Still struggling with a certain Milwaukee energy company? We are back to continue with five more WE Energies secrets to improve your budget and even your credit. Some large companies have a way of making us feel forgotten about when we don't understand or don't feel as though we have access to their resources. But with some digging, we discovered 5 more secrets to help you get you back on top of your energy bills...
5. There Are Assistance Programs That Can Help Pay Part Of Your Bill
The Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program, through the United Migrant Opportunity Services, provides 230,000 Wisconsin households annually energy bill subsidizes. To qualify, your household income must be at or below 60% of the median Wisconsin household income. If you qualify, there are a few different assistance programs that may be available for your family. The WHEAP program includes one-time heating season payments, crisis assistance, and furnace repair or replacement assistance. Your application for WHEAP will also be reviewed by The Wisconsin's Weatherization Assistance Program, and could help you with weatherization services depending on your home's condition. For more information visit the HomeEnergy+ website or call 1-866-HEATWIS (432-8947).
6. You Can Save Money and Energy With Discounted Upgrades
You can also save money and energy with the Focus on Energy program. If you qualify, the owner of the property may be able to receive discounts on home insulation, air-sealing, and even a furnace. This benefits the occupant because if the home is more efficient, it will take less energy to heat, therefore decreasing the costs of your total energy bill. The application must be submitted by the tenants, not the landlord or owner. Download applications on the Focus on Energy website.
7. You Can Repair Your Credit With A Repayment Plan
For those of you who have had trouble with your WE Energies account in the past, find strength in knowing that WE Energies offers Repayment Plans, which if followed can stop the negative reporting to your credit and begin to improve your credit.
WE Energies has a few repayment plan options, but their most common is their basic repayment plan. These plans are on an individual basis per the amount of delinquent money you owe. To set up your plan...
- Call We Energies and select “Collections and past due accounts” from the prompts, and then ask to set up a repayment plan.
- A required down payment must be made to start your repayment plan, which is based on your past due balance. currently, the down payment requirement is 30% of the total owed balance, (Example: if you owe $1,000, your down payment would be $300). A confirmation letter should be mailed to you after your initial down payment has been made.
- The leftover past due balance (after the down payment is made) can be spread over a maximum of 24 months and added to your regular monthly bill.
Most importantly, once you are on a pay agreement and current, WE Energies will no longer report negatively to your credit report. In fact, it begins to report positive and can be the foundation to build your credit for the future. START YOUR REPAYMENT TODAY!
Credit Tip: working on your credit but looking to get started on your home-ownership journey right away?
8. Get Your Way, By Being Nice
Frankly, customer service reps have a challenging job, where all day long they are listening to complaints. Make that rep feel cheerful and they will likely go the extra mile for you. Ask them how their day is going and let them know you appreciate their help.
In any case, if you feel you aren't getting anywhere, you can always get off the phone and take a breather. Then, call back and you will likely get another representative. Each person you speak with will have a different perspective on your situation, and some may be more willing to help than others. You can also ask to have your call escalated and speak with a supervisor. Of course, maintaining a cheerful attitude still applies; treat others like you want to be treated!
9. Resolve Tougher Issues With The Better Business Bureau (BBB)
If you are still having an issue, consider resolving your complaint through the Better Business Bureau, since WE Energies seems to favor their image on the BBB (almost all of their complaints have been settled on the BBB). This may be a great option for you if you're getting the run around with customer service: to file a complaint click here.
While these secrets may be hard to find and even harder to navigate, WE Energies has a wealth of educational material on their website and links to many additional resources. Digging around on their website or subscribing to their social media feed can give you quick access to some of this information. You can also give them a call them to find out more.
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At Strong Blocks, we offer a 21 month rent-to-own program to help you build your credit for a home mortgage and accomplish your dreams. Want to learn more about rent to own? Click here to read How to do Milwaukee Rent to Own right.
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Written by Mary Leach-Sumlin, Any House Realty
Mary Leach-Sumlin is the owner/Broker of Any House Realty, which she founded in 2017. Prior to launching her own real estate firm, Mary was a Realtor for ACTS Housing since 2007, and then the Managing Broker. She has an office located inside St. Martin de Porres Parish on 2nd and Burleigh. She holds the Accredited Buyer's Representative designation. She has helped more than 200 families achieve their homeownership dreams. You can email her at mary@anyhouserealty.com
