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 an expense, this can lead to difficult decisions about how to allocate their limited resources. Our local Energy Assistance Program is designed to help income-qualifying households cover their energy costs and reduce the financial burden that they face. If you believe you or someone you know may qualify, we encourage you to establish your income eligibility through the federally funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). To learn more about the LIHEAP application process, contact Dane County Human Services at (608) 242-6200. If approved for LIHEAP, you will receive more information about your eligibility for our Energy Assistance Program at that time.

Our Energy Assistance Program is funded with the portion of Commitment to Community dollars specifically set aside for income-qualifying individuals and families.

Phone: 211
Phone: (608) 246-HELP (4357)
Online: http://www.2-1-1.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.

Phone: (608) 873-2180
Online: http://www.DaneCountyHumanServices.org

Description:
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 hoursing, employment, food, clothing and resource referrals.

Phone: (866) 432-8947
Online: http://www.homeenergyplus.wi.gov/

Description:
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). Call to schedule an appointment as early in the season as possible since slots fill quickly.

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.

Phone: (800) 891-WARM (9276)
Online: http://www.kwwf.org

Description:
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.

Phone: (608) 577-5650

Description:
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 hours are Monday through Thursday from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. by appointment only. The START program is located in the Stoughton Area Senior Center.

Phone: See below

Description:

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. Anne's Catholic Church	(608) 873-7633

Phone: (608) 873-8585
Online: http://ci.stoughton.wi.us

Description:
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.