Media Contact: Steve Schultz (608) 458-3285
Convenient self service options are among the available choices for customers
MADISON, WI – Wisconsin Power and Light Company (WPL), an Alliant Energy company, encourages customers who are not current on their utility bills to take advantage of any of our various payment options now, before the moratorium on shut offs ends April 15.
“We understand our customers find many different demands placed on them in today’s environment,” says Tim Heinrich, Director of Customer Support Services for Alliant Energy. “We want customers to know we offer a number of bill payment options to ease this burden and assist them in staying current on their utility bill.”
One of the most attractive payment options is the minimum payment option which is available again this year. In April, this option reflects a payment of 30% of the account balance to avoid disconnection. The percentage increases by 10% each month through July and remains at 60% through September. Customers electing this option will find it is the minimum monthly amount required to ensure a continuation of service.
Due to the significant call volume that occurs this time of year, WPL reminds customers they can avoid waiting on hold using any of our convenient self-service options available at alliantenergy.com/paymybill or by using self-service payment options on the automated phone system by calling 1-800-327-2708. Choosing one of these options may also save time, as customer service representatives may be busy assisting other customers before they’re able to answer your call.
Among the payment options available to customers are:
* Online payment – All you need to make an instant online payment is your Alliant Energy utility account number and your bank account information. Visit our instant online payment page at alliantenergy.com/paymybill. This is a free service to customers.
* Pay by phone – Call 1-800-ALLIANT (1-800-255-4268) and follow the easy instructions in the interactive speech system. Have your Alliant Energy utility account number and your bank account information handy. This is a free service to customers.
* Easy Pay – You can have your utility bill payment automatically deducted from your bank account every month. You’ll need your Alliant Energy utility account number and bank account information when you call. This is a free service to customers.
* Your e-Bill – Allows you to review and pay your bill online every month. You can enroll through the Your Account site at alliantenergy.com/youraccount. Have your Alliant Energy utility account number and your bank account information handy. This is a free service to customers.
* Budget Billing – Alliant Energy calculates your average bill based on your current account balance, current fuel costs, anticipated fuel cost changes and the past 12 months of energy usage at your home. The budget bill amount is reviewed and adjusted, up or down, every six months. This is a free service for customers.
* Western Union® Convenience Pay® – For just $1.00 you can pay your Alliant Energy utility bill with cash, check or money order at any Western Union® Convenience Pay® location. To find the nearest Convenience Pay location, call 1-800-551-8001.
* Western Union® Speedpay® – Call 1-877-429-4126 or visit alliantenergy.com/paymybill to pay using your credit card or checking account. Western Union does charge a transaction fee for this service.
If you do want to speak to someone in person, call 1-800-327-2708 to speak to one of our customer service representatives. Since this is a busy time of year for everyone, Alliant Energy encourages you to use the call back technology if you experience a wait when calling our customer service number. This feature provides you with the option to schedule a callback at a time more convenient for you or provides you with the option for us to call you back automatically when it is your turn.
It’s important to remember that energy assistance funds are still available for qualified individuals and families through the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP). The program provides dollars to moderate and low income level households to help pay a portion of their winter gas or electric bills.
To obtain energy assistance, qualified Wisconsin residents can apply to their local county energy assistance agency for WHEAP funds through May 15, 2010. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible by calling 1-866-432-8947 to locate the nearest county agency that provides energy assistance funds or visit homeenergyplus.wi.gov. Qualification for energy assistance is not based on whether someone is behind on their energy bills or rents versus owning a home.
