Winter energy moratorium expires Monday, April 15th

MILWAUKEE (WITI) — Winter is almost over and that means an important deadline is coming up.  Wisconsin’s energy moratorium period ends April 15th.  That means if you are behind on your energy bills or can’t afford to pay them, your power may be shut off.

The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin advises consumers to contact their local utility company if they have fallen behind in their utility payments for the 2012-2013 winter season. Utility service may be disconnected on or after April 16, 2013, if energy bills have not been paid or a payment plan has not been arranged with the utility.

PSC rules prohibit utilities from disconnecting consumers between November 1 and April 15 for nonpayment of utility bills due to Wisconsin's cold climate. However, after April 15, utilities are not required to provide service to customers who are behind on their bills. To avoid disconnection, customers who have fallen behind in payments are encouraged to contact their local utility to set up a payment plan.

Below is a list of contact numbers for the five largest investor owned utilities:

Consumers who have contacted their utility, but cannot reach a payment agreement should contact:

Public Service Commission Consumer Affairs
Toll free: 1-800-225-7729
In the Madison area: 608-266-2001

If consumers fail to make payment or payment arrangements with the utility, the utility may disconnect service. Utility companies must inform customers before discontinuing service.