Frequently Asked Questions
Find quick answers to frequently asked questions about your Alliant Energy electric and natural gas service.
Customer service Q&A
Can I find my account information online?
Yes! With Alliant Energy’s Your Account service, you have Internet access to your account information 24 hours day.
How do I start or stop service?
You can start or transfer your utility service online through Your Account.
How do I report a power outage?
To make reporting a power outage more convenient, we offer a special Outage Reporting Hotline at 1-877-740-5050. This 24-hour automated hotline can handle hundreds of calls a minute, so no matter how severe the storm, you can notify us quickly and easily.
If you live in Iowa or Minnesota, you can also report an electric outage online through Your Account, and view a summary of known outages in your area.
How do I determine what my usage has been?
Through Your Account, you can view your 18-month history of your costs and energy usage.
Do you have interpreters for people who don’t speak English?
If English isn’t your primary language, don’t worry. We can provide an interpreter for Spanish and other languages. Just call our 24-hour Customer Service Center at 1-800-ALLIANT and we’ll connect you to someone fluent in your language.
For our Spanish speaking customers, we also feature a page on our web site - Información en español - that offers translated customer brochures available to view or download.
I’m new to the area – how can I learn more about Alliant Energy?
Just read through our customer handbook to see how our convenient programs can help you manage your energy costs and keep your family safe:
Download the “Welcome to Alliant Energy” customer handbook [PDF]
What self service options do I have when calling 1-800-ALLIANT?
If you prefer to use the phone, our automated voice response system allows you to report an outage, make a payment, check your account balance, and more! For navigation and system tips, download our reference guide for 1-800-ALLIANT Customer Service. [PDF]
Billing Q&A
Why do my monthly bill amounts fluctuate?
Billed amounts often fluctuate because your utility use differs from month to month. Factors that affect utility use include weather, number of people in the household, new or additional appliances, or vacations.
Your billed amounts can also fluctuate for other reasons, such as gas supply market adjustment costs, changes in distribution service charges and rates, refunds or surcharges, or differences in the number of days in the billing period.
Was my bill paid on time?
To see if your bill was paid on time, check the “Bills & Payment” page in Your Account. The first part shows the current amount due and the due date.
Your payment history includes a "posted" date that tells you when the payment was posted to your account.
What is my current balance?
To see your current account balance, check the “Bills & Payment” page in Your Account, which shows the current amount due, the due date, and your account balance.
Payment Q&A
What should I do if I can’t pay my bill?
If you can’t pay your bill in full, you can request a payment arrangement to fulfill your obligation over an extended period of time.
If you’re on a limited income, our consultants can also help you determine if you’re eligible for an energy assistance program.
Can I pay my bill online?
Yes! With Alliant Energy’s Your e-Bill™ online billing program, you can pay your utility bill over the Internet.
Can I pay my bill with a credit card?
Yes – with our SpeedPay™ option, you can make a one-time payment with a credit card over the phone or via the Internet.
What other payment options do you offer?
With Easy Pay automatic withdrawals, your payment can be deducted from your bank or credit union account automatically - on time, every time.
My bill is hard to understand. What do all those abbreviations mean?
For an explanation of the terms you see on your utility bill, read our "How to Read Your Bill" page.
Where can I pay my bill?
You may pay your bill by mail in the return envelope provided with your bill; if you misplace the envelope, mail your payment to one of our post office boxes.
Where can I send a letter of credit or deposit?
IP&L customers may be required to provide a deposit or letter of credit for service connection. These materials can be mailed to:
Alliant Energy
PO Box 3003
Cedar Rapids, IA 52406-3003
Assistance programs Q&A
Do you offer gift certificates?
Yes! An Alliant Energy gift certificate is perfect for everyone on your shopping list.
What is Hometown Care Energy Fund?
Through Hometown Care Energy Fund Alliant Energy offers free, confidential financial help for the elderly, disabled and families trying to make ends meet.
Funds contributed by our customers and shareholders (and matched by the Alliant Energy Foundation), are paid to community-based non-profit organizations for distribution to customers in need.
You can contribute to Hometown Care Energy Fund online through Your Account.
Can I get help paying my heating bill?
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program is a federally-funded program that helps low-income households with the costs of energy used for home heating and cooling.
Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis to households with the greatest need according to targeting factors.
What types of other assistance do you have for low-income families?
The federally-funded Weatherization Assistance Program helps reduce the heating and cooling costs for low income families by improving the energy efficiency of their homes.
24-hour Customer Service Center at 1-800-ALLIANT (255-4268).