For Release: 04/06/2009

Winter Moratorium on Utility Disconnections Ends April 15; Customers Must Pay or Make Arrangements

Green Bay, WI – Customers of Wisconsin Public Service Corporation who are behind in their bills may face service disconnection beginning April 16, 2009. Those customers will have received a disconnection notice along with their bill. To avoid a disconnection, customers can pay the minimum amount noted on the bill or make other suitable payment arrangements, including a down-payment, by calling Customer Service at 800-450-7260.

"We have between 25,000 and 35,000 customers (out of 500,000) who are in jeopardy of losing service," said Corporate Credit Administrator Steve Fifrick. "That’s a little more than last year and the dollars amounts people owe are somewhat higher."

Fifrick also said the sagging economy was a likely contributor to the increased number of customers in arrears. WPS disconnected service to more than 12,000 customers between April 15 and November 1, 2008, and expects similar activity this year.

WPS will first target those customers who made no payments or arrangements to pay during the winter period. "Some people seem to think, for whatever reason, that not paying during the winter is OK," Fifrick said. "Some might rather use the utility money for another reason and intend to catch up before spring, but it just gets harder and harder as the bills mount up. It’s always better to pay during the winter – even if the customer can’t pay the entire bill."

Fifrick encouraged customers who might be eligible for fuel assistance to contact the appropriate agency before the funds are depleted.

Disconnection Process

Disconnection notices will be included with monthly bills. No separate disconnection notice will be issued. Payment options to avoid disconnection will be noted on the bill as follows:

WPS offers a Budget Billing plan in which customers can pay an average bill monthly to avoid seasonal high and low bills.

For More Information, Contact: