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March 2009 Customer Connection

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

Need Help With Heating Bills?

Around this time of the year, many people find themselves having trouble paying their heating bills.

January and February are among the winter's coldest months, and for many, keeping up with bills becomes increasingly difficult. But there is help. If you're having trouble paying your bill, give Wisconsin Public Service a call at 800-450-7280. WPS has a variety of ways to help make paying your winter heating bill a little easier.

With one call, we'll be glad to talk about the billing and payment programs that may be available to you. Budget Billing makes it easier to budget for heating expenses by allowing you to pay the same monthly amounts all year. We can also discuss special payment arrangements.

Additionally, we can provide information on energy assistance programs that will pay a portion of your home heating costs if you qualify. But we have to hear from you first. Call 24-Hour Customer Service at 800-450-7280. Make the right call today.

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More Energy Assistance For WI Homeowners

More Energy Assistance For WI Homeowners

More Wisconsin residents may now be eligible for Targeted Home Performance with ENERGY STAR,® an energy assistance program from Focus on Energy.

By participating, Wisconsin homeowners with limited-incomes receive upgrades that will make their homes more energy-efficient and affordable.

The program is currently seeking applications from families with incomes between 150 and 250 percent of the poverty level, up from the past maximum of 200 percent. For 2009, that means a family of four with a maximum annual income of $53,000.

Targeted Home Performance with ENERGY STAR offers qualifying homeowners a no-cost energy evaluation performed by a qualified program provider. Depending on the results of the evaluation, improvements may include adding insulation, finding and eliminating drafts, replacing an inefficient heating system, installing compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) and more.

Best of all, because Targeted Home Performance with ENERGY STAR pays 90 percent of the costs of the energy efficiency improvements, program participants have a tremendous opportunity to improve the energy efficiency of their homes at minimal cost.

Wisconsin homeowners wishing to apply for Targeted Home Performance with ENERGY STAR are encouraged to call Focus on Energy at 800-762-7077 or visit www.focusonenergy.com to download an application.

*This offer is available to Wisconsin residents who get their energy from Wisconsin Public Service. WPS is a partner in Focus on Energy, a public-private partnership offering energy information and services to energy utility customers in Wisconsin.

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Farm Show '09

EAA Grounds, Oshkosh, WI
March 31-April 2, 2009
Free Admission

For nearly half a century, the Wisconsin Public Service Farm Show has been a showcase for innovations in agricultural machinery, equipment, practices and services. For 2009, the show promises even more.

Over 350 vendors and exhibitors will be on hand, showing their latest wares and offering seminars and workshops to attendees from Wisconsin, Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Minnesota, Illinois and Canada.

Bring the whole family to this fun and educational event.

For more information, Wisconsin Public Service Farm Show or call 24-Hour Customer Service at 800-450-7280.

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Stay Safe with Portable Electric Generators

When power outages occur, portable generators can be a great convenience. But, like any power source, they must be installed and used properly. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and these important safety tips:

Selection
The portable generator you use should be the correct size, with a slightly larger output than the power level needed to operate all the equipment that it is connected to. Inappropriate generator size could damage connected equipment or the generator itself.
Connection
Do not connect a portable generator directly to a building's wiring or plug the generator into an electrical outlet. This is extremely dangerous to utility line mechanics repairing downed power lines and to the generator and appliances plugged into the generator. Have a licensed electrician install a transfer switch to isolate the building wiring from the utility distribution system.
Cords
Use the properly sized and rated power cords to connect equipment to the portable generator. Use heavy-duty, outdoor-rated, grounded extension cords that are in good shape.
Refueling
Never refuel an operating or hot generator. Gasoline spilled on a hot engine could ignite. Keep a fully charged fire extinguisher near the generator.
Children
Keep children away from all portable generators at all times.

Find even more at Safety for Homes.

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Recipe Corner: Seafood Chowder

Servings: 12
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 60 minutes

Add vegetables to a large stock pot with just enough water to cover. Cook until about ¾ done. Skim top with spoon. Add clam juice, half & half and base. Reduce heat and bring to a slow rolling boil.

Melt margarine and add a pinch of parsley and enough flour to make a thick paste (almost dry); whisk until smooth. Add margarine and flour mixture to pot gradually until desired thickness. Add clams and shrimp last so they don't get tough.

Salt and pepper to taste. Finish with a little parsley.

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