For some customers, including seniors on fixed incomes, energy expenses can be a financial burden. In fact, there are those right here in our community who cannot afford the energy to meet their basic needs.
For those who cannot afford such an expense, this can lead to difficult decisions about how to allocate their limited resources. Our local energy assistance program is designed to help income-qualifying households cover their energy costs and reduce the financial burden they face.
The WHEAP provides assistance for heating costs, electric costs, and energy crisis situations. Operating with federal and state funding, the program provides assistance to approximately 225,000 Wisconsin households annually. Whether you use wood, propane, natural gas, electricity, or fuel oil to heat your home, energy assistance is available if you qualify.
For more information on the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) and how to apply, please call 1-866-HEATWIS (432-8947) or Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program
Heating Assistance
WHEAP assistance is a one-time payment during the heating season (October 1-May 15). The funding pays a portion of the heating costs, but the payment is not intended to cover the entire cost of heating a residence. The amount of the energy assistance benefit varies depending on multiple factors, including the household’s size, income, and energy costs. In most cases, the energy assistance benefit is paid directly to the household energy supplier.
Electric Assistance
Your household may be eligible to receive a payment for non-heating electric energy costs through funding provided by Wisconsin’s Public Benefits. WHEAP electric (non-heating) assistance is a one-time benefit payment during the heating season (October 1-May 15). The funding pays a portion of the household’s electrical (non-heating) costs, but the payment is not intended to cover the entire cost of the non-heating costs.
As with heating assistance, the amount of the non-heating assistance benefit varies depending on multiple factors, including the household’s size, income, and non-heating costs. In most cases, the non-heating assistance benefit is paid directly to the household energy supplier.
Crisis Assistance
Your household may be eligible for crisis assistance if you have no heat, have received a disconnect notice from the heating vendor, or are nearly out of fuel and do not have the money to purchase more. Crisis assistance is available through your local WHEAP agency via a 24-hour crisis phone number. WHEAP crisis assistance provides both emergency and proactive services.
There are also non-emergency or proactive crisis services that include providing information on how to reduce fuel costs, counseling on budgeting and money management, providing payments to a fuel supplier, and co-pay agreements.
Furnace Assistance
WHEAP emergency heating system assistance can provide services to eligible home owners if their furnace or boiler stops operating during the heating season. Heating system assistance includes payment for repairs, or in some situations your residence may qualify for a total replacement of a non-operating furnace or boiler. Call the local energy assistance office if you are experiencing a no heat situation.
How to Apply
Your household may be eligible for WHEAP services based on a number of different factors, including if your gross household income qualifies for assistance. A Home Energy Plus application must be completed through your local WHEAP agency.
For more information on the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) and how to apply, please call 1-866-HEATWIS (432-8947) or Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program
Our Energy Assistance Program is funded with the portion of Public Benefits dollars specifically set aside for income-qualifying individuals and families.
