MADISON, WI – April 12, 2012 – Wisconsin Power and Light Company (WPL), an Alliant Energy company, encourages customers who are not current on their utility bills to take action now. The last day of the utility moratorium on disconnections is April 15th.
As of March 31, 2012, 26,969 WPL customers were 90 days or more in arrears. That number is up, from 25,993 in 2011. The total dollar amount owed by those customers is about $8.7 million, up slightly from $8.5 million last year. If customers make no attempt to pay their bills or set up a payment plan, they may be subject to disconnection after April 15th.
“We understand our customers have a number of demands placed on them in the current economic environment,” says Tim Heinrich, Director of Customer Support Services for Alliant Energy. “We want them to know we offer payment options to help ease the burden and stay current on their utility bill. Also, heating assistance funds are still available for qualified residents.”
One of the most attractive payment options is the minimum payment option. This option reflects a payment of 30% of the account balance to avoid disconnection. Beginning in June, the percentage increases by 10% each month through September. Customers electing this option will find it is the minimum monthly amount required to ensure a continuation of service.
Due to the significant call volume that occurs this time of year, the fastest way to make a catch-up payment is through the following self-service options:
- Online payment – To make an instant online payment use your Alliant Energy utility account number and bank account information. Go to alliantenergy.com/payonline.
- Pay by phone – Call 1-800-ALLIANT (800-255-4268) and follow the instructions in the interactive system. Have your Alliant Energy utility account number and bank account information handy.
Customers can call 1-800-255-4268 to speak with a customer service representative. This is a busy time of year, so we encourage customers to use the call back technology to reduce time spent waiting on hold.
Energy assistance funds are still available for qualified individuals and families through the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP). It provides dollars to moderate and low income level households to help pay a portion of their winter gas or electric bills.
Qualified Wisconsin residents can apply to their local county energy assistance agency for WHEAP funds through May 15, 2012. Call 1-866-432-8947 to locate the nearest county agency that provides energy assistance funds or visit homeenergyplus.wi.gov. Qualification for energy assistance is not based on whether someone is behind on their energy bills or rents versus owning a home.
Media Contact: Steve Schultz, (608) 458-3285