Moratorium for heating season coming to an end

MADISON -- The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) encourages utility customers to stay connected as the heating season comes to an end.

The PSC advises consumers to contact their local utility company if they have fallen behind in their utility payments for the 2015-2016 winter season.

Utility service may be disconnected on or after April 16, 2016, if energy bills have not been paid or a payment plan has not been arranged with the utility.

To provide health and safety protections during Wisconsin's cold winter months, PSC rules prohibit utilities from disconnecting consumers between November 1 and April 15 for nonpayment of utility bills.

However, after April 15, utilities are not required to provide service to customers who are behind on their bills. To avoid disconnection, customers who have fallen behind in payments are encouraged to contact their local utility to set up a payment plan.

Below is a list of contact numbers for the five largest investor-owned utilities:

 

Consumers who have contacted their utility, but cannot reach a payment agreement should contact:

Public Service Commission Consumer Affairs

Toll free: 1-800-225-7729

In the Madison area: 608-266-2001

Consumers who need assistance in paying their utility bills can contact Home Energy Plus, which provides information on the state's energy assistance programs. To find out if you qualify for WHEAP Assistance, call 1- 866-HEATWIS (432-8947) or visit: http://www.homeenergyplus.wi.gov/.