Post Messenger Recorder -

As colder weather approaches, utilities must work diligently to negotiate payment plans or take other necessary actions to reconnect service to all occupied households. While account delinquency remains a concern for utilities again this year, the onset of the winter season brings safety concerns to the forefront. The Public Service Commission expects utilities to use prudent judgment during the process to ensure customer safety.

Prior to October 15, 2015, utilities must attempt to contact all residential customers whose service was disconnected for nonpayment by letter, phone, or personal visit to discuss available payment options. Utilities must make a personal visit to the customer’s home by October 25, 2015, if there is no response to (1) above. Utilities must continue making personal contact attempts to negotiate reconnections of service, including contact with those households disconnected between October 15th and October 31st. Utilities must immediately restore service if a utility representative observes a danger to human health or life due to disconnection of service. When appropriate, utilities must verify that the premises are vacant. For reporting purposes, utilities must keep a record of all contact attempts made.

Commission rules require each gas and electric utility in Wisconsin to report weekly those residential customers who were disconnected for nonpayment within the past 12 months and remain disconnected.