Energy Assistance: WI Home Energy Assistance Program

The Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) is a state-wide program that provides assistance for heating costs, electric costs, and energy related crisis situations.

WHEAP is funded through federal and state support. It is administered through Brown County, by ICS, serving more than 5,000 households annually.

Heating Assistance

Whether you use fuel oil, propane, natural gas, electricity, or burn wood or pellets, energy assistance may be available if you qualify.

Heating Assistance is a one-time payment during the heating season (October 1 - May 15), and is intended to cover a portion of the heating costs. It is not intended to cover the entire cost of heating a residence or paying off an outstanding balance.

The amount of assistance per household varies, depending on household size, income, and the amount of utilities used in a given year. Benefits are not calculated based on your current outstanding balance with your utility provider.

In most cases the Heating Benefit is sent directly to the utility provider.

Electric Assistance

In addition, your household may also qualify for non-heating electrical assistance. Non-heating assistance is a one-time payment during the heating season (October 1 - May 15) and is intended to cover a portion fo the household's electrical non-heating costs. It is not intended to cover the entire cost, nor pay off an outstanding balance.

The amount of assistance per household varies, depending on household size, income and the amount of utilities used in a given year. Benefits are not calculated based on your current outstanding balance with your utility provider.

Crisis Assistance

A client may qualify for Crisis Assistance during the program year (October 1 - September 30) if there is a no-heat emergency, the client has an active disconnection notice from their utility provider, or the household is out of fuel and does not have the resources to purchase more.

Crisis funds are discretionary and limited, and may not always be available.

Eligibility does not guarantee crisis benefits will be provided.

Furnace Assistance

If a homeowner is deemed eligible for Energy Assistance, they may qualify for emergency furnace assistance during the heating season (October 1 - May 15) if the furnace is currently not producing any heat.  Please call ICS if you are experiencing a no heat situation.

Weatherization

If an applicant is deemed eligible for Energy Assistance, per their WHEAP application, they may also qualify for weatherization services that reduce home utility costs, save energy, and make their home warmer in the winter, and cooler in the summer. Please contact your Energy Specialist for an application.