WestCAP provides Energy Assistance for Barron, Chippewa, Dunn, Pepin, Pierce, and St. Croix Counties

As the heating season quickly approaches, we’d like to remind everyone of the services available for help with your energy bill, should the need arise.

Established in 1965, West CAP is one of over 16 Community Action agencies in Wisconsin, and one of over 1,000 across the country, working to end poverty. The West CAP team of nearly 70 staff strives to provide resources that promote the self-sufficiency of low-income families in the rural communities of west central Wisconsin and by working to create a more just and sustainable society.

The Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) provides assistance for heating costs, electric costs, and energy crisis situations. Operating with federal and state funding, the program provides assistance to households across our service area to help lower the burden of monthly energy costs.

WHEAP assistance is a one-time payment during the heating season (October 1-May 15). The funding pays a portion of energy costs, and the payment is not intended to cover the entire annual energy costs of a residence. The amount of the energy assistance payment varies depending on a variety of factors, including the household’s size, income, and energy costs.

Crisis Assistance

Crisis assistance may be available if you have no heat, are nearly out of fuel, or your electricity has been or will soon be shut off. 

Furnace Assistance

The Home Energy Plus (HE+) Furnace Program provides services to eligible homeowners and some renters when their heating system stops operating or is operating in an unsafe manner. HE+ Furnace Program assistance can include repairs, or in some situations, a total replacement of an inoperable system. Call West CAP immediately if you are experiencing a no-heat situation. 

For more information on all of their programs, please call West CAP at 715-265-4271. You can also visit their website for an application at https://westcap.org/services/energy-assistance