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Help with High Heating Costs

The Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) assists eligible households with their heating and electric bills. Households that earn 60% or less of median-income guidelines are eligible. A one-person household that brings in $32,103 or less annually, or a two-person household that brings in $41,981 or less annually, for example, would be eligible. 

To find more details, go to homeenergyplus.wi.gov; visit the Door County WHEAP office at 101 N. 4th Ave., Suite 108, in Sturgeon Bay; or call 920.818.0456.

Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) customers can learn about energy-efficiency steps, payment options and financial assistance at wps.com. Customers can take energy-efficiency steps by sealing up cracks and gaps around windows and doors, having a professional inspection and tune-up of their furnace, and lowering the heat seven to 10 degrees overnight and when the house is empty.

“We do understand these higher prices can be challenging,” said Matt Cullen, senior communications specialist with WEC Energy Group, the parent company of Wisconsin Public Service. “At any time, if customers are having difficulty with energy bills, reach out. We can help with payment options and can provide information on financial assistance they may qualify for.”

Focus on Energy, a statewide initiative, offers Wisconsinites ways to maximize energy efficiency within the home at its website, focusonenergy.com, including a choice of energy-saving packs that are sent for free.

Inflation Reduction Act Pumps Up Heat Pumps

Electrified heat pumps are an alternative to combusting fossil fuels to heat and cool homes. Most popular in the Southern states, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, these electrified heat-and-cooling distributors are becoming popular in cold regions of the world. 

On average, they cost $5,792, according to Home Advisor. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 funds 100% of the cost of a heat pump up to $8,000 for people in households that make 80% or less of their area’s median income. Those with household incomes between 81% and 150% of the median income will receive up to 50%. People with household incomes that exceed 150% of the median will receive a 30% tax credit up to $2,000.

State governments will execute the rebates, and the Department of Energy is expected to issue state guidelines in the spring of 2023, with the rebates available to the public later in the year.

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