Public Service Commission extends moratorium on utility shutoffs to Oct. 1
Updated: 8:50 p.m. on August 20, 2020
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- With the pandemic still impacting the livelihoods of tens of thousands of Wisconsinites, the Public Service Commission voted to continue a ban on disconnections of power, water or gas until Oct. 1.
That moratorium was set to expire Sept. 1.
People that are behind on their power bills are urged to get on a payment plan or look into energy assistance programs.
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Posted: 2:53 p.m. on July 23, 2020
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC) on Thursday, July 23, voted 2-1 to extend the moratorium on utility shutoffs for residential customers to Sept. 1.
It originally expired July 22.
PSC noted that allowing utility disconnections could force people to leave their homes and into unsafe conditions during the pandemic.
Milwaukee Alderman Khalif Rainey shared the following statement on the decision:
"I would like to sincerely thank the members of the Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC) who voted today to extend the moratorium on utility shutoffs for residential customers to September 1.
In a 2-1 vote, the Commission approved the extension, citing health and economic factors tied to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The PSC noted that allowing utility disconnections could force people to leave their homes and into unsafe conditions during the pandemic.
On July 16 a joint letter I sponsored was sent to the PSC, urging the Commission to extend the moratorium. That letter – signed by myself and 13 Common Council colleagues – noted the basic indecency and inhumanity of disconnecting vulnerable people from light, heat and the ability to stay cool.
I urge the PSC to continue to remember our most vulnerable citizens when it meets again in August to consider again whether to extend the moratorium on disconnections.
It should be noted that utilities must grant a 21-day medical extension of service when a customer or a member of a customer’s household has tested positive for COVID-19."
We Energies recommends that customers who are having difficulty paying their bill call 800-842-4565 as soon as possible to discuss options, including payment plans and the potential for financial assistance.