Don’t delay help before utility moratorium ends
The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC), is encouraging electric and natural gas utility customers with outstanding bills, to either make payment arrangements with their provider or apply for financial assistance, before the annual winter heating disconnection moratorium begins.
Wisconsin state law prohibits utilities from disconnecting essential services to residential customers, during the moratorium period. Every year, from Nov. 1 to April 15, utilities are prohibited from disconnecting utility service for non-payment, when it is used for home heating.
Customers who are currently disconnected, must make arrangements to restore service, because utilities are not required to reconnect service, until payment arrangements have been made. Customers should contact their utility provider, to make a payment or arrange a payment plan. The following is the contact information for the largest utilities in Wisconsin: Alliant Energy, 800-255-4268; Madison Gas & Electric, 800-245-1125; Superior Water, Light & Power, 800-227-7957; We Energies, 800-8424565; Wisconsin Public Service Corporation, 800-4507260; Xcel Energy, 800-895-4999.
If customers cannot reach an agreement with their utility, they may contact the PSC, by calling 608-266-2001 or 800-225-7729, or by submitting a PSC complaint online.
Financial assistance is available to eligible households, through the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP). WHEAP is part of the state’s comprehensive Home Energy Plus program, which provides assistance for low-income households with emergency energy needs, emergency furnace repairs, conservation service and weatherization.
Customers can contact the Statewide Customer Care Center, at 800-506-5596 or visit DEHCR Energy Assistance (wi.gov), for more information about this program.
