Energy Assistance available

Wisconsin Public Service reminds qualified low-income customers that there is money available to help with heating bills. The Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) administers the federally funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). LIHEAP and its related services help approximately 225,000 Wisconsin households annually. In addition to regular heating and electric assistance, specialized services include: emergency fuel assistance, counseling for energy conservation and energy budgets, targeted outreach services, and emergency furnace repair and replacement.

Income guidelines for the 2012-2013 Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (Energy Assistance/EAP) heating season are as follows:

(60 percent of state median income guidelines)

Household          One           Three           Annual

   size               month        months         income

     1                2,024.00     6,071.00      24,282.00

     2                2,646.00     7,939.00      31,754.00

     3                3,269.00     9,806.00      39,225.00

     4                3,891.00     11,674.00     46,697.00

     5                4,514.00     13,542.00     54,169.00 

     6                5,137.00     15,410.00     61,640.00

     7                5,253.00     15,760.00     63,041.00

     8                5,370.00     16,111.00     64,442.00 


WHEAP provides assistance for heating costs, electric costs and energy crisis situations. This program will help to pay a portion of home energy bills for income-eligible customers.

WPS encourages elderly, disabled and other customers meeting the income guidelines to apply for help with the cost of their heating bills. The program runs through May 15, 2013.

For more information on the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program and how and where to apply, call (866) HEATWIS (432-8947) or visit the "Where to Apply" tab on homeenergyplus.wi.gov to find a local energy assistance agency.