WI Extends Moratorium Ban Amid COVID-19

August 21, 2020 – The Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC) voted to extend the moratorium ban on utility shutoffs until October 1, 2020. Last month, the PUC voted to extend the moratorium until September 1, 2020.

"If we disconnect customers and send them out to places to congregate … in order to stay cool, or they lose the ability to maintain hygiene, that to me outweighs the ability to pay and the fact that the unemployment rate is getting better," said Chairwoman Rebecca Valcq. Chairwoman Rebecca Valcq also said utility service remains critical to public health.

Of nearly 200 utilities, nearly a third of Wisconsin customers are behind on their utility bills.

To learn more about utility disconnections, visit the LIHEAP Clearinghouse State Disconnection Policies web page.

Source: media reports