New Richmond Utilities is urging customers who are behind on their bills to contact the utility and utilize various payment options to avoid service disconnection. Wisconsin’s moratorium on residential electric 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 utility bills.
“Working at the utility, we have a responsibility to do our best to collect unpaid bills and keep costs in check for all of our customers,” said Stacie Running, Utility Office Supervisor. “We encourage customers struggling with their utility bills to reach out to us here at the utility and to contact assistance programs like the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program.”
The Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) provides bill pay assistance to help income-eligible residents with heating costs, electric costs and energy crises. Residents at risk of disconnection may be eligible for crisis assistance even if they have already received a benefit from WHEAP. For more information, including eligibility criteria, customers can call 1-866-432-8947 or visit homeenergyplus.wi.gov to connect with their local energy assistance agency. The deadline to apply for WHEAP’s regular benefits is May 15.
Wisconsin homeowners may also be eligible for both utility bill and other household assistance through the new Wisconsin Help for Homeowners program. For more information on this statewide program, or to apply, visit doa.wi.gov/Pages/LocalGovtsGrants/Homeowner-Assistance.aspx, or call 1-855-2-HOME-WI.
Additionally, residents experiencing hardship can seek assistance through Operation Help. The organization helps to provide financial assistance to cover utility expenses and can be contacted at https://operationhelpstcroix.org or 715-386-1300. New Richmond Utilities has partnered with Operation Help to provide additional bill payment assistance resources for local residents.
To learn more about payment options and make arrangements, call New Richmond Utilities at 715-246-4167 between 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Thursday, or 7:00 AM to 11:30 AM on Friday.
“We want everyone in the community to know there is help available to them,” said Running. “If you’re struggling to pay your bill, please give us a call so we can figure it out together.”