RHINELANDER, WI (WSAU-WXRP) — Thursday begins the annual moratorium on turning off heat during the cold weather months.
During the heating moratorium, utilities can’t disconnect customers who are behind on their bills. Public Service Commission of Wisconsin spokesperson Matthew Spencer spoke with WXPR in Rhinelander. “Utility customers should contact their service providers to make sure they’re up to date with their payments and they can schedule payment agreements for outstanding bills so they can re-establish their service.”
Wisconsin law prohibits utilities from disconnecting heat of residential customers, but customers currently disconnected are required to make arrangements to pay bills before service can be restored. Utilities are not required to reconnect service until payment arrangements have been made says Spencer. “Utility customers should contact their service providers to make sure they’re up to date with their payments and they can schedule payment agreements for outstanding bills in order to restore their service.”
Spencer says if customers can’t reach an agreement with their utilities, they should contact the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin for more information.