Winter disconnection moratorium ends soon
Marshfield Utilities works with customers behind on payments
For Hub City Times
MARSHFIELD — April 15 is a key day for many people. It is the deadline for filing income tax returns in Wisconsin and across the U.S. It is also the last day before Wisconsin utilities can begin to cut off service to customers who have fallen behind in their payments during the winter months.
Marshfield Utilities (MU) General Manager Bob Trussoni said disconnection of electrical services is a last resort.
“The end of the moratorium period can be a difficult time for some of our customers,” Trussoni said. “We want to work with our customers to keep their accounts current.”
Customers who have fallen behind in their utility payments are encouraged to contact MU. Financial Manager Kent Mueller said, “We will work with our customers to review payment options to help them work toward keeping their power on. We also work with government and community-based agencies to provide assistance with payment programs, energy assistance, and weatherization.”
Customers who believe that they may qualify for energy assistance are encouraged to call Wood County Human Services at 715-421-8659 or Marathon County Energy Services at 715-842-3111. Customers who wish to explore options to reduce their bills should contact MU Energy and Water Conservation Coordinator Jim Benson to schedule an energy and water audit.
Mueller added that MU takes a number of steps to let customers know that they owe money on their utility bills. Those efforts include:
—Disconnect notices printed on the utility bill.
—Disconnect notices inserted into bill envelopes.
—Calls or disconnect tags to remind customers prior to disconnection.
MU says there are about 900 customers who could face disconnection when the moratorium ends in mid-April. “We really don’t want to cut off service to any of our customers, but it’s only fair to our other customers that we do everything we can to secure payments,” Trussoni said. “We want to work with our customers to be sure that we continue to provide for their electric and water service needs.”
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