As of April 15, utilities are able to disconnect customers from electricity and heating fuel for non-payment of their bills for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout the winter, funds were available to assist. In addition to WIsconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP), $8 million in Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) crisis funds were made available through the federal CARES Act. Currently, $322 million in financial assistance for rent, utility, home energy and other costs is available from the Wisconsin Emergency Rental Assistance Program through DOA.
While utilities connect their customers in need to heating assistance programs and devise payment plans, families that face high energy costs as a proportion of their earnings are less likely to be able to pay. For assistance from WHEAP, go to energybenefit.wi.gov or call 1-800-506-5596. WSAW