For some families in the Chippewa Valley, turning up the thermostat isn’t as easy as punching a few buttons. It comes with a choice. A choice between affording the heating bill that comes along with it or putting food on the table and purchasing much needed medications. But for those people wrestling with these choices, help is available.

Programs like Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) are federally and state funded programs that can help with everything from furnace replacement, to knocking some of the weight off of a heavy heating bill. Kristy Sellhausen, energy services manager at Western Dairyland, says that last year roughly 8300 households in the Chippewa Valley received heating benefits.

Under WHEAP’s program, households that fall within sixty percent of the state median income guidelines are eligible. For example, a household of four can make up to $49,232 a year and still qualify. According to Sellhausen, many eligible participants, particularly seniors, are hesitant to apply and receive help. “They feel like there’s someone who needs it more than they do,” she says, but goes on to encourage families to reach out if they need the support. Most people have helped fund these programs either through the fees they pay on their current energy bill or through federal taxes each year.

Wisconsin’s Weatherization Assistance Program provides proactive support to families as well. Rather than allowing people to suffer under high energy bills every season, this program offers homeowners and renters the opportunity to fix issues in their homes that may be adding to heating costs – without having to foot the bill. Common weatherization services include sealing air leaks, replacing or repairing furnaces or appliances, and installing insulation in attics, walls, and floors.

Sellhausen cautions families against hiding behind the cold weather policies that many energy service providers follow; which prohibits them from turning off heating services between November 1st and April 15th. These policies are just that, policies – not laws. The companies have every right to disconnect services for non-payment and are under no obligation to reconnect until arrangements have been made. Crisis programs through WHEAP are available to help avoid disconnection or receive emergency fuel delivery.

To start the application process, Sellhausen recommends reaching out to your county’s Human Services Department or 1-866-HEATWIS. Applications can also be found online at homeenergyplus.wi.gov.