WISCONSIN — The Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC) voted to extend the moratorium on utility disconnections until spring due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
With this extension, Wisconsinites do not have to worry about their utilities being disconnected because they can't make a payment.
Thanks to a 2-1 vote on Thursday, the moratorium will continue until spring, Alderman Khalif J. Rainey said.
The decision was made based on the fact that COVID-19 numbers are rising in Wisconsin and disconnecting people's utilities would force them to leave their homes and into unsafe living conditions during the pandemic.
The Thursday vote was the second extension of the moratorium and comes as the initial extension was set to expire Oct. 1.
“I applaud the PSC for continuing to keep vulnerable residents in mind during this cruel pandemic,” Alderman Rainey said. “Basic human needs are a priority and not a luxury at this time.”
The extension is especially important as temperatures begin to cool down and people require heating in their homes.
According to the PSC, We Energies has recommended that customers who are having difficulty paying their bill call 800-842-4565 as soon as possible to discuss options, including payment plans and the potential for financial assistance.