13,613.6   12,394.9 Total liabilities and equity $ 22,819.3   $ 20,214.4 The accompanying notes to Condensed Parent Company Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements. 2025 Form 10-K 177 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents D. STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Year Ended December 31 (in millions) 2025 2024 2023 Operating activities Net income attributed to common shareholders $ 1,557.5   $ 1,527.2   $ 1,331.7 Reconciliation to cash provided by operating activities Equity income in subsidiaries, net of distributions ( 669.2 ) ( 931.8 ) ( 566.8 ) Deferred income taxes, net ( 21.5 ) ( 2.1 ) ( 3.8 ) Gain on debt extinguishments —   ( 23.1 ) — Change in – Accounts receivable from related parties ( 0.5 ) —   ( 2.0 ) Prepaid income taxes 1.4   ( 16.3 ) 35.4 Other current assets —   0.2   ( 0.1 ) Accounts payable to related parties 1.9   0.2   0.9 Accrued interest 1.3   ( 3.6 ) 42.1 Other current liabilities ( 0.8 ) ( 0.6 ) ( 0.7 ) Other, net 18.4   15.5   14.4 Net cash provided by operating activities 888.5   565.6   851.1 Investing activities Capital contributions to subsidiaries ( 2,277.7 ) ( 1,273.9 ) ( 1,807.4 ) Return of capital from subsidiaries 537.9   846.6   175.2 Short-term notes receivable from related parties, net 0.2   ( 47.2 ) 14.9 Issuance of long-term note receivable to WECI ( 160.0 ) —   — Other, net ( 14.7 ) —   — Net cash used in investing activities ( 1,914.3 ) ( 474.5 ) ( 1,617.3 ) Financing activities Exercise of stock options 39.1   23.7   6.3 Issuance of common stock, net 761.9   163.4   — Purchase of common stock ( 1.3 ) ( 3.2 ) ( 16.6 ) Dividends paid on common stock ( 1,147.8 ) ( 1,056.2 ) ( 984.2 ) Issuance of long-term debt 1,500.0   2,475.0   2,050.0 Retirement of long-term debt ( 620.0 ) ( 1,473.7 ) ( 700.0 ) Change in commercial paper 320.2   ( 314.3 ) 297.3 Short-term notes payable to related parties, net 197.5   121.3   127.1 Payments for debt extinguishment and issuance costs ( 23.7 ) ( 27.0 ) ( 13.3 ) Other, net —   ( 0.1 ) ( 0.4 ) Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 1,025.9   ( 91.1 ) 766.2 Net change in cash and cash equivalents 0.1   —   — Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year —   —   — Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 0.1   $ —   $ — The accompanying Notes to Condensed Parent Company Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements. 2025 Form 10-K 178 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents SCHEDULE I CONDENSED PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS WEC ENERGY GROUP, INC. (PARENT COMPANY ONLY) E. NOTES TO PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTE 1—SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES For Parent Company only presentation, investments in subsidiaries are accounted for using the equity method. We use the cumulative earnings approach for classifying distributions received in the statements of cash flows. The condensed Parent Company financial statements and notes should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes of WEC Energy Group, Inc. appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. NOTE 2—CASH DIVIDENDS RECEIVED FROM SUBSIDIARIES Dividends received from our subsidiaries during the years ended December 31 were as follows: (in millions) 2025 2024 2023 WE $ 600.0   $ 240.0   $ 370.0 We Power 175.6   225.3   192.8 WECI (1) 152.5   127.2   93.7 WG 100.0   80.0   171.0 ATC Holding 73.9   104.6   86.8 UMERC 23.0   15.0   21.0 Bluewater 20.0   —   — WEC Investments, LLC 4.3   —   — Wispark (2) 0.7   0.3   0.4 Total $ 1,150.0   $ 792.4   $ 935.7 (1)     We also received amounts classified as return of capital of $ 534.5  million, $ 843.9  million, and $ 171.6  million from WECI during the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively. (2)     We also received amounts classified as return of capital of $ 2.9  million, $ 2.7  million, and $ 3.6 million from Wispark during the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively. NOTE 3—LONG-TERM DEBT The following table shows the future maturities of our long-term debt outstanding as of December 31, 2025: (in millions) 2026 $ 1,350.0 2027 1,762.5 2028 1,850.0 2029 862.5 2030 300.0 Thereafter 1,550.0 Total $ 7,675.0 WECC is our subsidiary and has $ 50.0 million of long-term notes outstanding. In a Support Agreement between WECC and us, we agreed to make sufficient liquid asset contributions to WECC to permit WECC to service its debt obligations as they become due. 2025 Form 10-K 179 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents NOTE 4—FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS The following table shows the financial instruments included on our balance sheets that are not recorded at fair value as of December 31: 2025 2024 (in millions) Carrying Amount Fair Value Carrying Amount Fair Value Long-term notes receivable from WECI $ 460.0   $ 464.6   $ 300.0   $ 300.0 Long-term debt, including current portion 7,630.2   7,922.9   6,755.4   6,776.0 The fair value of our long-term notes receivable and long-term debt are categorized within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. NOTE 5—GUARANTEES The following table shows our outstanding guarantees on behalf of our subsidiaries: Total Amounts Committed at December 31, 2025 Expiration (in millions) Less Than 1 Year 1 to 3 Years Over 3 Years Guarantees supporting business operations (1) $ 309.6   $ 74.9   $ 11.0   $ 223.7 Standby letters of credit (2) 140.9   30.7   30.0   80.2 Surety bonds (3) 46.5   46.4   0.1   — Other guarantees (4) 9.6   —   —   9.6 Total guarantees $ 506.6   $ 152.0   $ 41.1   $ 313.5 (1)     Consists of $ 233.5  million, $ 39.0  million, $ 17.0  million, $ 10.1  million, $ 6.0  million, and $ 4.0  million of guarantees to support the business operations of WECI, MERC, MGU, Bluewater, NSG, and UMERC, respectively. (2)     At our request or the request of our subsidiaries, financial institutions have issued standby letters of credit for the benefit of third parties that have extended credit to our subsidiaries. These amounts are not reflected on our balance sheets. (3)     Primarily for environmental remediation, workers compensation self-insurance programs, and obtaining various licenses, permits, and rights-of-way. These amounts are not reflected on our balance sheets. (4)     Related to workers compensation coverage for which a liability was recorded on our balance sheets. NOTE 6—SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION (in millions) 2025 2024 2023 Cash paid for interest $ 382.8   $ 324.2   $ 209.1 Cash received for income taxes, net ( 92.9 ) ( 66.7 ) ( 104.5 ) Significant non-cash equity transaction: Issuance of long-term note receivable to WECI —   300.0   430.0 Repayment of long-term note receivable to WECI —   430.0   — NOTE 7—SHORT-TERM NOTES RECEIVABLE FROM RELATED PARTIES The following table shows our outstanding short-term notes receivable from related parties as of December 31: (in millions) 2025 2024 UMERC $ 62.9   $ 63.2 Wispark 0.1   — Total $ 63.0   $ 63.2 2025 Form 10-K 180 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents NOTE 8—SHORT-TERM NOTES PAYABLE TO RELATED PARTIES The following table shows our outstanding short-term notes payable to related parties as of December 31: (in millions) 2025 2024 Integrys $ 515.3   $ 327.0 WECC 112.0   111.1 WBS 97.3   90.4 Bluewater 53.8   52.4 Total $ 778.4   $ 580.9 2025 Form 10-K 181 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents SCHEDULE II WEC ENERGY GROUP, INC. VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (in millions) Balance at Beginning of Period Expense (1) Deferral Net Write-offs (2) Balance at End of Period December 31, 2025 $ 162.8   $ 142.8   $ ( 23.8 ) $ ( 133.1 ) $ 148.7 December 31, 2024 $ 193.5   $ 104.9   $ 35.8   $ ( 171.4 ) $ 162.8 December 31, 2023 199.3   72.0   88.3   ( 166.1 ) 193.5 (1)     Net of recoveries. (2)     Represents amounts written off to the reserve, net of adjustments to regulatory assets. 2025 Form 10-K 182 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. WEC ENERGY GROUP, INC. By /s/ SCOTT J. LAUBER Date: February 20, 2026 Scott J. Lauber President and Chief Executive Officer 2025 Form 10-K 183 WEC Energy Group, Inc. Table of Contents Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. /s/ SCOTT J. LAUBER February 20, 2026 Scott J. Lauber, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Director -- Principal Executive Officer /s/ XIA LIU February 20, 2026 Xia Liu, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer -- Principal Financial Officer /s/ WILLIAM J. GUC February 20, 2026 William J. Guc, Vice President and Controller -- Principal Accounting Officer /s/ GALE E. KLAPPA February 20, 2026 Gale E. Klappa, Non-Executive Chairman of the Board /s/ WARNER L. BAXTER February 20, 2026 Warner L. Baxter, Director /s/ AVE M. BIE February 20, 2026 Ave M. Bie, Director /s/ DANNY L. CUNNINGHAM February 20, 2026 Danny L. Cunningham, Director /s/ WILLIAM M. FARROW, III February 20, 2026 William M. Farrow, III, Director /s/ CRISTINA A. GARCIA-THOMAS February 20, 2026 Cristina A. Garcia-Thomas, Director /s/ MARIA C. GREEN February 20, 2026 Maria C. Green, Director /s/ THOMAS K. LANE February 20, 2026 Thomas K. Lane, Independent Lead Director /s/ JOHN D. LANGE February 20, 2026 John D. Lange, Director /s/ ULICE PAYNE, JR. February 20, 2026 Ulice Payne, Jr., Director /s/ MARY ELLEN STANEK February 20, 2026 Mary Ellen Stanek, Director /s/ GLEN E. TELLOCK February 20, 2026 Glen E. Tellock, Director 2025 Form 10-K 184 WEC Energy Group, Inc.