MARQUETTE -- Nearly 2,500 UPPCO customers are in jeopardy of having their power disconnected. UPPCO says those customers are four months or more behind on their utility bills. The number of customers past due is about the same as last year, but the amount owed is a little higher, UPPCO employees said.

Last year UPPCO disconnected service to about 1,700 customers. A spokesman for the company said customers who are behind on their bills should contact the power company to work out a payment plan.