Wisconsin law doesn't allow utilities to disconnect customers from gas and electric service during the cold winter months. But the official date to end the moratorium is coming up and a utility official says it's a good time to make arrangements.
Wisconsin Public Service spokesperson Matt Cullen says past due customers need to know about the end of the moratorium...
"....the winter moratorium is coming to an end on April 15. We're asking customers who are carrying past due balances to call us now or contact us now to make payment arrangements. so they can stay connected and avoid any interruption in service..."
Officials say if a consumer has not made an arrangement to pay an outstanding bill, the utility is not required to provide service until a payment arrangement has been established.
Cullen says scammers have been known to target customers with threats of immediate disconnection at this time of year. A customer will get a call saying they have to pay up now or face disconnection.
Cullen says don't believe it...
"....a lot of times its a scam where they ask you to purchase a pre-paid debit card such as a Green Dot card, place money on the card and send it to the scammer. We want to remind people that we never solicity information from our customers in this type of manner....."
Cullen says some customers still may qualify for energy assistance through the the state. More information is available at your county social services department.
