The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin is reminding residents that Wisconsin law prohibits a utility from disconnecting electrical service from occupied dwelling units when a heat advisory, heat warning or heat emergency issued by the National Weather Service is in effect.
The commission issued a news release Monday to alert consumers that an extreme heat advisory has been issued for the area.
According to the news release, a utility must make reasonable attempts to reconnect service to an occupied dwelling that has been disconnected for nonpayment. To do so, an occupant must state that there is a potential threat to health or life that results from the combination of the heat and loss of services.
The utility may require that an occupant produce a licensed physician’s statement or notice from a public health, social service, or law enforcement official which identifies the medical emergency for the occupant, the news release says.
Once a heat advisory, heat warning or heat emergency expires, the utility may disconnect service to a property that was reconnected during this period if a payment arrangement has not been established.
If you have questions, contact the Public Service Commission Consumer Affairs Bureau at 1-800-225-7729.
More information about the Utility Customer Bill of Rights is available on the PSC website.
Jonathan Aguilar is a visual journalist at Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service who is supported through a partnership between CatchLight Local and Report for America.
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