Madison, Wisconsin — In honor of National Energy Assistance Day on February 1, Governor Tony Evers, the Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA), and the Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC) Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) is here to help residential households with energy assistance and weatherproofing needs. Each year, more than 200,000 of her households across the state rely on her WHEAP to pay their heating and electricity bills.
“During the winter, we don’t have to choose between putting food on the table or keeping the heating on,” Evers said. “We have been working hard to ensure that people and families can cope with rising costs and receive help to stay warm and safe during these cold months. We hope to continue these efforts to provide you with access to our services.
“The Evers administration is committed to helping Wisconsiners stay hot this winter, especially as households face rising utility bills and other costs,” said DOA Director Kathy Blumenfeld. “We remain committed to providing assistance and ensuring housing security for people across the state.”
WHEAP is part of the state’s comprehensive Home Energy Plus program, helping low-income Wisconsiners with their urgent energy needs, emergency furnace repairs, protective services, and weather protection. So far, her 111,842 households in Wisconsin have received more than her $59,770,077 in financial assistance this heating season, with an average heating cost of $356 and an average electricity cost of $199.
“After National Energy Assistance Day, Wisconsin families will be able to receive utility bill assistance and assistance,” said PSC Chair Rebecca Cameron Valcuk. We appreciate Governor Evers’ commitment to making the service available and thank you for our utility partnership.”
Households can apply online.energybenefit.wi.govcall 1-800-506-5596, or
energyandhousing.wi.govLearn more about available resources here. Eligibility is based on household income, household size, and utility costs. Residents are eligible if their total household income is 60% or less of the state median income level.
2023 median guidelines
PSC helps residents resolve disputes with utilities regarding electricity, natural gas, and water services. The customer must first resolve the dispute directly or arrange a payment plan with the utility. If a customer does not reach an agreement with the utility, they may contact the PSC by calling 608-266-2001 or 1-800-225-7729 or by filing a complaint online.
An online version of this release is available here.
