Wisconsin PSC Urges Utility Customers to Seek Assistance Before Moratorium

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Published October 13th, 2025

Detected March 17th, 2026

Summary

The Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC) is reminding utility customers to seek payment arrangements or financial assistance before the statewide winter disconnection moratorium begins on November 1, 2025. The moratorium prohibits utility disconnections for nonpayment for residential heating services until April 15, 2026.

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What changed

The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) has issued a notice urging customers with outstanding utility bills to make payment arrangements or apply for financial assistance before the annual winter disconnection moratorium takes effect on November 1, 2025. This moratorium, mandated by Wisconsin state law, prevents electric and natural gas utilities from disconnecting residential customers for nonpayment of services used for home heating until April 15, 2026. Customers who are currently disconnected are advised to arrange for reconnection, as utilities are not obligated to restore service without such arrangements.

Regulated entities, specifically utility providers, should be prepared for the moratorium period and continue to direct customers to available resources for payment assistance, including the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP). Customers are encouraged to contact their utility provider directly to discuss payment plans or seek assistance. If customers cannot resolve issues with their utility, they are advised to contact the PSC or submit a complaint online. The notice also provides contact information for major utility providers and the WHEAP program.

What to do next

Ensure customers are aware of the November 1, 2025, moratorium start date and the April 15, 2026, end date.
Direct customers with outstanding bills to make payment arrangements with their utility provider or apply for financial assistance through WHEAP.
Advise currently disconnected customers to contact their utility to arrange for service restoration.

Source document (simplified)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 13, 2025 Contact: Tanner Blair, 608-266-9600 tanner.blair@wisconsin.gov PSC Urges Customers to Seek Assistance Before Statewide Utility Disconnection Moratorium Begins November 1, 2025 MADISON – The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) is encouraging electric and natural gas utility customers with outstanding bills to either make payment arrangements with their provider, or apply for financial assistance, before the annual winter heating disconnection moratorium begins. Wisconsin state law prohibits utilities from disconnecting essential services to residential customers during the moratorium period. Every year, from November 1st to April 15th, utilities are prohibited from disconnecting utility service for nonpayment when it is used for home heating. Customers that are currently disconnected must make arrangements to restore service because utilities are not required to reconnect service until payment arrangements have been made. Customers should contact their utility provider to make a payment or arrange a payment plan. Below is the contact information for the largest utilities in Wisconsin: Alliant Energy 1-800-255-4268 Madison Gas & Electric 1-800-245-1125 Superior Water, Light & Power 1-800-227-7957 We Energies 1-800-842-4565 Wisconsin Public Service Corporation 1-800-450-7260 Xcel Energy 1-800-895-4999 If customers cannot reach an agreement with their utility, they may contact the PSC by calling 608-266-2001 or 1-800-225-7729, or by submitting a PSC complaint online. Financial assistance is available to eligible households through the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP). WHEAP is part of the state's comprehensive Home Energy Plus program, which provides assistance for low-income households with emergency energy needs, emergency furnace repairs, conservation service, and weatherization. Customers can contact the Statewide Customer Care Center at 1-800-506-5596 or visit DEHCR Energy Assistance (wi.gov) for more information about this program. View a Spanish-translated version of this press release. View a Hmong-translated version of this press release. Translation Disclaimer