Wisconsin Low Income Assistance Programs

Wisconsin Energy Assistance and Weatherization Programs

Bill payment assistance available to members with service in Wisconsin

state of WisconsinThere are two times of year we all expect our energy use and costs to go up.  In the summertime, use of air conditioning and fans depend as much on personal preference as temperature.  Increased winter heating and electric needs, though, are universal.

Unfortunately, for some of us the decision to turn up the heat is not an easy one to make. Rock Energy Cooperative participates in the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance program (WHEAP) that made that decision a little easier for more than 150,000 households last year. 

There are actually two energy assistance programs you, or someone you know, may qualify for: WHEAP, which provides for immediate bill paying assistance, and the Weatherization Program (WAP) which helps pay for energy efficiency home improvement projects. 

WHEAP details

WHEAP heat and electric assistance is a one-time benefit payment per heating season (October 1 – May 15) to eligible households.  It is intended to help pay a portion of a household’s heat and electrical costs. The amount of the benefit depends on the household’s size, income, and electric costs.  In most cases the electrical assistance benefit is applied as a credit directly to the household’s Rock Energy Co-op account.  You do not need to duplicate your efforts by applying for assistance with both your local agency and Rock Energy.  We will send you a letter approximately one month after you apply.

Eligibility

WHEAP administers the federally funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Public Benefits Energy Assistance Program. You may be eligible to receive assistance under this program if your household's combined income for the 30 days prior to application is at or below the following levels shown on the chart.

2008-2009 WHEAP INCOME GUIDELINES
150 PERCENT OF FEDERAL POVERTY GUIDELINES
Family Size
One Month
Three month
Annual
1
1,300
3,900
15,600
2
1,750
5,250
21,000
3
2,200
6,600
26,400
4
2,650
7,950
31,800
5
3,100
9,300
37,200
6
3,550
10,650
42,600
7
4,000
12,000
48,000
8
4,450
13,350
53,400
Each Add.
450
1,350
5,400

If you qualified to receive heating assistance from your local Human Services or Energy Services office you are also automatically qualified to receive an electric bill assistance payment from Rock Energy Cooperative. You do not need to apply again or come to our office. We will send you a letter in about a month stating the level of the benefit that you will receive. There is no need to call anyone before then.

A household also does not need to be in immediate danger of having their heat or electric service turned off for non-payment in order to qualify for assistance. However, there are some charitable organizations and programs that offer that kind of assistance. 

Where to Apply:
To apply for assistance, you’ll need to complete a Home Energy Plus application through your local WHEAP agency.  You’ll need to provide information on each member of your household, their incomes and have records of your heating costs.


 

You’ll receive a letter approximately one month after you apply, letting you know whether you have been deemed eligible and how much assistance you will receive.  There are appeals processes in place in case you are turned down.  For more information and application details, please contact your local office listed below directly.

WHEAP offices in Wisconsin
For general information,  call 1- 866-HEATWIS (432-8947) or go online to: http://homeenergyplus.wi.gov/

 Rock County 
Energy Assistance Program Contact
ENERGY SERVICES INC
Coordinator: JUDY HAUSE
Phone: (608)363-9200
Address: 118 ECLIPSE CENTER;
1701 RIVERSIDE DR
BELOIT, WI 53511

 Green County 
Energy Assistance Program Contact
GREEN CO HS
Coordinator: JEANNIE BLUMER
Phone: (608)328-9361
Address: N3152 STATE HWY 81
MONROE, WI 53566

Walworth County 
Walworth County Human Services
Coordinator: Audrey Zegar
Phone: 262-741-3337
Address: W 4051 Hwy NN
Elkhorn, WI 53121

Dane County
Energy Assistance Program Contact
ENERGY SERVICES INC
Coordinator: GAIL ALDRIDGE
Phone: (608)267-8601
Address: 1225 S PARK ST
MADISON, WI 53715

Jefferson County
Energy Assistance Program Contact
ENERGY SERVICES INC
Coordinator: TAMMY GRAUER
Phone: (920)568-0604
Address: 402 MADISON AVE
FORT ATKINSON, WI 53538

Lafayette County
Energy Assistance Program Contact
LAFAYETTE CO HS
Coordinator: KATE CHAMBERS
Phone: (608)776-4904
Address: 627 MAIN ST
DARLINGTON, WI 53530

 

WAP (the Weatherization Program)

WAP is funded by the federal and state government.  Weatherization services are provided through local community action agencies or not-for-profit agencies throughout the state.

If you are eligible for weatherization services, an energy auditor will look at your home to see what can be done to make it more energy efficient at no charge. Weatherization services provided (also at no charge) differ with each home depending on how it was built and its condition. Some common weatherization services include reducing leaks through insulating attics, walls and floors.  If deemed necessary, you may receive assistance with repairing or in some cases replacing parts of your heating system.

2008-2009 WAP INCOME ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES
150% of Poverty Level
Size of Family
Annual Income
1
$ 15,600
2
21,000
3
26,400
4
31,800
5
37,200
6
42,600
7
48,000
8
53,400

 

Eligibility:
Eligibility is determined by family size and household income in accordance with federal guidelines. Weatherization services are free to households that:

  • Are eligible for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP);
  • Have an occupant receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Aid to Aged, Blind or Disabled (AABD); or Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF).
  • Your annual income is at or below levels shown at the left.

(For a household with more than eight people, add $5,400 for each additional person.)

Renters may be assisted if they are eligible and the landlord agrees to the program terms. A fifty percent (50%) landlord contribution for weatherization work is required for rental property.

 


Where to Apply:
Contact your local agency (see the listings below) and tell them you want to apply for the Energy Assistance Program. If you are home-bound, special accommodations can be made to assist you in applying.  You’ll need to provide information on each member of your household, their incomes and have records of your heating costs.

WHEAP offices in Wisconsin
For general information,  call 1- 866-HEATWIS (432-8947) or go online to: http://homeenergyplus.wi.gov/

 Rock County 
Energy Assistance Program Contact
ENERGY SERVICES INC
Coordinator: JUDY HAUSE
Phone: (608)363-9200
Address: 118 ECLIPSE CENTER;
1701 RIVERSIDE DR
BELOIT, WI 53511

 Green County 
Energy Assistance Program Contact
GREEN CO HS
Coordinator: JEANNIE BLUMER
Phone: (608)328-9361
Address: N3152 STATE HWY 81
MONROE, WI 53566

Walworth County 
Walworth County Human Services
Coordinator: Audrey Zegar
Phone: 262-741-3337
Address: W 4051 Hwy NN
Elkhorn, WI 53121

Dane County
Energy Assistance Program Contact
ENERGY SERVICES INC
Coordinator: GAIL ALDRIDGE
Phone: (608)267-8601
Address: 1225 S PARK ST
MADISON, WI 53715

Jefferson County
Energy Assistance Program Contact
ENERGY SERVICES INC
Coordinator: TAMMY GRAUER
Phone: (920)568-0604
Address: 402 MADISON AVE
FORT ATKINSON, WI 53538

Lafayette County
Energy Assistance Program Contact
LAFAYETTE CO HS
Coordinator: KATE CHAMBERS
Phone: (608)776-4904
Address: 627 MAIN ST
DARLINGTON, WI 53530