The Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance program is adapting to the economic effects of COVID-19 by easing eligibility requirements. The program is still income-based, focusing only on the prior month rather than the last three months, like in the past. That should help those who find themselves recently laid off to utilize the program. Last week, Wisconsin’s Department of Workforce Development reported 13,508 initial unemployment claims, well above the same time in 2019. More details on the program can be found here. 

Area utilities can also help customers survive the season’s higher energy bills. Wisconsin Public Service Communications Specialist Matt Cullen says the company’s advice hasn’t changed in recent months. It recommends any customer struggling with payments to contact WPS directly for assistance. Cullen says there are several tips to help reduce winter energy usage.

Wind gusts are expected this weekend of up to 50 miles per hour. Cullen says customers are encouraged to report outages. They can do so on their phone through the Wisconsin Public Service app.