MADISON, Wis. — If you are behind on your utility bills, help is available, but time is of the essence.
Wisconsin’s annual utility shutoff moratorium ends April 15. That means if you have unpaid bills, your provider could disconnect your service unless you call to schedule a payment plan.
The offices of the Keep Wisconsin Warm/Cool Fund and Heat for Heroes have been very busy leading up to this deadline. Executive Director Timothy Bruer said they’ve seen a 30% increase in new households calling the hotline for help.
“Energy costs have increased significantly greater and higher, taking even a greater share of these fixed incomes or these limited incomes to the extent that many find themselves literally making the difficult choice between neglecting their basic needs or food just to keep the power on,” he said.
The organization helps veterans, the elderly and families having a hard time making ends meet across the state. Still, Bruer said too many people suffer in silence.
“Pride is really one of the principal barriers from providing much needed assistance to those who are the most vulnerable,” he said. “They really do not want to accept help from anybody. But we try to reassure them that it’s a hand up, not a handout.”
Tony Palese with Alliant Energy said shutting off someone’s utilities is the last thing utility companies want to do.
“It’s really important to know that there are resources available through the state and through the federal government as well, for folks who may have fallen behind,” he said.
If you’re concerned about paying your bill, Palese said it’s important to reach out to your utility company right away. They are required to offer deferred payment agreements to people who can’t pay an outstanding bill in full.
“It’s about energy efficiency and making sure that the first thing we’re doing is finding ways to reduce energy bills and save money by eliminating some of those costs,” Palese said. “It’s understanding that there’s bill payment assistance available.”
About 200,000 Wisconsin households got assistance paying their monthly bills last year through the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program.
Knowing the need and challenge, Bruer said he and his team strive to connect more people to help.
“You’ve paid your dues. You’ve given back to the community,” he said. “So let us return that support to you.”
For more information on the Keep Wisconsin Warm/Cool Fund and Heat for Heroes, click here.
The numbers for Wisconsin’s largest utilities:
- Alliant Energy, 800-255-4268
- Madison Gas & Electric, 800-245-1125
- Superior Water, Light & Power, 800-227-7957
- We Energies, 800-842-4565
- Wisconsin Public Service Corporation, 800-450-7260
- Xcel Energy, 800-895-4999
To apply for the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program, visit energybenefit.wi.gov or call 800-506-5596.
Customers who cannot reach an agreement with their utility can contact the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin at 800-225-7729 or submit a PSC complaint online.