Moratorium on utility disconnections to end

The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC), voted unanimously to allow utilities to move forward with disconnection of service for non-payment, at the end of the annual winter moratorium, after April 15. The action comes, following a moratorium preventing utilities from disconnecting service for non-payment during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Since the end of October 2020, the weekly average of COVID-19 cases have decreased by more than 90 percent, and Wisconsin has become a national leader in vaccine implementation. Customers who are behind on paying their utility bills, are encouraged to arrange a payment plan with their utility providers and seek bill payment assistance before the moratorium ends.

The PSC met in March of 2020, and ordered utilities to maintain service to customers during the pandemic. At that same time, the PSC provided financial support for utilities to ensure they could remain financially healthy to enable the continued delivery of safe and reliable gas, electric and water service.

Throughout the summer and early fall of last year, the PSC met several times, to review the status of the pandemic and its March 2020 decisions. Then, in October of 2020, on a 2-1 vote, the PSC decided to extend the disconnection moratorium for residential utility customers through the end of the annual winter moratorium, which runs from Nov. 1 through April 15.

Last year, the PSC worked closely with the Department of Administration’s Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) and utilities, to ensure energy assistance and crisis funding was available, including an additional $8 million in Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) crisis funds that were available through the federal CARES Act, to qualifying households to help manage heating season energy costs.

To avoid disconnection, customers who have fallen behind on payments, are encouraged first to contact their utility to set up a payment plan. If customers are having difficulty paying their energy bills, they may be eligible for assistance from the WHEAP.

To apply online, visit energybenefit. wi.gov or to apply by phone, call 1-800506-5596.