Press Release

Utility moratorium on disconnections ends April 1 in Iowa

Customers behind on bills encouraged to use convenient self service payment options

Cedar Rapids, Iowa – March 29, 2010 – Interstate Power and Light Company (IPL), an Alliant Energy company, encourages customers who are not current on their utility bills to take action prior to April 1, by utilizing one of the many available payment options, including the self service options, or talking to a customer service representative by calling 1-800-327-2708 to work out a payment arrangement.

As of February 26, 2010, approximately 27,500 IPL customers are 60 days or more in arrears, up slightly from last year. The total dollar amount owed is more than $5.4 million, down about $175,000 from last year. If customers make no attempt to pay their bills and do not attempt to set up a payment plan, they may be subject to disconnection after April 1st.

“We understand that our customers have a number of demands placed on them in the current economic environment,” says Tim Heinrich, Director of Customer Support Services for Alliant Energy. “We want them to know that we understand and that we offer a number of payment options to ease that burden. We will work out payment arrangements for our customers on a case-by-case basis.”

Among the free payment options available to customers are:

• Online payment – All you need to make an instant online payment is your Alliant Energy utility account number and your bank account information. Visit our instant online payment page at alliantenergy.com/paymybill.
• Pay by phone – Call 1-800-ALLIANT (1-800-255-4268) and follow the easy instructions in the interactive speech system. Have your Alliant Energy utility account number and your bank account information handy.
• Easy Pay – You can have your utility bill payment automatically deducted from your bank account every month. You’ll need your Alliant Energy utility account number and bank account information when you call.
• Your e-Bill – Allows you to review and pay your bill online every month. You can enroll through the Your Account site at alliantenergy.com/youraccount. Have your Alliant Energy utility account number and your bank account information handy.
• Budget Billing – Alliant Energy calculates your average bill based on your current account balance, current fuel costs, anticipated fuel cost changes and the past 12 months of energy usage at your home. The budget bill amount is reviewed and adjusted, up or down, every six months. 

“In addition to the payment options we offer, we can also help our customers get in touch with their community action agencies which distribute energy assistance dollars,” Heinrich adds.

To obtain energy assistance, qualified utility customers can apply for LIHEAP funds until April 30, 2010. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible. For more information on where or how to apply for LIHEAP funds, people can contact their local community action agency or visit www.dcaa.iowa.gov  and click on “Bureau of Energy Assistance.”  Eligibility for energy assistance is not based on whether someone is behind on their energy bills, rent or owns their home.

IPL also has customer service representatives who are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to discuss payment options. To make payment arrangements, call 1-800-327-2708.

Media Contact: Scott Drzycimski, (319) 786-7550