Utilities Allowed To Begin Disconnecting Customers Behind On Bills Next Week

Wisconsin utility companies can start disconnecting customers behind on their electric and gas bills next week, though utilities say they’re trying to cut off as few customers as possible.

An informal survey of four major Wisconsin utilities — We Energies, Wisconsin Public Service Corporation, Madison Gas & Electric and Xcel Energy — revealed that as many as 74,000 power customers are far enough behind on their bills to be at risk of disconnection on April 16.

However, very few of those customers are expected to lose their lights and heat. Brian Manthey is a spokesman for We Energies, which serves southeast Wisconsin. He said his company has been reaching out to delinquent customers for the past six weeks, offering help with financial aid and payment arrangements.

“There are energy assistance dollars available for those are who are lower-income who may need some help being able to manage those bills,” said Manthey. “There are agencies that administer that energy assistance, and we’ll direct them right to those agencies, so they can fill out whatever forms are needed, so they can get that energy assistance.”

Wisconsin’s winter disconnection moratorium is designed to protect the health and safety of those who can’t pay their bills in the winter-time.