Some utilities expect shut-offs to double

ASHWAUBENON -
Like Black Friday for retailers, April 16th has energy assistance providers scrambling.

Friday marked the first day since November that utility companies can legally disconnect customers who haven't paid.

"It's been between 200 and 300 people that are lined up outside every morning," Adam Lotter with Integrated Community Solutions said.

The center has been swamped with clients looking for help to settle up with their utility company, before that company shuts their service down.

Under Wisconsin Public Service Commission rules, utilities can not disconnect residential customers between November 1 and April 15.

"Numbers are up, they've been going up and up and up every year, so it's been a tough couple of years," Lotter said.

ICS helped 4,000 people apply for energy assistance last year, this year it expects to serve 5,000.

But We Energies, which serves about one million electric and one million natural gas customers, says disconnection rates are leveling off.

"Over the first month or so we're looking at about 30,000 disconnection notices that will go out," spokesperson Brian Manthey said.

That's about the same as last year and the company says a good sign. We Energies says the mild winter and low natural gas costs helped keep bills down.

"People even if they were facing tough economic times were not getting as far behind as maybe previous winters," Manthey said.

It's a different story at Kaukauna Utilities, where supervisors expect disconnections will double. No one would talk on camera, but told FOX 11 for customers on the financial edge, the economy has tipped the scale.

ICS says many people are seeking help for the first time. Income limits have increased so more are eligible for assistance.

A family of four making under $45,067 would qualify.

"There is time left for help so just be persistent and patient is what I would say," Lotter said.

Utility companies are urging customers who've fallen behind to call them. Payment plans and assistance is available, disconnection is a last resort for providers.