Energy Assistance
The Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program provides help with different types of energy assistance during the heating season. This program is based on income and other qualifications. WHEAP is provided via federal grant funding to households based on household size, income level, and heating costs.
Energy Assistance Program
Heating 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 energy supplier.
Electric Assistance - This is a one-time benefit payment during the heating season (October 1-May 15) based on qualifications of program. The funding pays a portion of the household’s electrical but is not intended to cover the entire cost of the non-heating costs. In most cases the non-heating assistance benefit is paid directly to the household energy supplier.
Crisis Assistance - A household may be eligible for crisis assistance if you have no heat, have received a disconnect notice from the heating vendor, or are nearly out of fuel and do not have the money to purchase more. WHEAP crisis assistance provides both emergency and proactive services.
HE+Program Services
The HE+ Furnace Program is a year-round program that provides assistance to eligible low-income Wisconsin households when their primary heating system no longer provides heat, is inoperable or becomes unsafe. Local Weatherization agencies are responsible for managing program delivery and invoicing for payment of completed work. The Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) Agency verifies applicant eligibility and reserves funds when completing the referral to the Weatherization Agency. WHEAP and Weatherization agencies work cooperatively to ensure program goals and requirements are met while providing timely delivery of service. All other applicable WHEAP and Weatherization program requirements apply. HE+ Furnace Program services provided to an eligible household will never result in a property lien or charge to the customer unless fraud is identified.
The HE+ Water Conservation Program is a year-round program that provides assistance to eligible low-income Wisconsin households with the repair or replacement of leaky or non-working water heaters, leaky fixtures, toilets and/or piping. Water Conservation Program Services are funded by Public Benefits and eligible customers need to live in a territory of a participating public benefit utility.
Weatherization Assistance Program
Weatherization is a program to help households save on their energy burden by making your place of living more energy efficient. If you are eligible for WHEAP, your application information will be referred to the local weatherization agency who go through a selection process and contact those households for potential weatherization services.
- Insulation of attics, walls, and floors
- Insulation or replacement of the water heater
- Reducing air leakage
- General health and safety inspections
- Providing information about maintenance and energy conservation.
Carbon Monoxide (CO) What you need to know to stay safe
For more information on WHEAP program visit: energyandhousing.wi.gov
Or watch the following:
LIHEAP Information #1
LIHEAP Information #2
Weatherization Clip
To Apply Contact:
Vernon County Department of Human Services
318 Fairlane Drive, Suite 100
Viroqua WI 54665
608-637-5210
You can apply by phone, by mail or online at https://energybenefit.wi.gov
Verification documents may be emailed to the local agency at dhs.frontdesk@vernoncounty.org
For after-hours fuel crisis or furnace assistance call the Vernon County Sheriff's Department 608-637-2123.