We Energies' heating moratorium begins November 1st, but they're not letting anyone go cold

MILWAUKEE -- As the temperatures continue to go down, energy bills steadily go up. But in just a few days, We Energies' moratorium goes into effect -- meaning residential utility customers cannot be disconnected for non-payment. But it's important you act fast in order to restore service if you are already cut off.

A number of folks are trying to avoid the crisis. Just last month, more than 18,000 households have applied for energy assistance.

The energy company says it wants to work things out with people before it's too late, or too cold.

With only a few people in line, folks are in and out in just 15 minutes, taking care of an issue that's built up over time.

"If they didn't help me last year, they would probably cut me off with my energy," said Lisa Eade, applying for energy assistance.

Lisa Eade look to the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) to help with outstanding bills and to avoid disconnection.

"I was so behind on it because I was unemployed for a long time," said Eade.

Eade is doing exactly what We Energies urges customers to do.

"What we have been doing is reaching out to customers who have been disconnected for non-payment over the past few months, making sure we get them caught up and get them on payment plan, and getting them reconnected," said Cathy Schulze, We Energies spokeswoman.

The extra effort comes as the moratorium approaches on November 1st. They are reaching out to let qualifying people know help is available in several ways.

"We ask them to come and work with us. We can help them with part of the down payment so they can go into that plan of payment and avoid disconnection to get reconnected. If you are a homeowner and your furnace stopped working and you have no money to fix it, you just need to call 211 if we are closed -- or come to the agency and we can take care of you immediately because that is considered a crisis," said Energy Assistant Manager, Ana Ortiz.

There is some good news when it comes to paying this year's energy bills. If we have a normal winter and natural gas prices stay relatively stable, it's expected the average customer will save 18% this year, which is more than $100 of savings. If that happens, it will be the lowest cost heating season in fourteen years.

For more information on the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) and how to apply, please call 1-866-HEATWIS (432-8947), or visit the “Where to Apply” tab on homeenergyplus.wi.gov to find your local energy assistance agency.