For Release: 03/18/2010

Wisconsin Public Service Urges Customers with Outstanding Balances to Contact Company

Low Income Energy Assistance Funds May Still Be Available

Green Bay, WI - Customers of Wisconsin Public Service who have fallen behind on their utilities should contact the company as soon as possible, said Steve Fifrick, the company's Corporate Credit Administrator. By contacting WPS now, customers will be able to easily make payment arrangements which could eliminate a disruption to utility service to their households.

"Those customers who contact us early to make arrangements are likely going to find we're able to help find solutions that don't include disconnection of service," said Fifrick. "They will also be able to reach us more easily by avoiding the rush of customers that wait until the last minute."

WPS customer service representatives can be reached at 1-800-450-7260.

In addition, Fifrick reminds customers that believe they might qualify for low income energy assistance to apply while funds are available.

Customers who avoid paying during the winter also may be required to pay a security deposit in the amount equal to their highest four consecutive month's bills, according to Fifrick. "In all, it's just better for customers who are having difficulty to contact us now rather than later," he said.

While milder-than-normal winter temperatures may have reduced the bills of customers by some 20-25 percent, WPS reports that it still has more than 25,000 customers who face losing utility service after April 15, 2010. In 2009, WPS disconnected service to more than 20,000 customers.

"The actual bills are lower," said Fifrick, "but the number of customers behind is about the same as last year - likely due to the lagging economy."

WPS has electronic options for payment listed on its Web site: www.wisconsinpublicservice.com. Options include automatic monthly withdrawal from bank accounts, as well as one-time payments.

In addition, customers who struggle with winter bills could choose to join the WPS Budget Billing program, in which they pay an average bill monthly rather than seasonal high and low bills.

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