Energy Assistance
Households with low-to-moderate income may be eligible for assistance from the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program for the heating season (Oct. 1 through May 15). Funds are limited, so apply early while funds are still available.
Benefits
Assistance with:
- Applying for Energy Assistance/Public Benefits:
- Amount depends on household size, income level and household heating and/or electric cost.
- Benefits are paid directly to the utility or fuel supplier.
- The utility or fuel supplier then credits the amount to your account.
- You will receive notification of the benefit amount.
- Counseling for energy conservation and budgeting for energy costs.
- Emergency furnace repair and replacement for home owners.
- Community resources referrals.
To be eligible for assistance
- Your household must pay heating costs directly to a fuel or utility company or heating costs are included in the rent.
- Your gross income is less than the amount shown below for your family size:
| 2011 - 2012 Guidelines | |||
| (Start date October 1, 2011) | |||
| Family Size | One Month | Three Month | Annual Income |
| 1 | $2,027 | $6,080 | $24,319 |
| 2 | $2,650 | $7,950 | $31,802 |
| 3 | $3,274 | $9,821 | $39,285 |
| 4 | $3,897 | $11,692 | $46,768 |
| 5 | $4,521 | $13,563 | $54,250 |
| 6 | $5,144 | $15,433 | $61,733 |
| 7 | $5,261 | $15,784 | $63,136 |
| 8 | $5,378 | $16,135 | $64,539 |
Applicants must provide
- Verification of household income (wages, child support, unemployment benefits, etc.) for the three-month period prior to the month of your appointment.
- Household's receiving Social Security or SSI should bring a letter from the Social Security office with information of your benefits.
- Verification of any interest/dividends income received for the previous 12 months by providing tax forms or Form 1099.
- Social Security cards and birth dates for all members of the household.
- If your rent includes heat, bring your lease.
- A utility bill. For customers outside of Columbia, Dane and Sauk counties, written verification of your total heating fuel costs from Sept. 1 through Aug. 1. Email MGE for this written record at customerservices@mge.com or call 252-7222 or toll free 1-866-252-7080.
For information or to apply for energy assistance, call or write the office in your county. If you are handicapped, call to set up a home visit.
County offices
These are county offices in MGE's service area:
Columbia County (608) 742-4088
204 E. Edgewater St., Suite 103
Portage, WI 53901
Crawford County (608) 326-0248
225 N. Beaumont Road, Suite 326
Prairie du Chien, WI 53821
Dane County (608) 333-0333
1225 S. Park St.
Madison, WI 53715
Iowa County (608) 930-9805
303 W. Chapel St.
Dodgeville, WI 53533
Juneau County (608) 847-5988
1 Kennedy St.
Mauston, WI 53948
Monroe County (608) 269-1506
777 North St.
Sparta, WI 54656
Sauk County (608) 356-8887
916 8th Ave.
Baraboo, WI 53913
Vernon County (608) 634-4575
110 N. Main St.
Westby, WI 54667
