More residents facing shut-off of power
TO GET HELP
-- Energy assistance is available to residents who qualify. Customers can apply through May 15. Call the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance program at (866) 432-8947 or go to homeenergyplus.wi.gov.
-- Residents are encouraged to contact Alliant Energy when they first begin to fall behind on their payments. Call 800-255-4268.
JANESVILLE — More Janesville residents are behind on their power bills this spring compared to last year and face disconnection of their electricity and heat.
Steve Schultz, spokesman for Alliant Energy, said the number of customers in Janesville who were more than 90 days behind on their bills as of March 31 was 3,216. That compares to 3,026 last year at that time.
They owe a total of $1.2 million, compared to $1.1 million last year.
State law forbids electric companies from shutting off power between Nov. 1 and April 15.
WP&L provides electric service to about 459,000 customers and natural gas service to about 180,000 customers in 600 communities in central and southern Wisconsin. Most customers in Rock County receive both from Alliant.
When considering all of the company’s customers, 26,969 were 90 days or more behind on their bills at the end of March. That number is up almost 1,000 compared to last year.
The amount owed by the customers this year is about $8.7 million, up from $8.5 million last year.
Schultz said his company makes numerous attempts to contact residents before their power is shut off.
The company is willing to work with people if they contact the company and make minimum payments, Schultz said.
One option is to pay 30 percent of the account balance the first month. Beginning in June, the percentage goes up by 10 percent each month through September, according to a news release.
“We view disconnection as a last-resort option,” Schultz said. “As long as they’re making that effort (at monthly payments), we’re not going to disconnect them.”
Customers who do not contact the company are the ones likely to be disconnected, Schultz said.
Overwhelmingly, the majority of customers eventually pay their bills, he said.
Schultz said company officials believe the still-shaky economy is the reason for the increase in delinquent bills.
“We believe that has to still be a factor for people,” he said.
Fortunately, the winter heating season was mild. Heating costs were down 17.5 percent for the average customer compared to the year before. If it had been a cold season and heating bills were way up, the number of delinquencies likely would have been higher, he said.
“It’s a sign that the economy is still not in great shape, that a lot of people are still having a tough time,” he said.
“Again, we entirely understand that and want to help those customers in any way we can.”
He urges residents to contact the company when they first begin to get behind.
Apr 26, 2012 at 1:33 p.m.
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No ticky, no laundry!
Apr 26, 2012 at 1:05 p.m.
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I didn't finish the paragraph.
I don't think that you will find the republicans doing much about it becasue they need the money more now than the dems do.
The short term affects outweighs the long term affects at this point.
Apr 26, 2012 at 1:02 p.m.
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frogger
Apr 21, 2012 at 12:20 p.m.
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"Sure they are people that need help but too many milk the system and I am tired of it! Do we get to write off the money that is forced to be donated to lzy people?"
I would think so but then again those that donate to such causes have to donate such large amounts of money to get such breaks.
I don't think that you are going to find the republicans doing
Apr 26, 2012 at 12:48 p.m.
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frogger
Apr 21, 2012 at 12:20 p.m.
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"Sure they are people that need help but too many milk the system and I am tired of it! Do we get to write off the money that is forced to be donated to lzy people?"
I would think so but then again those that donate to such causes have to donate such large amounts of money to get such breaks.
Apr 21, 2012 at 12:20 p.m.
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My ppoint was I am cold in the winter to save money Yet I have to help pay for those who WONT work, take advantage, and heat the hour to a very comfortable 70 or more - why not they don't have to pay anyway.
Anybody I have run into that gets all the free stuff DOESN'T desreve it. they are lazy wont work and are able. Sorry thisis all I have to compare too. I don't know anybody that deserves it. Sure they are people that need help but too many milk the system and I am tired of it! Do we get to write off the money that is forced to be donated to lzy people?
Apr 20, 2012 at 12:31 p.m.
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We good for all of you for being able to pay your bills. It sure is easier to bully people and act like a jerk on a blog when you have your bills paid and and have a job. Yes, there are always some people that take advantage of the system. However many of these families are choosing between paying fo food or electricity...unitl you've been in other peoples shoes, dont assume you know how they live their life.
Apr 20, 2012 at 11:51 a.m.
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Yes there is, frogger: http://www.alliantenergy.com/CustomerSer... Many otherwise good citizens don't know it's available, so pass it on to those you know deserve it.
This has been going on for a long time before Obama was president (both the problem and the assistance), was that a serious statement winterstinks, or sarcasm?
There are too many situations and variables for blanket criticisms (smart phone?? Many have NO phone!).
Apr 20, 2012 at 10:14 a.m.
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Don't they get some free power with the money we ALL pay on our bill towards this?
I bet in the heating season their temps are not set at 58 to save money. I bet they are in the 70's because they wont ever pay anyway.
Apr 20, 2012 at 8:49 a.m.
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Hats off to WP& L for being WAY over understanding .Mom is right,people need to prioritize a lot better than what they do. This has been the mildest winter we have had in a long time, there is no excuse for not paying your bills, ON TIME ! How many of these people are driving fancy cars, or any car, when cheaper transportation is available ? People are taking advantage of WP&L ,it's not right.
Apr 20, 2012 at 8:18 a.m.
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No power? How will they recharge their latest and greatest smartphone?
Apr 20, 2012 at 5:34 a.m.
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Its not Obamas fault. Its people living outside thier means and making sure they keep up with the "joneses". People just dont know how to prioritize these days. Oh and in Obamas defense, he was dealt a pretty sh!tty hand when he took office (Thanks to the Repubs). When the rollercoaster is going downhill, there is no stopping it untill it gets to the bottom no matter who is on it! He will take us back up to the top but it may take a while. Just enjoy the ride :)
Apr 19, 2012 at 5:36 p.m.
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Thanks to Obama the country is NOT going to pot.
"At Americas summit, Obama says no to legalizing drugs"
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