#FridayGiving: We Energies helps bring the Streets of Old Milwaukee to life

The Milwaukee Public Museum has reopened to the public. If you’re planning a trip, make sure to visit the Streets of Old Milwaukee.

From the immersive street car to Granny in her rocking chair to Abby the cat (have you found her yet?), the exhibit always wows visitors. We Energies is proud to support the popular reimagined exhibit through a multi-year financial pledge.

We believe it’s important to support community organizations and businesses in our service area – including museums, art groups and certain sport franchises – all of which bring an economic benefit to the communities we serve and contribute to our quality of life.

If you haven’t seen the new Streets of Old Milwaukee, plan a trip today.

#FridayGiving

Since the early 1980s, We Energies has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in communities across the state.

Read more about our year-long effort to highlight some of the incredible organizations we support here. 

Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter to make sure you don’t miss any #FridayGiving posts.

#FridayGiving: Helping a Milwaukee family build their dream home

On a warm summer day in Milwaukee, volunteers from We Energies strapped on tool belts, helmets and masks and went to work building a house for Habitat for Humanity.

We Energies President Tom Metcalfe stopped by to thank the volunteers and help out with the build.

“We talk about heroes in the community, and I think We Energies has really stepped up here. We’re not only challenged by storms this time of year and the COVID-19 pandemic, but we’re still finding time to put our hearts and soul into some of these important projects,” Metcalfe said.

Over the course of two days, volunteers climbed ladders, hammered nails and sawed wood. Their efforts will help a family build a safe, affordable home.

 

“I could not be prouder of the association we have with Habitat for Humanity,” Metcalfe said. “It goes back 25 years we’ve been supporting this organization, not only with funding, but with volunteers who come out here – giving up their time - to work on these important projects.”

#FridayGiving

Since the early 1980s, We Energies has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in communities across the state.

Read more about our yearlong effort to highlight some of the incredible organizations we support here.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter to make sure you don’t miss any #FridayGiving posts.

Spartacus named new safe digging ‘ambassadog’

Dozens of dogs entered and almost 12,000 customers voted. On Aug. 11 (811 day), Spartacus, a 6-year-old, 6-pound Pomeranian from Caledonia, Wisconsin, was named our new safe digging “ambassadog”!

He may be little, but we’re giving him the huge responsibility of reminding our customers to call 811 at least three days before you dig.

Keep an eye out for Spartacus as part of our new ad campaign:

About 811

Whether you’re planting a garden or installing a fence, you could be putting yourself in danger if you strike an underground natural gas line or electrical cable. Contact 811 at least three days before you dig to have the location of buried utility lines marked — and to keep you and your family safe. 

Doggone it! Cast your vote for our next safe digging ‘ambassadog’

Voting is now underway to select the next star of We Energies’ safe digging campaign! The winner will help us promote an important safety message: Doggone it! Call 811 at least three days before you dig.

Dozens of We Energies customers submitted pictures of their pups — we’ve narrowed it down to 10 finalists.

Now, we’re giving you the “paw-some” responsibility of voting for the “ulti-mutt” winner. You can vote as many times as you like between now and Wednesday, Aug. 5.

We’ll reveal our new “ambassadog” Tuesday, Aug. 11 — 811 Day.

About 811

Whether you’re planting a garden or installing a fence, you could be putting yourself in danger if you strike an underground natural gas line or electrical cable. Contact 811 at least three days before you dig to have the location of buried utility lines marked — and to keep you and your family safe.

Paying it forward: We Energies group supports academic dreams for two local youths

We Energies employee members of the American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) – Wisconsin chapter recently presented scholarships to Derek Coleman and Taylor Jagers, two Milwaukee-area high school seniors. The scholarships are part of the group's participation in the Adopt a High School Senior Program.

The Adopt a High School Senior Program was started as a Facebook group dedicated to uplifting Wisconsin’s high school seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Coleman and Jagers are graduates of Golda Meir High School and both plan to attend Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC).

Coleman is part of the We Energies design apprenticeship program. “Growing up in Milwaukee is no easy task just like life itself,” Coleman said. “There were obstacles along the way that tried to distract and hinder me. It was my responsibility to myself to prevail over these obstacles. Milwaukee has prepared me for the world in the best way.” 

Derek Coleman received funds toward his future education. 

Jagers is pursuing a career in computer engineering. In her free time, she helps care for her disabled grandmother and enjoys listening to music, dancing and coming up with new cookie recipes with her mom. Jaegers says her favorite quote and words to live by are, “You never know until you try, so always give your best; and if you fail, try again.”

Coleman and Jagers each received $1,000 toward their future education. 

Taylor Jeagers (middle) was presented a scholarship
 from We Energies members of AABE-WI

AABE is a nonprofit professional organization that focuses on issues in the energy sector at the national level and serves as professional resources for its members. It promotes educating youth about careers in energy. Additionally, AABE members network on a national basis to help resolve workplace issues via sharing best practices and expertise. We Energies has 22 employees who participate in this organization.

#FridayGiving

Read more about our yearlong effort to highlight some of the incredible organizations we support here.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter to make sure you don’t miss any #FridayGiving posts.

Customers urged to stay connected

We Energies is urging customers who are behind on their energy bills to contact us as soon as possible to avoid disconnection. 

Disconnection is always a last resort 

If you are having trouble paying your bill, visit our website or call us at 800-842-4565. We are here to work with you to arrange a payment plan and connect you to financial assistance options. 

Energy assistance is available 

Some customers may qualify for energy assistance through the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP). This year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, customers have until Sept. 30 to apply. Additionally, income eligibility has been updated to make it easier for people who have been recently laid off. 

Simple ways to manage costs 

There are many ways to manage your energy costs at home and at work. Visit our website for a handy checklist. 

As always, if you have questions about your bill or think you might have trouble paying, call us at 800-842-4565.

Stay cool with these money-saving tips

To help you stay on the sunny side of life, we have some tips to help you save money on your summer energy bill. 

No cost 

Keep the sun out. Close blinds, shades and drapes on the sunny side of your home during the day to keep the house cooler. 

Adjust your thermostat. When at home, set it a few degrees higher to save energy. When you are away, adjust your thermostat 7 to 10 degrees higher than your normal setting for at least 8 hours a day. This can help you save 10% on your energy bill. 

Manage your energy costs with Budget Billing. Budget Billing spreads your annual charges more evenly over 12 months. 

Turn down the heat by delaying heat-producing activities such as cooking, drying and ironing until evenings or when the weather cools.

Leave thermostat’s fan switch on “auto” so the fan only runs when the furnace runs. Setting the fan to “on” causes it to run all the time.

Low cost 

Seal cracks and gaps around windows, doors and siding with caulk and weather stripping. This keeps cool air in and hot air out. 

Use standing fans, even if you have air conditioning. Circulating cool air makes it feel cooler. 

Install a programmable thermostat for your comfort and convenience. It can adjust the air conditioning for times you typically are away and times you typically are home. You also can program it to reduce cooling when you go to sleep and turn it back up before you wake up in the morning. 

Schedule regular tune-ups for your air conditioner. Seasonal maintenance keeps equipment running safely and efficiently, and saves money in the long run.