Description

On this episode, our goal is to help listeners better understand how energy assistance is administered, how pandemic-related funding is being distributed, and what resources are available to in-need households as Wisconsin’s moratorium on disconnecting electric customers from service comes to an end on April 15.

Our guests include:

• Barb Klug, Home Energy Plus Bureau Director; Division of Energy, Housing and Community Resources
  
  Wisconsin Department of Administration
• Kristy Nieto, Administrator, Division of Digital Access, Consumer and Environmental Affairs
  
  Public Service Commission of Wisconsin

You’ll find answers to these questions and more:

• What energy assistance funding has come from the federal government since the beginning of the pandemic and how is Wisconsin administering programs to distribute this assistance?
• What is a first step for a customer who is behind on their bill? Who should they reach out to first and how do they know what they are eligible for?
• What role does the PSC play in helping customers stay on track with paying their bills and settling any disputes with utilities?
• What are some common questions from legislative offices as they try to connect their constituents with resources?

The following resources are mentioned in this episode:

Energy Benefits & Eligibility

www.energybenefit.wi.gov - Home Energy Plus Application

1-800-506-5596 – On-demand energy assistance application and customer care center

Public Service Commission Resources

Call 1-800-225-7729 to talk to a customer care representative at the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin or visit www.psc.wi.gov to find information or file a complaint online. More information from the PSC can be found in this press release: PSC Urges Consumers to Seek Assistance before Moratorium on Utility Disconnections End

Noted in the podcast: Customers should reach out to their local utility provider first to begin the process of working out a payment plan if they’re at risk of disconnection for non-payment.