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February 2009 Customer Connection

The following topics were covered in your issue of February's Customer Connection:

Educational Guide to Natural Gas

Natural gas is a clean-burning, low-cost source of energy used to heat homes, generate electricity and power factories all over our country. Much of America's natural gas comes from the south, southwest, and Canada, all transported by a network of underground pipelines. Natural gas is also stored in rock formations and piped to other locations when needed. Because the pipelines are out of sight, we want to tell you about some important safety tips that could save your life.

Facts About Natural Gas

Natural gas is almost 40 percent lighter than air, so it rises and quickly spreads out in open areas. In an enclosed room or building, natural gas first displaces air at ceiling level, and then it moves down towards the floor.

Natural gas is not toxic. However, large concentrations of natural gas will displace air in enclosed spaces and suffocation can occur. Natural gas cannot burn by itself. For it to burn, natural gas must be mixed with a precise amount of air. It must have an ignition source, such as a pilot light, a lighted match or an electric arc from a light switch, motor, doorbell or telephone.

If natural gas does ignite, let it burn. Do not attempt to put out the flame until the source of gas is eliminated. Natural gas is not liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). LPGs, such as propane, are different from natural gas because they are heavier than air and collect in low places.

What To Do If You Smell Natural Gas

It's important to be alert for the distinctively unpleasant odor of natural gas. If the gas odor is strong, don't look for the source of the gas leak. Get out immediately! Do not light a match, do not turn lights or appliances on or off and do not use the telephone. Instead, go to a neighbor's house and call Wisconsin Public Service's emergency line: 800-450-7280 (we will respond promptly at no charge).

Signs Of A Natural Gas Leak Include:

Gas And Pipeline Permanent Markers

Gas And Pipeline Permanent Markers

Gas and pipeline transmission companies use the following types of permanent markers to indicate the presence of gas lines in the area. These markers usually are not set over the pipeline but are used to indicate gas pipelines are in the area.

How Do You Locate Buried Piping?

Before starting any project that involves digging, the buried gas piping must be located in advance. Call 811 and ask to have the pipeline and all other facilities located; this service is free. Allow three full working days for utility companies to respond and locate all facilities in the area.

The paint and/or flag markings put on the ground by the gas utility company may be relied on to give the approximate location of the facilities. Remember, hand exposure of all facilities is required. Never assume that your equipment won't hit the facilities because you think they are located at a greater depth.

Questions? Call 800-450-7260.

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Enhanced Online Self-Service Options Offer Convenience and Speed

Wisconsin Public Service has made it easier than ever to help yourself — at your convenience.

We offer many services online, so you can find the best options for you anytime — day or night. Find the services you need quickly and easily:

Budget Billing
Designed to help you keep your energy bills manageable year 'round, this program divides your estimated energy cost into 12 equal payments. Find out your monthly Budget amount and enroll online.
Payment Arrangements
Schedule monthly payments to fit your needs and bring your account up to date.
Payment Locations
WPS has multiple payment locations where you can conveniently pay your bill. Search online by ZIP code for a location near you.
Immediate Payment
Pay your bill with your credit card, debit card or checking account today! There is a small service fee to process the transaction.
Update Account Information
Change your contact information (address, phone number and contact method) online, quickly and easily.

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Do You Qualify for the Earned Income Credit?

Find out about the special tax benefit for people who work.

If you worked full- or part-time at some point in 2008, you may be eligible for the federal Earned Income Credit (EIC). This is a special tax credit that offers additional refunds to those who fall into one of the following categories:

Apply for Your EIC

Families with qualifying children in their home in 2008 should file federal tax return Forms 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ, and attach Schedule EIC. Workers without qualifying children do not need to file the EIC form.

For more information or to find out how you can get your forms filled out for free, call the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) at 800-829-1040.

EIC Advance Payment

If you were raising a child in your home in 2008, you may also be able to boost each paycheck during the year with advance EIC. Get form W-5 from your employer or call 800-829-3676.

State EIC

If you qualify to claim EIC on your federal income tax return, you also may be eligible for a similar credit on your state or local income tax return.

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When it Comes to Your Payments, You Deserve Options

Wisconsin Public Service gives you plenty of ways to make paying your monthly bill faster, easier and a lot more convenient — all at no charge.

Budget Billing
Budget Billing spreads your energy charges out evenly over the coming year, helping you better manage energy costs. No matter how much energy you use, you'll know you'll be paying the same amount every month for 11 months.* Then, your bill for the 12th month will include any difference between what you paid and the actual cost of the energy you used throughout the year.
 
*At the sixth month, your payment amount may be adjusted to more closely reflect your actual use.
e-Bill
e-Bill replaces paper bills with an entirely electronic billing and payment process. Just log in to your account at the WPS Web site, view your current charges, and when you're ready, pay your bill through your bank account with a click of a button.
QuickCheck
QuickCheck eliminates monthly payment tasks with an automatic withdrawal from your bank account. Have your bill paid automatically on the date you specify every month.
Immediate Payment
Immediate Payment lets you use your credit or debit card, or checking account to pay your WPS bill instantly by phone or online, 24 hours-a-day.**
 
**A $3.95 service fee per transaction is charged by our bill-processing partner Bill Matrix.

You deserve options — and WPS has them.

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Recipe Corner: One-Pan Skillet Spaghetti

Brown hamburger, onion, and green pepper (drain grease). Stir in tomatoes and remaining ingredients (except cheese). Heat to boiling.

Reduce heat, cover and simmer for about ½ hour, stirring occasionally until done.

Sprinkle with cheese until melted.

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