LA CROSSE (WEAU) - The moratorium for the heating season has ended. Anyone who has fallen behind on their utility bills will be disconnected.

According to Xcel Energy, there are thousands of thousands of people behind on their heating bill in Western Wisconsin.

“Right now 34 thousand customers with Xcel Energy are behind on their bill over 31 days,” said Xcel Energy Community Service Manager, Mike Herro.

As a result from the warm winter heating bills are down this year for Xcel by 18 %. But the number of people not paying their bills on time has stayed the same.

“We had such a warm winter we would’ve expected to see a large decrease in the number of people behind. We did see a slight decrease but not anywhere near 20 %," said Herro.

Anyone who is behind on their bills can call their utility company and make arrangements.

If the heat is cut off and needs to be turned back on the Public Service Commission can help.

(Scroll to the bottom for the numbers the Public Service Commission number.)

Utility companies are required to give notice before they shut off the power. Customers of Xcel that are behind will be notified in the next couple weeks.

Currently the company is owed 8 million dollars from unpaid customers.

Xcel Energy : 1-800-895-4999

Public Service Commission Consumer Affairs
Toll free : 1-800-225-7729
Madison Area: 608-266-2001