Wisconsin's Public Service Commission (PSC) is urging people who currently don't have heat to make arrangements with their local utility provider before the winter heating moratorium.
The moratorium runs from November 1 to April 15. During this time, utilities can't disconnect customers who are behind on their bills.
However, consumers who are disconnected right now must make arrangements to pay outstanding bills in order to restore service before the moratorium begins.
Wisconsin law requires utilities to try and contact consumers who are disconnected to get them reconnected, but it does require them to reconnect service until payment arrangements are made.
The PSC is encouraging people to contact their utility to set up a payment plan.
Here is the contact information for Wisconsin's largest utilities:
- 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 you can't reach an agreement, you can contact the PSC at 608-266-2001 or 1-800-225-7729. You can also visit their website here and select "Log a Complaint" under the "For Consumers" tab.
Energy assistance is also available through the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP). To apply, call the Home Energy Plus hotline at 1-866-432-8947.
