Wisconsinites with overdue electric bills are being warned about having their power turned off. State rules prohibit utilities from disconnecting consumers during the cold winter months (November 1 through April 15), but after April 16, utilities are not required to provide service to customers who are behind on their bills.
Nathan Conrad is spokesman with the Public Service Commission. “Generally speaking, from November to April utility customers cannot have their heat turned off. We obviously don’t want to see anyone harmed during those months with extreme cold, especially like the winter we’ve just had.”
Now that the winter moratorium is ending, utilities can start cutting off customers who are in arrears. “Individuals need to contact their utilities to make sure that if they are behind in payments, that they get on a plan to ensure they don’t lose power.”
Heating assistance is available for low-income residents. Call toll-free 1-866-HEATWIS (1-866-432-8947) for more information.
Below is a list of contact numbers for the five primary utilities:
Xcel Energy: 800-895-4999
Alliant Energy: 800-255-4268
We Energies: 800-842-4565
Wisconsin Public Service Corporation: 800-450-7260
Madison Gas & Electric Company: 608-252-7144
