We Energies is urging customers who are behind on their energy bills to reach out as soon as possible to avoid disconnection. The state’s residential disconnection moratorium expires April 15.
If a customer establishes and maintains a payment plan, they are not at risk for disconnection.
We Energies works with customers year-round to offer payment plans and help with energy assistance.
Thanks to lower natural gas prices and warmer than usual weather, the typical We Energies customer heating bill was approximately $150 less this winter than last winter.
Disconnection is always a last resort
Customers behind on their bills can go to we-energies.com or use the We Energies app to set up payment arrangements and connect with financial and energy assistance options. They can also call 800-842-4565.
To help customers in greatest need, We Energies worked with regulators and customer advocates to create the Low Income Forgiveness Tool, a specialized program that encourages regular monthly payments and reduced balances.
Significant federal assistance is also available. The State of Wisconsin has as much as $150 million in low-income heating assistance this heating season.
Beware of scammers
Unfortunately, scammers often try to take advantage of the end of the moratorium.
Scammers will pretend to be from We Energies. They may even manipulate caller ID to display “We Energies” or use a recording that sounds like it’s from the company.
Scammers will threaten to turn off customers energy in a short amount of time and demand immediate payment — often with a prepaid debit card, third-party digital payment app like Zelle or Venmo, or unusual payment method such as bitcoin.
These are all warning signs. If customers are ever in doubt about a phone call, they should hang up and call We Energies.
Additional tips are available online.
Simple ways to manage costs
We Energies encourages customers to manage their energy use all year long. Go to the We Energies website for a checklist and more ways to save.