Funding is currently available to help income-qualified households pay their electric bills; this includes those whose employment has been impacted by COVID-19. In Wisconsin, Energy Assistance eligibility requirements have been adjusted so families affected by COVID-19 can be assisted quickly.
At the federal level, the recently approved CARES Act includes $900 million in additional funding.
For faster service, we recommend that you reach out directly to our local Wisconsin Energy Assistance Program Provider: <Fill in Name> at <fill in phone number>. Applications for energy bill pay assistance must be received by May 15, 2020.
See below for some Frequently Asked Questions regarding this additional funding and assistance.
Is Wisconsin's Home Energy Assistance Program continuing to take applications?
Yes. The Department of Administration has indicated that all of the WHEAP Agencies are still taking applications. Some agencies are closed to the public, but they are still available via phone and using mail-in applications. Your county’s contact can be found here.
Has Wisconsin adjusted its Energy Assistance programs to support customers affected by COVID-19?
Yes. From a March 27, Department of Administration press release: “Eligibility [for Energy Assistance] will be now based on the household’s previous month of income, rather than the former requirement of the previous three months income. This move was made to ensure those who are recently affected by the COVID-19 response are able to receive assistance quickly. Additional eligibility requirements are available here.”
Will the stimulus package include funding to support bill pay assistance?
Very likely, yes. $900 Million is allocated to the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Currently, in Wisconsin, LIHEAP funding is used to support bill pay assistance, crisis payments, home weatherization, and other programs to support income-qualified households.