MADISON, WI (WSAU) Those who are behind on their electric and natural gas bills have more time to get current.
The state’s Public Service Commission voted 2-1 on Thursday to extend the shut-off moratorium through October 1. It was going to expire on September 1st.
The five largest utility companies say 32.9% of their customers are behind, compared to 12.2% a year ago. About 47,000 customers meet the state’s criteria to have their utilities disconnected.
State regulators say economic problems tied to COVID-19 are to blame.
Utility managers and the state PSC say those who are behind should contact their suppliers and work out a payment plan. The state also has assistance available through the Public Benefit Program, which is funded through a surcharge on utility bills, and the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which is a heating-assistance program funded by the federal government.
Wisconsin also bans utility shut-offs during the winter months, November 1 through April 15.
