On Thursday, July 23, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) voted 2-1 to stay a portion of its June 26 order to extend the moratorium on utility residential customer
disconnections and refusal of service for nonpayment until September 1. Therefore, if you are billing for water, you cannot disconnect for non-payment of water.
The additional time will allow PSC staff to collect more data and information from utilities on their disconnection plans, allow for comment from customer organizations, and further monitor the spread of COVID-19 in the state. The move comes as COVID-19 positive cases in Wisconsin have more than doubled since the PSC met in June to order the end of the moratorium.
In light of the extension, the PSC is still strongly urging customers to seek a payment plan with their utility or apply for energy assistance to avoid a large debt and possible disconnection when the moratorium ends. If customers are having difficulty
paying their energy bills, they may be eligible for assistance from the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP).
To determine eligibility or find out where to apply for assistance, go to http://homeenergyplus.wi.gov/ or call 1-866-HEATWIS.
The PSC is continuing to monitor utilities’ disconnection plans, payment plan terms, and customer notices to ensure they
conform to existing orders, administrative codes, and state law. The Commissioners plan to meet on August 20 to discuss if further modifications or extensions should be provided beyond September 1.