New program launched this year to provide further assistance to eligible customers
Contact: Christine Ouellette
Sr. Media Relations Representative-Wisconsin/Michigan
1414 W. Hamilton Ave Eau Claire, WI 54701
Media Line: 715.737.2565
E: chris.ouellette@xcelenergy.com
Eau Claire, Wis. (April 6, 2026) — As the annual winter moratorium on utility disconnections comes to an end on April 15, Xcel Energy is reminding qualified customers that help is available through the company’s new Residential Arrears Assistance Program (RAAP) and other payment assistance options.
The winter moratorium, which runs from Nov. 1 through April 15, prohibits the disconnection of residential heating service due to nonpayment. Customers who remain past due after April 15 and do not have payment arrangements in place may be at risk of disconnection.
To support customers facing financial hardship, Xcel Energy launched RAAP in 2026, a pilot arrears forgiveness program approved by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin last year. The program provides a one‑time annual bill credit to eligible residential customers who received assistance through the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) and continue to carry a qualifying past‑due balance following the heating season.
“RAAP is designed to help customers reduce outstanding balances, stabilize their accounts, and move forward with more manageable payment options,” said Karl Hoesly, president, Xcel Energy-Wisconsin and Michigan. “With the moratorium ending soon, now is the time for customers to reach out and explore the assistance available to them.”
Xcel Energy customers who need help paying their bills should call 1-800-895-4999, and customer representatives will help set up payment arrangements and also refer them to the appropriate agencies to determine if they’re eligible for assistance
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About Xcel Energy
Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) is a leading energy provider, dedicated to serving millions of customers with excellence. We make energy work better for customers, helping them thrive every day. That means always raising the bar — delivering better service and providing more reliable, resilient and sustainable energy.
We are committed to leading the clean energy transition, meeting our customers’ need for more, cleaner power, while keeping bills as low as possible. Because the people we serve depend on us to power their lives.
With our Wisconsin/Michigan headquarters in Eau Claire, Wis., we work every day to generate and distribute electricity and gas to customers across northwest Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula. For more information, visit xcelenergy.comor follow us on X, and Facebook.
