MILWAUKEE — Many Wisconsinites have recently reported higher energy bills. 

We Energies said natural gas accounts for 70% of a bill. 

Brendan Conway, a spokesperson at We Energies, said the cost of natural gas has increased for many reasons, most notably the war between Russia and Ukraine.

He said, on average, customers will see their bills increase $30 to $40 a month, but there are ways to lower the cost. 

“Turn down your thermostat,” said Conway. “Every degree you turn your thermostat down, you’re using a little less of that natural gas. With natural gas as expensive as it has been, that does make a difference. If you haven’t this season, change your furnace filter. If your furnace is running more efficiently, you’re burning less of that natural gas.”

Wisconsin is in a winter moratorium until April. So heat can’t be turned off if someone unable to pay bills. Conway said to not let the bills pile up, though. There are multiple assistance programs to help pay electric bills. 

“We can help connect people directly to low assistance programs if they’re eligible,” said Conway. “We as a company donated $4 million to the keep Wisconsin Warm Fund. We can connect you there. From our company’s perspective, we have budget billing, payment plans and we can connect you with payment assistance.” 

There are multiple assistance programs here in Wisconsin:

Keep Wisconsin Warm/Cool fund
(800) 891-9276

Heat and Housing for Heroes
1-800-891-9276

Community Advocates
(414) 449-4777

Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program
866-432-8947