Wisconsin Utility Regulators Discontinue Last Remaining COVID Protections

Monday, October 17th, 2022 -- 9:00 AM

(By Danielle Kaeding, Wisconsin Public Radio) Wisconsin utility regulators are discontinuing the last remaining protections put in place for ratepayers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to Danielle Kaeding of Wisconsin Public Radio, the change will begin in November when Wisconsin’s winter heating moratorium takes effect. The Wisconsin Public Service Commission lifted a moratorium on utility shutoffs in April last year, but several other provisions remained in place.

Those protections included requirements for utilities to set up deferred payment plans prior to disconnecting service for low-income customers who were unable to pay a bill in full.

Utilities also had to postpone shutting off gas or water for 21 days if a customer, or someone in their household, tested positive for COVID-19. On Wednesday, regulators voted unanimously to discontinue those protections, citing a return to business as usual.

"There also are a number of utilities who voluntarily work with their customers one-on-one, and they take individual circumstances into consideration when they're talking about payment plans," said PSC Chair Rebecca Valcq.

The commission noted that most utilities require less than half of the amount owed for down payment when customers set up a repayment plan. Commissioner Ellen Nowak said there’s no evidence regulators should continue COVID-19 protections.

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