For some customers, including seniors on fixed incomes, energy expenses can be a financial burden. In fact, there are those right here in our community who cannot afford the energy to meet their basic needs. For those who cannot afford such expenses, this can lead to difficult decisions about how to allocate their limited resources.
The resources listed below are all available to assist you with your energy bills.
WI Home Energy Assistance Program
Phone: (866) 432-8947
Online: https://energyandhousing.wi.govDescription:During the heating season, income-restricted customers are able to apply for and receive electric assistance through our Customer Credit Program. Eligibility is determined by Energy Services, Inc. using criteria established through WHEAP, Wisconsin's Home Energy Assistance Program. A low-income household is eligible to receive assistance once per heating season (October - May). Apply online or call to schedule an appointment as early in the season as possible since slots fill quickly.
Click here to apply for Home Energy Plus online.
The Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) administers the federally funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Commitment to Community Energy Assistance Program. LIHEAP and its related services help over 100,000 Wisconsin households annually. In addition to regular heating and electric assistance, specialized services include:
- Emergency fuel assistance,
- Counseling for energy conservation and energy budgets,
- Pro-active co payment plans,
- Targeted outreach services,
- Emergency furnace repair and replacement.
Maximum income eligibility for 2024-25 is as follows:
Household Size
One Month Household Income
Household Size
One Month Household Income
Dane County Human Services - JFF
Phone: (608) 873-2180
Online: http://www.DaneCountyHumanServices.orgDescription:Joining Forces for Families is a voluntary, community-based supportive service that works to empower and strengthen families by helping with basic needs such as housing, employment, food, clothing and resource referrals.
Keep Wisconsin Warm/Cool Fund
Phone: (800) 891-WARM (9276)
Online: http://www.kwwf.orgDescription:The Keep Wisconsin Warm Fund was established to keep the heat and power on for thousands of families in crisis. Through public, private and community partnerships, KWWF provides preventative services and the financial assistance necessary to alleviate potential life-threatening energy-related emergencies during Wisconsin's harsh winters. 95% of those helped by the Fund are elderly, disabled or families with young children.
The KWWF is committed to providing immediate relief from energy crisies as well as long-term solutions, and ultimately self-sufficency. Those in need can be helped with:
- Home weatherization
- Replacement or repair of old, inefficient and dangerous furnaces
- Budget counseling, money management
- Connection to other resources to help themselves
The KWWF is dedicated to equipping people with the tools they need to stay warm this winter... and beyond.
START Program
Phone: (608) 577-5650
Online: http://startstoughton.orgDescription:The Stoughton Area Resource Team was formed as a coalition of Stoughton area agencies who work together to meet the emergency needs of Stoughton residents under age 55. START provides a confidential, caring way to link residents with community resources. START is located in the Stoughton Area Senior Center and holds office hours, by appointment only, Monday through Thursday from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Stoughton Area Churches
Phone: See below
Description:Stoughton area churches may be able to provide a wide variety of emergency assistance, or may be able to provide a reference to other local charities or programs. Please contact your church directly forinformation about programs offered.
Christ Lutheran Church
(608) 873-9353
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
(608) 877-0439
Covenant Lutheran Church
(608) 873-7494
First Lutheran Church
(608) 873-7761
Stoughton Area Methodist Church
(608) 873-3273
St. Ann's Catholic Church
(608) 873-7633
Stoughton Area Senior Center
Phone: (608) 873-8585
Online: http://ci.stoughton.wi.us/seniorDescription:Through the Seniors in Need fund, customers 55 or older may be eligible for emergency assistance. An appointment may be made at the Senior Center or in your home. There is no charge for case management services.
United Way 211
Phone: 211
Phone: (608) 246-HELP (4357)
Online: https://211wisconsin.communityos.org/Description:This agency assists those in need of resources by providing a free, confidential, 24-hour referral service, with the most current information on help with basic needs including utility bills.
Wisconsin Help for Homeowners
Phone: 1-855-2-HOME-WI (855-246-6394)
Online: https://doa.wi.gov/Pages/LocalGovtsGrants/Homeowner-Assistance.aspxDescription:Wisconsin Help for Homeowners (WHH) is a new statewide program that can help with overdue bills like mortgage payments, property taxes, and utilities. Applicants must meet income and other eligibility requirements, and have experienced a qualified economic hardship since January 21, 2020. The $92 million federally funded program will provide a maximum of $40,000 in assistance for eligible households.