Walk-in customer service will end at Alliant Energy’s Albert Lea office and three other locations in Wisonsin and Iowa on Friday, March 1, 2002.

Tuesday, January 15, 2002

Walk-in customer service will end at Alliant Energy’s Albert Lea office and three other locations in Wisonsin and Iowa on Friday, March 1, 2002. The decision to discontinue local walk-in service was announced on Friday, Jan. 11.

Alliant gave the lack of use by customers and a company-wide effort to hold down costs for customers as the main reasons for the elimination of the service. Other communities impacted by the decision are Sheboygan and Janesville, Wisconsin, and Dubuque, Iowa.

The cut will mean the elimination of four to five customer service positions in Albert Lea, said David Wentzel, local Alliant representative. Employees affected by the decision will have the opportunity to apply for other positions in the company as they become available, either locally or in other locations.

Eliminating the local walk-in service follows a trend among utilities nationally, he said.

&uot;I know it will be a big deal for some customers, but I think we were one of the last offices still offering the walk-in service,&uot; said Wentzel. Continuing options for payment of utility bills include paying by mail, by direct withdrawals from bank account, over the phone, or via the Internet, he said.

There are no plans to retain a drop box here in Albert Lea. Customers who still wish to pay their utility bills by cash will need to purchase money orders or wire funds directly to Alliant, said Wentzel.

Customers with questions or concerns are asked to call Alliant 1-800-255-4268. Alliant Energy is headquartered in Madison, Wis.