SBU cautions against disconnect as winter moratorium ends (3/18/09)

Wisconsin’s Winter Emergency Period, often referred to as the moratorium on residential service disconnection, ends April 15. After that date, utilities statewide may begin to disconnect service to customers who are past due on payment of their electric bills for any period of time, including the winter months.

“Sadly, this is an issue we must address with more and more customers each year,” said Jim Stawicki, General Manager. “It is, however, SBU’s goal to do what we can to collect unpaid bills from the moratorium to keep electric rates low in our community.”

The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin established the annual moratorium — from November 1 to April 15 — to protect customers from service disconnection during harsh Wisconsin winters.

According to Stawicki, more than 615 utility customers have overdue bills representing $53,536. Despite these figures, nearly 96 percent of customers pay their bills on time each month.

“We understand that situations can arise, making it difficult for customers to pay their bills,” said Stawicki. “However, to avoid disconnection, we are urging customers to pay the arrear portion of their bills to avoid shutting off their service.”

If you have any questions, please contact any of our SBU Customer Service Representatives at (920) 746-2820.