The Wisconsin Public Service Commission will not allow public utilities to end service to delinquent customers until at least October 1st. In an explanation of the decision, the PSC said it is between a rock and a hard place. On one side of the equation is a survey of large utilities, including Wisconsin Public Service, which serves parts of the Door Peninsula that reveals that in some areas, 33% of customers behind on their bills. On the other hand, continuing to force utilities to provide service to customers who aren’t paying threatens to harm their bottom line, and that could mean higher rates for those who are paying. Sturgeon Bay Utilities General Manager Jim Stawicki says the picture is a bit brighter locally.

Stawicki says the rate is lower than the last recession of 2008-2009. 

Photo courtesy of Sturgeon Bay Utilities website.