Utility and electric bill assistance in Wisconsin.
Below you will find details on energy and utility bill assistance programs in Wisconsin, whether they are offered from utility companies (including Municipal companies), the government or non-profits. Low income families, in particular seniors and people with a disability, can get help. Programs range from forgiveness of past due energy bills, payment plans, government grant money and direct financial help. Find details on where to get help with utility bills in WI, with links to phone numbers and more details.
Many of the assistance programs are offered directly by utility companies. Still others are offered by the state of Wisconsin, non-profits, or local charity organizations that operate across the state. Various free weatherization and conservation programs have also been created in WI, including those that provide free grant money for windows or to fix a heating or cooling system. Whether you need money to pay utility or heating costs or some form of emergency help with utilities (or a deposit to turn on the power), assistance is available.
State and federal programs that help pay energy bills in Wisconsin
State of Wisconsin and federal government assistance is offered statewide. The federal government provides funds to Wisconsin as part of the low income energy bill assistance program, LIHEAP which is called WHEAP in WI Free cash grants are distributed to families for paying heating and utility bills, with a focus on low income, seniors and the disabled. There is even help people looking for a job, or look here for hardship grants for unemployed.
- This is the primary government funded benefit to pay energy costs in WI. Most recipients are also signed up for energy conservation and weatherization programs. More information on Wisconsin WHEAP energy bill assistance.
Keep Wisconsin Warm-Cool Fund (KWW/CF) helps during the summer and summer and is offered across Wisconsin. The program is a community-based financial assistance program that was designed to fill the need for energy and heating assistance to low-income people. Money can be issued during the summer to pay electric costs (for an AC unit) or during the cold WI winter to pay heating bills. The Fund uses government poverty guidelines to determine who is eligible. Continue to learn more about the Keep Wisconsin Warm Fund.
Focus On Energy is a public-private partnership that is involved in offering energy conservation information and various services to utility customers located throughout Wisconsin, regardless of who their provider is. The goal is to help people reduce their energy usage and save money. They offer solutions such as Targeted Home Performance program with ENERGY STAR and others.
- Depending on the results from a home energy assessment, free or low-cost energy efficiency and conservation measures provided to program participants. Options include sealing air leaks, insulation, heating system update or energy saving devices. Call 800-762-7077 to receive an application or to get more information or look at their website https://focusonenergy.com/.
Public Service Commission of Wisconsin regulates utility companies in the state, and one service they help arrange is payment arrangements. The website: https://psc.wi.gov/Pages/ForConsumers/UtilityPaymentAssistance.aspx also lists information on how to reduce energy bills, government grant programs that help pay electric bills and PSC also has details on state regulations.
The above options are offered across Wisconsin by local and federal government agencies. Below are additional heating and energy assistance programs that are administered directly by energy companies. Locate your company below, or click here for other electric, light, and utility bill financial aid programs.
Get financial assistance directly from utility companies in Wisconsin
Alliant Energy provides services to parts of Wisconsin. They will usually refer customers to government assistance programs such as WHEAP or local community action agencies. Some Alliant customers can enter into a forgiveness program or the company will provide them with payment plans. The Hometown Care Energy Fund is another resource offered. Learn more on your options for financial assistance from Alliant Energy.
Chippewa Valley Electric Cooperative runs a version of Operation Round Up, and it is administered by the Chippewa Valley Community Fund, Inc. Donations from members and local businesses may be used to help local individuals, families and nonprofits with crucial needs, including to pay utilities when facing a medical issues. Other uses of the money can be for equipment for fire, shelter or medical services following an accident or storm. To learn more or apply dial 1-800-300-6800 or call 715-239-6800.
Jefferson Utilities provides services to the city only. Dial (920) 674-7711 to learn about resources from this energy provider. Some of the options include Home weatherization Program, the WHEAP low-income energy Assistance Program, as well as a Refrigerator Replacement Program.
- The company also offers their own charity type program. The financial assistance from the company will be done as a credit on the electric bill, and it is for qualified low income families. Note the applicant also needs to be currently receiving grant money from the federal funded Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP).
Madison Gas and Electric offers a program created by customer donations, known as the Energy Fund. This may be able to assist individuals and families who find it impossible to cover basic living costs or expenses. Utility bill help is for those living check to check - they may live on a fixed income or work for low hourly rates. A nonprofit agency in Wisconsin distributes the money to those MGE customers in need of help. Call 608-252-7222 or 1-800-245-1125.
- Madison Gas and Electric provides families with other financial aid as well. Rebates and conservation measures are offered from the non-profit Focus on Energy. Other resource include applications to the federal Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program, budgeting billing or payment plans. More information about Madison Gas and Electric assistance programs.
Manitowoc Public Utilities recommends a few different programs for customers. They include the weatherization program, which is an option that can help people by providing them with a home energy analysis. MPU will help people receive floor or attic insulation, heating system repair or replacement, air sealing, and compact fluorescent lighting. Call Partners for Community Development at 1-800-584-8172 or dial 920-683-4600.
- They also administer a Commitment to Community Program, in which a customer receiving a state of Wisconsin heating bill assistance benefit from WHEAP is automatically eligible for this program. People on WHEAP will get additional support, as an electric bill or financial assistance benefit will appear as a credit on a customer’s future bill. Call MPU at 920-683-4600.
Menasha Utilities provides money to pay a portion of bills from Project Share. All money is raised from donations. There is also a Home Weatherization, energy saving program that is funded by the federal government and it is administered in conjunction with the City of Menasha's Community Development Department. Call 920-967-3400 to learn more or apply.
- Menasha Utilities also offers an Energy Assistance Program. This program will follow income eligibility criteria that were set through the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP). Customers in Outagamie County should contact Energy Services Inc. at 800-506-5596; Customers in Winnebago County should call (920) 967-3400.
New Holstein Utilities provides payment plans, applications to the Energy Assistance Program, which is offered in partnership with the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) as well as budgeting billing. Other options are explored by the company as well, and call (920) 898-5776 for customer service.
Oakdale Electric Cooperative has several different programs for income qualified customers. They include Operation Round-Up, which may be able to provide grants to individuals, community service organizations, and families, including to pay electricity bills or pay for winter fuel. Operation Roundup can also pay to fix a furnace. The financial assistance fund was established to support local charities, individuals and families in the community. Call 608-372-4131.
Oconomowoc Utilities provides temporary help. A couple different options for qualified customers include the Customer Credit Program. Another option is the Home Weatherization Program. This is a conservation program that can do certain things like install insulation, caulking, etc. Last, but not least, the Refrigerator Replacement is available. To qualify the applicant must be approved for the Energy Assistance Program or WHEAP and have a refrigerator more than 10 years old. To learn about any of these services call (262) 569-2198
Plymouth Utilities provides struggling people support. Both the Energy Assistance Program and Home Weatherization Program are offered to qualified customers. Dial (920) 893-1471. Applicants need to meet income eligibility limits that are set through the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) in order to get additional financial help with their bills.
River Falls Municipal Utilities offers various payment plans, budget billing and more. There is also applications to government low-income energy bill help - criteria are set through the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP). To verify WHEAP eligibility and if you can qualify for this program, contact Pierce County Social Services at 715-273-6788 or call St. Croix County Social Services at 715-246-8257. Or to explore other ways to get help, dial customer service at 715-425-0906.
Scenic Rivers Energy Cooperative has service known as Operation Round-Up. While not structly for heating or electric costs, it can provide emergency funds. The program can also help pay for emergencies such as shelter, repairs to an AC unit during the summer, medical care, home repairs, and education. Dial 608-723-2121 or 1-800-236-2141.
St Croix Electric provides emergency and long term support. Public benefit funds are offered from Operation Roundup as well as Commitment to Community. Money is used for providing credits on eligible customer's utility, heating and energy bills. There is also free home conservation to pay for weatherization services including insulation, caulking and window replacement; furnace and water heater upgrades, repairs and appliance and lighting replacements. Dial St. Croix Electric Cooperative at (715) 796-7000.
Waupun Utilities helps customers that are behind on their bills or facing a shut off. Low income customers may qualify for the Energy Assistance Program. In order to qualify, applicants must be approved for WHEAP, and these individuals will receive additional financial help. The utility provider also helps with payment plans, budgeting / even month bills and tries to find other solutions. Call (920) 324-7920.
We Energies company provides both gas and electric services to portions of Wisconsin. They provide customers with several different emergency as well as long term resources that can help them pay bills. Options include payment plans, government benefit from WHEAP, energy conservation, hardship plans and much more. Read more about the We Energies resources that are available for low income customers.
Wisconsin Public Services / WPS provides assistance programs to low-income qualified natural gas and electric customers. For those that qualify for help, they may be able to get assistance with paying their heating bills from Wisconsin Energy Assistance. Some customers may be able to enter into payment plans as well for their accounts. The company is willing to explore different solutions for those customers that are behind on their energy bills and that may be facing a disconnection. Call the company as early as possible if you are struggling. More on Wisconsin Public Services financial assistance.
Xcel Energy has operations in Wisconsin and other nearby states. Several assistance programs are available to income qualified customers. They include payment plans, HeatShare and average billing programs. The company also has information on local non-profit organizations and application sites for federal aid such as the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program. Continue with financial assistance from Xcel.
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