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.