As part of its responsibility to serve its customers, Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) works every day to keep bills as low as possible. No one wants to see the higher natural gas costs that are occurring around the world.

Unfortunately, the bitter cold weather in mid and late December, along with continued worldwide natural gas prices spikes, has caused heating bills to rise.

What customers can do

Any customer concerned about their bill is encouraged to contact WPS right away to discuss bill payment options and energy assistance. Customers who have seen a sudden increase in their bill may benefit from Budget Billing, which eliminates the seasonal variations in energy bills.

WPS understands this increase may be challenging for some customers. In order to help customers in the greatest need, WPS donated $4 million to the Keep Wisconsin Warm/Cool Fund last year. This program provides direct financial assistance to help qualifying customers pay their utility bill.

Significant federal and state assistance is also available. Wisconsin customers are expected to be eligible for more than $145 million in low-income heating assistance this heating season.

Customers can connect with the company 24 hours a day online, through the WPS app or by calling 800-450-7260.

Managing energy use

Customers can take steps to manage their energy use by scheduling an annual furnace tuneup, sealing gaps around windows and doors, and turning down their thermostats when they are away or asleep. Visit the WPS website for more low- and no-cost energy-saving tips.

Steps we take to help customers

The price of natural gas in 2022 was more than three times what it was in 2020. This increase is mainly due to tight supplies as well as a worldwide increase in demand for natural gas.

Because of the expected impact on heating bills, WPS has been proactively informing and preparing customers since early fall 2022.

While the price of natural gas is influenced by worldwide events, WPS uses a proactive, multipronged approach to make sure customers have the reliable and affordable energy they need, while limiting the impact of sudden price changes. The company buys and stores gas when it is typically lower priced, locks in guaranteed natural gas contracts at fixed prices and purchases gas in the spot market.

WPS does not profit on the natural gas it purchases — you pay the same price for natural gas that the company pays.

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