The onset of chillier temperatures across the state this week signals that the winter heating season is around the corner, and two recent forecasts show Midwesterners could end up seeing higher bills to keep warm this winter.
The federal Energy Information Administration is projecting 2% higher bills this winter across the Midwest for homes using natural gas, and even higher bills if colder temperatures dominate from November through April.
And it could be worse if the forecast from the National Energy Assistance Directors Association holds. That forecast signals an increase of 16% in the Midwest, and 8% across the country, for homes using natural gas. Natural gas is the dominant source of heating for households across Wisconsin.
Below you will find resources on energy assistance, the disconnection moratorium, and work CUB is doing to raise awareness about people struggling to make ends meet.
The forecasts come as a federal government shutdown could create uncertainty about the status of energy assistance funding for households whose incomes mean they’re eligible for aid. The federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program remains unfunded for the federal 2025-26 fiscal year, which includes the upcoming winter heating season.
For now, agencies that help people who are struggling apply for energy assistance are doing their best to operate “business as usual,” the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel recently reported. Wisconsin has a supplemental energy assistance program that can continue if the federal program does not.
Earlier this year, the administration proposed cutting all funding for the LIHEAP program, which would have eliminated $4 billion in funding across the country and more than $85 million here in Wisconsin.
CUB, US consumer advocates urge support for LIHEAP funding
In deliberations over the summer, congressional committees in both the House and Senate restored funding for LIHEAP. In September, prior to the shutdown, CUB sent a letter to the Wisconsin congressional delegation urging passage of LIHEAP funding, and urging that Wisconsin representatives and senators urge the Department of Health and Human Services to release 90% of the fiscal year funds to the states once a continuing resolution is passed to fund the government is adopted.
“These dollars help recipients from having to choose between paying for their energy service, prescriptions, rent, and food. At a time when energy inflation is well above the overall inflation rate, please act to ensure funds keep flowing to those who need it the most,” CUB said in its letter.
The struggles of people facing high energy bills are happening across the state, in rural counties and urban centers. That is underscored by the following chart that CUB included in its letter to the congressional delegation.
CUB is part of a national network of utility consumer advocates. That network, the National Association of State Utility Consumer Advocates, joined NEADA in sending letters to HHS urging release of funding for LIHEAP. See the NASUCA letter here.
Here are some other important resources to keep in mind with the onset of chillier temperatures.
Currently shut off? Contact your utility ASAP
Utility customers who are currently disconnected must make arrangements to restore utility service before the winter moratorium kicks in Nov. 1.
Wisconsin state law bars utilities from shutting off customers from essential services during the Nov. 1 to April 15 moratorium period.
Here is the contact information for key utilities in Wisconsin:
- Alliant Energy: 1-800-255-4268
- Madison Gas & Electric: 1-800-245-1125
- Superior Water, Light & Power: 1-800-227-7957
- We Energies: 1-800-842-4565
- Wisconsin Public Service Corp.: 1-800-450-7260
- Xcel Energy: 1-800-895-4999
In a dispute with your utility? Contact the PSC
Utility customers who cannot reach an agreement with their utility may contact the PSC by calling 608-266-2001 or 1-800-225-7729, or by submitting a PSC complaint online here.
Need help paying bills? Apply for WHEAP
Financial assistance is available to eligible households through the Wisconsin Home Energy
Assistance Program (WHEAP).
WHEAP is part of the state’s comprehensive Home Energy Plus program, which provides assistance for low-income households with emergency energy needs,
emergency furnace repairs, conservation service, and weatherization.
Customers can contact the Statewide Customer Care Center at 1-800-506-5596 or visit DEHCR Energy Assistance for more information.
Want a free energy pack? Contact Focus on Energy
Customers of all the big utilities plus some smaller utilities across the state are eligible to receive a free energy- or water-saving pack from Focus on Energy every year.
You’ll need your utility account number to get one, but once you find that you’ll be able to request your free energy pack here.
Want a smart thermostat to help you save energy? Contact Focus
The Focus on Energy Marketplace has regular promotions to encourage Wisconsinites to install smart thermostats. Smart thermostats are shown to help reduce energy usage over time.
The current price is as low as $39 for a smart thermostat, but be sure to bookmark this site, as extra savings are often provided, sometimes by Focus and sometimes by manufacturers of smart thermostats. Promotions typically happen each fall and around Black Friday during the holiday shopping season.
Ready for bigger energy saving upgrades? “Get Started” with Focus
Through programs funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, Focus has extra incentives available for Wisconsinites who are ready to do energy-saving upgrades like adding home insulation and air sealing, or other initiatives.
The Focus “Get Started” page is a good place to go first.
Need more help? Check out CUB’s educational webinars
CUB’s educational webinars for residential and small business customers are full of helpful information to help you save on your energy bills. Check out www.youtube.com@cubwi to see recent presentations. Find some tips on simple things you can do to save energy here.
Want tips on energy savings? CUB has those
Find some tips on simple things you can do to save energy here.
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