Monday, July 16, 2012

Environmental team helps preserve a community treasure

Our Environmental department recently volunteered to assist Keep Greater Milwaukee Beautiful, an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful Inc.

Volunteering took place at Milwaukee’s Lynden Hill Urban Teach Responsible Environmental Education (TREE) House, located at North 22nd Street and West McKinley Avenue in Milwaukee. The area is a green space used to help urban children learn the value of natural resources. There are gardens for local kids to come and plant vegetables. Lynden Hill Urban TREE House plans to have classes for the kids to learn how to make meals out of the things they grow. The property has a rich local history. The site was the location of the residence of Milwaukee’s first mayor, women’s rights activities, orphanages and hospitals dating to the 1800s.

The Environmental department’s community service project consisted of relocating, mulching and watering trees; paving and finishing a stairway entrance into the area; cleaning a garage for use with the environmental learning center, and helping with community gardens and trash pickup.

Mesha Johnson, office assistant, and Liz Stueck-Mullane, manager - land quality, organized the event, and Steve Stretchberry, senior engineer, and Bob Paulson, senior environmental consultant, served as team captains. About 35 environmental staff members provided the muscle, resulting in a successful team contribution to the community.

“I was impressed at how beautifully kept the area was,” said Johnson. Even a little boy from down the street came and helped us. It was a pleasure to help with what they are trying to accomplish. I was truly touched by the experience.”

Monday, July 9, 2012

Warning: Government stimulus voucher to pay energy bills is a scam

We recently heard of a scam that could compromise customers’ identity. Beware of any invitation that offers assistance from the federal government to help pay high energy bills due to the heat wave. The only state- and federal-supported program for utility payments is Energy Assistance, and you must qualify to receive assistance. The number to contact in Wisconsin is 866-432-8947. Other tips:
  • Guard your identity. Only provide your credit card or bank account number when you are actually paying for something with it.
  • Keep your social security number confidential. It’s the key that unlocks your identity. Don’t give it to anyone unless you’re sure who it is and why it’s necessary to provide it.
  • The We Energies My Account online bill review and payment system is secure. If you have questions, please call us. We’re here 24/7 to serve you. 800-242-9137.
Related local media coverage:

Criminals sometimes pose as our workers in an attempt to gain access to homes.

Our line mechanics, forestry workers, meter readers, service technicians and other employees as well as our contractors may visit your home or neighborhood from time to time. To ensure your safety, please check for ID. All of our employees and contractors wear photo identification badges. If the employee does not have an ID or if you have questions, call us at 800-242-9137 before allowing anyone access to your home. Although many of our workers wear a uniform, clothing or hard hat that features our logo, some do not. Whether they wear a logo or not, always ask for ID.

If you believe you have been victimized by someone posing as a We Energies representative, contact your local police and report it. We will cooperate with their investigation.