Electric and gas bills can change a lot during a Milwaukee winter. A late balance can also make it harder to rent or buy a home. These four tips can help you stay ahead of the bill. The next guide has tips 5 through 9.
1. Know what the bill can do to your credit
Paying a utility bill on time does not usually build your normal credit reports. Most utility companies do not send regular on-time payments to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
An unpaid bill is different. If it is sent to a collection company, it can show on your credit reports. Utility companies may also use a separate report when they decide whether to ask for a deposit. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau explains the difference (opens in a new tab).
Strong Blocks also checks utility debt. A gas or electric balance that is more than 90 days late can block approval. You may still qualify if you have a payment plan and made the first payment. Read all of the rules we check before you apply.
2. Use automatic payment only if it fits your budget
Automatic payment can keep a busy month from becoming a missed bill. We Energies can take the payment from a checking or savings account on the due date.
Check the amount and the first payment date when you sign up. Keep paying another way until you know the automatic plan is active. Make sure the money will be in your account on the due date.
See the current choices on the We Energies payment-options page (opens in a new tab).
3. Ask about past energy use before you move
You can ask the utility for an estimate at a new address. The estimate may use average energy use or the highest and lowest bills from the past 12 months.
Use it as a guide, not a promise. An empty home, a mild winter, old windows, a new furnace, and the last resident's thermostat can all change the number. Your household may use more or less.
When you move, use the current start, stop, or move service page (opens in a new tab).
4. Smooth out the seasons with Budget Billing
Budget Billing spreads the estimated cost of one year across 12 monthly bills. This can make winter costs easier to plan for.
The amount is not fixed forever. We Energies reviews it every 6 months. At month 12, the bill includes the difference between what you paid and what the energy really cost. If you are behind, you must first set up and keep a payment plan.
Read the current Budget Billing questions and answers (opens in a new tab) before you sign up.
If you are behind, ask for help before shutoff is close.
Wisconsin does not allow a utility to disconnect service that provides or affects a home's main heat from November 1 through April 15. This winter rule does not erase the debt. It also does not reconnect service that was already off.
Do not wait for April 15. Ask We Energies about a payment plan or energy help as soon as you know you cannot pay the full bill. Start with its current payment and energy-help page (opens in a new tab).
Read tips 5 through 9, including energy help and payment plans.
Want to know if this program could work for you?