Wisconsin utility customers have seen their bills increase over the last couple years.  No family should have to choose between paying the utility bill and paying for other necessities.  There are resources available to help those who need it. 
                       
To help consumers pay their heat or electric bills, Governor Jim Doyle developed Wisconsin’s Energy Help Initiative.  This comprehensive plan provides a one-stop-shop for information on all of the state’s energy assistance programs, ways to trim energy bills by reducing energy consumption and other energy-related programs throughout the state.

Consumers who need help paying their utility bills can request assistance through Governor Doyle’s Energy Help Initiative at 1-800-522-3014 or http://energyhelp.wi.gov.

Reduce Energy Consumption
In addition to his Energy Help Initiative, Governor Doyle has also called on Focus on Energy, the state’s energy-efficiency program, to help customers make simple changes around the home so they can stay warm during the heating season and cool during the warmer months, without spending more on their utility bills. 

One way Focus on Energy helps consumers reduce their energy use is by providing home energy audits.  Energy audits are important because they help consumers identify ways to make their homes more efficient.  Homeowners who implement the suggested changes not only experience lower utility bills and reduced energy demand, but have a more comfortable home.  Customers may also be eligible for cash rebates if they implement the recommendations from the audit.

For more information about Wisconsin’s Focus on Energy programs,
please call 1-800-762-7077 or visit http://focusonenergy.com.

Contact your Utility for Payment Agreements
Consumers who are having trouble paying their energy bills and would like to schedule a payment agreement should call their local utility directly.  The phone numbers for the largest utilities in Wisconsin are listed below.  If a customer cannot reach an agreement with their utility, they may contact the PSC consumer affairs department for assistance in negotiating a reasonable agreement.  Consumers can also work with their utility to be set up on a budget bill-pay program.  This allows the customer to pay a set amount each month during the year.  For more information, please contact your utility or call the PSC at 608-266-2001 or 1-800-225-7729.

• Alliant Energy, 1-800-862-6222
• Madison Gas & Electric, 608-252-7144
• Superior Water, Light & Power Company, 715-395-6201
• We Energies  800-842-4565
• Wisconsin Public Service Corporation, 800-450-7260
• Xcel Energy, 800-895-4999

Utility Disconnections
Wisconsin law states that consumers cannot be disconnected during the heating moratorium period from November 1 to April 15, if they are connected at the start of the moratorium.  Customers who are currently disconnected must make arrangements with their local utility to pay outstanding bills in order to have their service restored. If a consumer has not made an arrangement to pay an outstanding bill, the utility is not required to provide heat until a payment schedule has been established.