UPPCO encourages customers to make payments

ISHPEMING — The end of winter means that people who are behind on their utility payments are more likely to have their service disconnected soon if payments or arrangements are not made.

The Upper Peninsula Power Company (UPPCO) along with other utility services are allowed to disconnect service in Michigan during the winter months, but many choose not to. That seasonal grace period is almost over, and customers behind on their payments need to act soon.

“It’s important for the public to know at this point that we need to have them call our office if they’re behind on their bills,” said Director of Customer Service Jodi Formolo, “many customers over the winter get behind, they struggle with their winter heating bills in a lot of cases. We encourage them to call us, if they do need assistance, there is assistance available for those who are income eligible. They can just dial 211 to find out what assistance is available in the county they’re in.”

UPPCO reports that just shy of 3,000 of its customers are four months or more behind on their utility bills. While the number of customers past due is about the same, the amount they owe is slightly higher than last year. The customers who contact the power company early to make arrangements may find that they are more flexible with payment options than those who wait.