8,000 People At Risk of Utility Shutoffs

As of April 15, Wisconsin utility companies are once again allowed to disconnect services for nonpayment.

Tom Content, executive director of the Citizens Utility Board, an organization that advocates for energy consumers, urges customers to reach out to their providers and make payment plans. In Milwaukee, most residents receive power from We Energies.

Brendan Conway, manager of media relations for We Energies, said disconnections will not occur immediately. The energy company will send letters to those who are at risk of disconnection and attempt to contact them by phone, he said.

“Disconnection always has been and will be a last resort,” Conway said.

The state bars utilities from disconnecting services during the winter months, specifically from Nov. 1 through April 15. Cutoffs were banned indefinitely during the COVID-19 pandemic by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, the state’s regulator for utilities, but were reinstated in 2021.

Conway said customers who get on a payment plan can reduce their risk of disconnection. The sooner customers reach out, the better their chances for avoiding a service cutoff, he said.

Conway said about 8,000 people currently are at risk for disconnection. At this time last year, the number was about 12,000.

To contact We Energies and set up a payment plan, visit the We Energies website, use the mobile app or call 800-842-4565.

Energy assistance options

The Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services provides energy assistance through UMOS and Community Advocates, two nonprofit agencies in the city that provide services to residents. You can schedule an appointment, apply online or call (414) 270-4653. You can also call 2-1-1 for assistance scheduling an appointment.

When preparing to apply, have the following materials ready:

• The name, date of birth and Social Security Number of everyone in your home
• Income information, including income received through unemployment benefits, Social Security or any other forms of income
• Information about your utilities, including the account number for the utility from which you receive heat and gas
• Information about your landlord or management company if applicable, including name, address and phone number.

There are a number of services available within the program that provide assistance where government funds might not due to income requirements. This includes the Keep Wisconsin Warm/Cool Fund and the Heat for Heroes Campaign, which serves veterans and their families who need energy assistance. To contact these services, call 800-891-9276.

If you have a dispute with your energy bill that you need assistance with, you can file a complaint with the Public Service Commission on its website. The commission can also be reached at 608-266-2001 or 800-225-7729.

The state’s ban on utility disconnections ends April 15. Here’s what you need to know. was originally published by the Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service.