ALBERT LEA, MN – April 13, 2012 – Interstate Power and Light Company (IPL), an Alliant Energy company, encourages Minnesota customers who are not current on their utility bills to take action prior to April 15. Customers can use payment options including self-service, or talking to a customer service representative by calling 1-800-ALLIANT (800-255-4268).
As of March 31, 2012, approximately 2,760 IPL residential customers in Minnesota are 60 days or more behind on their bills, up slightly from last year at 2,706. These customers owe more than $930,589, down $24,207 from last year – about 3 percent. The average bill for IPL residential customers in Minnesota who are behind is $337, down from last year at $352. If customers make no attempt to pay their bills and do not attempt to set up a payment plan, they may be subject to disconnection after April 15.
“We understand our customers have a number of demands placed on them in the current economic environment,” said Tim Heinrich, director of customer support services. “We will work out payment arrangements for our customers on a case-by-case basis.”
For customers, Alliant Energy has the following options available to make bill paying as easy as possible:
- Online payment – All you need to make an instant online payment is your Alliant Energy utility account number and your bank account information. Go to alliantenergy.com/payonline.
- Pay by phone – Call 1-800-ALLIANT and follow the instructions in the interactive system. Have your Alliant Energy utility account number and your bank account information handy.
- Automatic Payment – You can have your utility bill automatically deducted from your account every month. You’ll need your Alliant Energy utility account number and bank account information when you call.
- Paperless Billing – Allows you to review and pay your bill online. You can enroll online at alliantenergy.com/myaccount.
- Budget Billing – Alliant Energy calculates your average bill based on your current account balance, current fuel costs, anticipated fuel cost changes and the past 12 months of energy usage at your home. The budget bill amount is reviewed and adjusted, up or down, every six months.
Customers in Minnesota can call 1-800-ALLIANT 24-hours a day to discuss payment options.
“In addition to the payment options we offer, we can also help our customers get in touch with their community action agencies which distribute energy assistance dollars,” said Heinrich.
To obtain energy assistance, qualified utility customers can apply for LIHEAP funds until May 31, 2012. For more information on where or how to apply for LIHEAP funds, people can contact their local community action agency or visit staywarm.mn.gov, or call 1-800-657-3710. Eligibility for energy assistance is not based on whether someone is behind on their energy bills, rent or owns their home.
Media Contact: Justin Foss, (319) 786-4788