Utility disconnection moratorium ends soon
Plymouth Utilities is advising electric customers who are behind on their bills to make payment arrangements with the utility to avoid service disconnection.
Wisconsin’s Winter Emergency Period, often referred to as the moratorium on residential service disconnections, ends April 15. After that date, utilities statewide will begin disconnecting services to customers who are past due on payment of their electric bills for any period of time, including the winter months.
The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin establishes the moratorium — from October to April — to protect customers from disconnection during harsh Wisconsin winters.
“The (end of the) winter moratorium is fast approaching and every year we must address this issue with more and more customers,” said Howard Bunkert, Plymouth Utilities finance manager, in a press release. “It is, however, Plymouth Utilities’ goal to do what we can to collect unpaid bills from the moratorium to keep electric rates low in our community.”
According to Bunkert, more than 330 Plymouth Utilities customers owe at least three months of utility bills, representing $216,000. Despite these figures, nearly 96 percent of Plymouth Utilities customers pay their bills on time.
“We understand that situations can arise that make it difficult for customers to pay their bills,” Bunkert said. “However, to avoid disconnection, we are urging customers to make appropriate payment arrangements. We would like to help these customers make suitable arrangements to avoid shutting off their service.”
Customers can call Plymouth Utilities to make payment arrangements. The utility will negotiate payment options with customers, according to Bunkert. He also said the utility will begin issuing notices to delinquent residential customers by first class mail or personally served on a responsible adult member of the household at least 10 calendar days prior to the day of the proposed disconnection.
To apply for energy assistance, customers should call 1-866-HEATWIS (432-8947). Income guidelines for energy assistance have changed from previous years and customers who may not have qualified in the past may be eligible for assistance with utility bill payments. For a family of four to qualify, the total gross income for three months must be $11,267 or less.
To make payment arrangements or to explore payment options with Plymouth Utilities, call 893-1471 during business hours.
