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Utility Customers Behind on Bills Could Face Shutoffs

This Saturday marks the end of the winter moratorium on utility shutoffs.  Wisconsin Public Service is urging customers who are behind on their bills to call sooner rather than later…to make payment arrangements. 

State law prevents anyone’s home utilities from being turned off during winter months between November 1st and April 15th, even you don’t pay the bills.

But WPS spokesperson Leah Van Zile says those unpaid bills won’t go away, and customers could face shutoffs if they don’t get in touch with WPS. 

“We have about 26-thousand customers that are behind on their bill for more than 3 or 4 months. So it’s really critical at this time that those customers do call us, make payment arrangements.”

A colder winter and higher bills means more customers than usual are facing unpaid bills.  Van Zile says low income customers may still qualify for heating assistance. 

“It’s really important to make that call. So that you can set up an arrangement that is doable for your specific situation. If you’ve not taken advantage of energy assistance, and you are income eligible, that will be one of the very first things we will ask people to do in addition to making suitable payment arrangements.”

WPS says payment plans are an option, but most arrangements will involve a down payment.  

The WPS number to call is 866-215-5812.

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