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Wisconsin Energy Assistance Receives $16 Million

Governor Doyle announced that the state will provide an additional $16 million for low-income bill payment assistance. The heating aid program opened October 1 and will have about $27 million to distribute this year to residents with incomes at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level.

The governor said the additional state aid will come from reallocating money from the Systems Benefit Fund that in the past went for weatherization efforts and other programs.

The announcement came as part of the governors’ comprehensive plan to help Wisconsin residents and businesses meet the skyrocketing cost of energy.

The Governor also:

_Urged utilities to help families pay their heating bills. He said Milwaukee-based We Energies pledged $11 million for weatherization efforts and heating aid for poor families, and Madison-based Alliant Energy promised $1.3 million for energy efficiency efforts.

_Announced the creation of a new state Web site, Energyhelp.wi.gov, and a toll-free number, 800-522-3014, to provide information on where to turn for help in Wisconsin .

_Encouraged homeowners to have an energy audit. A state program, Focus on Energy, will increase rebates on energy audits to $100.

_ Called on the federal government to double federal funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

Source: Office of the Govenor

Page Last Updated: January 27, 2010