We Energies — Business Customer Service: Comprehensive Guide for Commercial Accounts

Overview of We Energies business services

We Energies (part of WEC Energy Group) is the regulated electric and natural gas utility serving southeastern Wisconsin. For commercial and industrial customers the company provides metered distribution service, large-customer transmission delivery, tariffed rate schedules, interconnection for on-site generation, demand-response programs, and a suite of energy efficiency incentives. The utility operates under the oversight of the Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSCW), which approves tariffs, cost recovery and large rate cases — the most recent full-rate case affecting commercial customers was decided in the 2020–2022 period with phase-in provisions in 2021 and 2022.

Business accounts vary from small retail stores on standard commercial schedules to large manufacturing customers with custom contracts. Typical business priorities handled by We Energies business customer service include: account setup and credit screening, meter and service upgrades, rate selection and tariff interpretation, outage coordination, interconnection and distributed generation arrangements, and managing energy-efficiency or demand response participation. Most business interactions are routed through a dedicated business customer center and an online business portal.

Customer service channels and expected response

We Energies offers multiple channels for business customers: a dedicated business customer phone line, an online business portal for account management and billing, email support, and project teams for new service or large construction. The main We Energies website for business customers is https://www.we-energies.com/business where customers can open accounts, view tariffs, submit service requests and access forms (service applications, line extension agreements, interconnection applications).

Typical service-level expectations: routine billing or account questions are usually answered within 1–3 business days; new service quotes, make-ready estimates and line-extension engineering take longer — expect 10–30 business days for preliminary estimates and 30–90+ days for job completion depending on required construction, permitting and third-party coordination. For time-sensitive projects request a written project schedule and milestone dates from the utility project manager.

Billing, rates and deposits — what businesses should know

Commercial rates are governed by explicit tariff schedules that specify customer charge, demand charge (per kW), energy charge (per kWh), and applicable riders (fuel adjustment, transmission cost, taxes). Small commercial schedules typically combine a monthly customer charge ($10–50 range depending on voltage/service class) plus volumetric energy charges; larger customers pay significant demand charges which can exceed $8–15 per kW-month for certain classes. Because tariffs change with PSCW filings, review the current tariff book on the We Energies business web pages before modeling costs.

Credit requirements and security deposits: commercial accounts commonly require either a business credit check, a guaranty, or a cash deposit. A standard deposit calculation is based on 1–3 months of expected billing (commonly two months’ estimated bill) but can be adjusted for seasonal loads or credit history. Payment options include ACH/e-bill, online bill pay, paper checks and third-party billing systems (EDI or electronic invoicing for larger customers). If you need payment arrangements, request a written repayment plan; typical negotiated plans run 3–6 months.

New service, upgrades and construction coordination

For new service requests or capacity upgrades (transformer changes, new feeders, service to a new facility), start with the business service application found at we-energies.com/business under “New Service/Construction.” You will be asked to provide site address, single-line diagrams for larger loads, estimated in-service date, load profile (kW and kWh by month), and contact information for construction managers. Expect an initial engineering estimate (preliminary) within 10–15 business days for standard projects; custom industrial interconnections require detailed relay and protection studies and may take 60–120 days.

Cost responsibility is key: customers pay for certain make-ready work, transformers and service lines per the tariff. We Energies typically provides a detailed estimate and a cost-share agreement for line extensions; ask for an itemized cost sheet and a written schedule. For jobs requiring street/open-trench work, plan for permitting with municipal authorities — include utility project lead in early coordination to avoid delays. If adding on-site generation or battery storage, use the interconnection application process and request a study to determine distribution upgrades and potential standby rate impacts.

Outages, emergencies and reliability expectations

Business customers must have clear emergency procedures: immediate hazards (gas odor or safety issues) should be reported by phone and to local emergency services. For planned outages (maintenance, system upgrades) We Energies provides advance notices; for unplanned outages the utility publishes estimated restoration times on its outage map at we-energies.com/outages. Large commercial or critical-facility customers should register critical-customer contacts so the utility can prioritize coordination during widespread events.

Reliability metrics: distribution systems commonly target SAIFI/SAIDI metrics consistent with regional reliability levels; while exact numbers vary by year, commercial customers should expect single-event interruptions during major storms. If your facility cannot tolerate interruptions, discuss backup power, automatic transfer switches, and negotiated service options — some large customers can contract for firm service or alternative arrangements under special contracts.

Energy efficiency, demand response and incentives

We Energies administers business energy-efficiency programs that include prescriptive rebates (lighting, HVAC, controls), custom performance-based incentives for measured savings, and technical assistance. Typical prescriptive rebates can range from $5–$50 per qualifying fixture/product; custom projects often receive incentives paying 30–70% of calculated installation incremental costs, capped per customer-year. Incentive pools and eligibility criteria are updated annually — verify current program catalogs and application forms at we-energies.com/business/efficient.

Demand-response programs offer payments or bill credits for load reduction during system peak events; participation may require a load curtailment test and telemetric verification. For larger customers consider enrolling in emergency load reduction programs or capacity-focused demand response to offset billing demand charges and to earn incentive payments during declared events.

• Key contacts and resources: We Energies business portal — https://www.we-energies.com/business; general business customer inquiries: check your bill or the website for the most current phone line; corporate headquarters (WEC Energy Group): 231 W Michigan St, Milwaukee, WI 53203; Wisconsin regulatory info: PSCW at psc.wi.gov.
• Practical checklist for new commercial service: 1) Complete online service application with single-line and load profile; 2) Request preliminary estimate and schedule; 3) Obtain permits and utility easements early; 4) Negotiate payment and deposit terms; 5) Confirm energization date and test procedures with We Energies inspector.

Escalation, disputes and regulatory avenues

If account-level issues are unresolved, escalate to the We Energies business customer center manager and request a written action plan. For billing disputes request a detailed billing audit and meter test; utilities typically permit a single meter accuracy test per X months (refer to tariff for specific meter testing charges and procedures). If internal escalation fails, customers in Wisconsin may file a complaint with the PSCW (psc.wi.gov) which mediate and, if necessary, adjudicate disputes.

Document everything: keep written communications, estimates, project schedules and meters’ serial numbers. For large projects retain an independent electrical engineer to validate utility estimates and to review protective-device settings and system impact studies. Clear contracts, well-documented scopes and early coordination with We Energies minimize schedule slips and unexpected cost allocation.

How do you contact energy?

If you need to speak with us, simply phone us on 0800 641 502 between 8am – 6pm Monday to Friday or 8am – 4pm Saturday (excluding public holidays). Find out what to do if: you can’t pay your bill. your direct debit has bounced.

Is Entergy 24 hour customer service?

Report an outage or emergency – Representatives are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Residential Customer Service – Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Business Customer Service – Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

How late can you be on your electric bill before they shut it off in Wisconsin?

Although it is illegal for your Wisconsin utility company to shut off your utilities during the winter season from November 1st – April 15th, you risk disconnection if you cannot pay your current bill, plus your overdue amount, in full by April 15th.

How do I call We Energies in Wisconsin?

Get everyone out of the house immediately and call 800-261-5325 from a safe location. Do not email if you have a power outage or need to report a downed power line. Report an outage online or call 800-662-4797.

Is We Energies 24 hour customer service?

Business customers: 800-714-7777 • Weekdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Messages: Read messages about your account, including changes to rates and programs. Account summary: Compare this month’s summary to the previous month and year.
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What happens if I pay we energies late?

If your monthly bills are not paid on time, you may incur late payment charges, and it may become necessary to remove you from the plan. Do you offer any other programs that could make paying my energy bills easier? Yes, we do.