Do You Live in Iowa or Wisconsin and Need Heating Assistance?
It's that time of year when we put away the t-shirts and shorts and bring out the long pants and hoodies. It's also a time when our home heating costs increase dramatically, especially with the recent jump in the cost of energy.
If you are an Alliant Energy customer in Iowa or Wisconsin, there is help available if you qualify.
Alliant Energy's Hometown Care Energy Fund is designed to help customers who are struggling financially to pay their energy bills. Customers in need of financial assistance are urged to apply for the funds to assist with paying and managing their energy bills. If approved, customers can receive up to $500 annually.
Michael Luhrs, senior vice president of customer experience and strategy at Alliant Energy. said:
“We encourage customers in need to take advantage of the available resources to help manage their energy finances”. “We’re proud to contribute $4 million to help customers in need.”
In Iowa, Alliant Energy partners with nonprofit organizations to distribute the funds. Customers in Iowa can review income eligibility requirements and apply for funding by contacting their local Community Action Agency.
In Wisconsin, Alliant Energy partners with nonprofit organizations to identify income-eligible customers and apply funds directly to customer bills.
The Hometown Care Energy Fund is supported by funds from Alliant Energy shareowners as well as voluntary contributions from employees, retirees and customers. Those interested in donating to the Hometown Care Energy Fund can learn more at alliantenergy.com/hometowncare.
Michael Luhrs also said:
“We invite customers to join us in supporting the Hometown Care Energy Fund to help their neighbors,”. “All customer contributions are distributed within the county they reside, so customers can ensure their neighbors have the resources they need.”
Another option for customers looking for assistance is the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). LIHEAP is a federally funded financial assistance program that helps pay energy bills. Eligible households can apply beginning on November 1. Iowa applications remain open through April 30, and Wisconsin applications are accepted through May 15. To check income eligibility and learn how to apply, visit:
- In Iowa: humanrights.iowa.gov/dcaa/liheap.
- In Wisconsin: homeenergyplus.wi.gov.
In addition to energy assistance, Alliant Energy has other options to help customers manage their bills. My Account allows customers to set up a flexible payment plan based on their ability to pay, track their energy usage and make fee-free credit and debit card payments. Customers can also request a payment extension or set up a recurring payment for a fixed amount to be automatically withdrawn each week or month.
Customers in need of assistance should call 211, a hotline to connect individuals and families in need with community and government agencies or visit alliantenergy.com/energyassistance for additional information.
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