Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP)
Home Energy Plus includes the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) and the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). WHEAP provides assistance for heating costs, electric costs, and energy crisis situation. WAP helps renters and homeowners improve energy efficiency and reduce their energy consumption. Operating with federal and state funding, the program provides assistance to households across the state to help lower the burden incurred with monthly energy costs.
Most types of fuel are eligible to receive assistance. Whether you use wood, propane, natural gas, electricity, or fuel oil to heat your home, energy assistance is available if you qualify.
Heating Assistance
WHEAP assistance is a one-time payment during the heating season (October 1-May 15). The funding pays a portion of the heating costs, but the payment is not intended to cover the entire cost of heating a residence. The amount of the energy assistance benefit varies depending on a variety of factors, including the household’s size, income, and energy costs. In most cases the energy assistance benefit is paid directly to the household’s energy supplier.
Electric Assistance
Your household may be eligible to receive a payment for non-heating electric energy costs through funding provided by Wisconsin’s Public Benefits Program.
WHEAP electric (non-heating) assistance is a one-time payment during the heating season (October 1-May 15). The funding pays a portion of the household’s electrical (non-heating) costs, but the payment is not intended to cover the entire cost of the non- heating costs. The amount of the non- heating assistance benefit varies depending on a variety of factors, including the household’s size, income, and non-heating costs. In most cases the non-heating assistance benefit is paid directly to the household’s energy supplier.
Crisis Assistance
A household may be eligible for crisis assistance if you are experiencing an energy emergency. Crisis assistance is available through local WHEAP agencies that provide a 24-hour crisis phone number to help with emergencies that occur after business hours (715-394-4432). Crisis assistance is intended to provide emergency and/or preventative services to assist eligible households experiencing an energy emergency. Non-emergency or preventative crisis services are also available and include providing information on how to reduce fuel costs, counseling on budgeting and money management, providing payments to a fuel supplier, and co-pay agreements.
Furnace Assistance
WHEAP emergency heating system assistance can provide services to eligible home owners if the heating unit stops operating during the heating season. Heating system assistance includes payment for repairs, or in some situations your residence may qualify for a total replacement of a non- operating furnace, boiler, or wood stove. Call the local energy assistance office immediately if you are experiencing a no-heat situation at 715-395-1304 or after-hours/weekends at 715-394-4432.
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) helps homeowners and renters reduce energy consumption while increasing comfort in their homes. Weatherization improvements may also make your home environment healthier and safer. Improvements are installed by the local weatherization agency in your area.
If your residence qualifies for weatherization services, you may receive one or more of the following
energy efficiency measures:
- Insulation: Adding insulation to the attic, walls, and crawlspace helps reduce energy use and increase comfort.
- Sealing Air Leaks: Sealing air leaks reduces cold drafts caused by gaps or cracks in the home’s structure and may improve indoor air quality.
- Heating System Update: Repairing or replacing an inefficient furnace or boiler will save energy and money.
- Energy-Saving Products: Installing water saving faucet aerators and shower heads and ENERGY STAR® light bulbs will reduce your energy needs. Replacing an old refrigerator or freezer with a new ENERGY STAR® qualified model will also save energy.