Contact: Kristy Nieto, (608)261-9419
Kristy.Nieto@wisconsin.gov 

Madison – The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) urges consumers currently disconnected to contact their local utility to make arrangements for service reconnection prior to the start of the winter heating moratorium. During the moratorium, which is from November 1 to April 15, utilities are prohibited from disconnecting customers who are behind on their bills.

Wisconsin law prohibits utilities from disconnecting the heat-providing service of residential customers during the winter heating moratorium period.  However, consumers currently disconnected must make arrangements to pay outstanding bills in order to restore service.  Wisconsin law also requires utilities to attempt to contact consumers currently disconnected in an effort to get customers reconnected, but utilities are not required to reconnect service until payment arrangements have been made.

Consumers without utility service are encouraged to contact their utility to establish a payment plan and arrange for reconnection prior to the onset of cold winter temperatures.  Contact information for the largest utilities in Wisconsin is listed below:

Alliant Energy                                                1-800-255-4268

Madison Gas & Electric                                 1-608-252-7144

Superior Water, Light & Power                      1-715-394-2200
We Energies                                                  1-800-842-4565
Wisconsin Public Service Corporation           1-800-450-7260

Xcel Energy                                                   1-800-895-4999

If consumers cannot reach an agreement with their utility, they may contact the PSC at 608-266-2001 or 1-800-225-7729, or by clicking on the “For Consumers” tab on the PSC website, and selecting “Log a Complaint”: http://psc.wi.gov.

Energy assistance is available through the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) to income-eligible households with a gross household income at or below 60 percent of the median gross household income in Wisconsin.  WHEAP is part of the state’s comprehensive Home EnergyPlus program, which provides assistance with emergency energy needs, emergency furnace repairs, conservation service and weatherization for low-income households.

For more information about applying for energy assistance, call the Home Energy Plus hotline at 1-866-432-8947, or visit the following websites:

o   Income level guidelines: http://homeenergyplus.wi.gov/category.asp?linkcatid=239&linkid=118&locid=25

o   Energy assistance locations: http://homeenergyplus.wi.gov/section.asp?linkid=119&locid=25

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