POWER COMPANIES START TURNING OFF THE HEAT
Wednesday, April 20th, 2011 -- 11:19 AM
Wisconsin residents who are behind on their heating bills are scrambling to get help.The state's moratorium on utility disconnections ended, as it does every year, on April 15th. Typically, by this time of year, the heating season is definitely waning. It doesn?t seem like that will be the case this year.
Liz Wolf Green with XCEL Energy says the company has about 34,600 customers facing disconnections in Wisconsin. Those customers are at least 31 days behind in their payments.
XCEL and other power companies try to get those facing disconnections in contact with agencies that may be able to help them keep the heat on.
Marianne Guntner oversees the Heating Assistance program at the Clark County Department of Social Services. She says there has already been an up-tick in inquiries. They?re fielding about 10 calls per day.
The state's home heating moratorium prevents companies from turning off a home?s primary heating source from November 1 through April 15th.
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