With sub-zero temperatures on the way, Milwaukee County helps keep homes warm with Energy Assistance

MILWAUKEE – Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele is urging Milwaukee County residents to stay warm this winter by applying for Energy Assistance, a federally funded program that provides eligible residents with a one-time annual payment to help make energy bills more affordable.

“This year, we are proud to again provide Energy Assistance to our residents who want to be resourceful with their income and keep their homes warm this winter,” said Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele. “We know the importance of having a safe and warm place to be during the coldest days. Last year, this program provided an average of $600 to nearly 60,000 households, ensuring their homes would be a sanctuary for safety and warmth during our coldest times of year.”

With the week ahead dipping into the teen temperatures, residents who are eligible for the Energy Assistance program should also know they may also be eligible to receive crisis services including oil refills, furnace service and repairs and weatherization services.

“If you pay a utility bill, you should consider applying for this program,” said Diane Zettelmeier, coordinator of Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program for Milwaukee County. “More than 30,000 households have already applied this season, but we know more than 170,000 Milwaukee County residents are eligible. These residents range from the elderly wanting to stay warm, to new homeowners or families who are staying ahead of payments, and even new graduates responsible for energy bills where they are renting. We want to ensure that people are aware of what we offer so they can be proactive on their bills and stay warm this winter.”

This month, the Energy Assistance program will also be giving away free window weatherization kits at their locations to applicants (while supplies last) to help keep energy costs down.

Residents can apply for energy assistance between Oct. 1, 2017 – May 15, 2018, and they can set up an appointment to apply for Energy Assistance one of three ways:

● By phone: 414-270-4-MKE (414-270-4653)

● Online: Schedule an appointment at www.EnergyAssistanceMKE.org

● In person: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

○ Northwest – 4906 W Fond du Lac Avenue (Fond du lac and Capitol)

○ North – 6918 W Brown Deer Road

○ Downtown – 728 N James Lovell Street (7th and Wisconsin)

○ West Allis – 6761 W Greenfield Ave

○ Southeast – 2701 S Chase Ave (between Lincoln and Oklahoma)

○ South – 5663 S 27th Street

*All Energy Assistance sites will be closed Monday, December 25, Tuesday, December 26, and Monday, January 1 in observance of the holidays. For immediate assistance, including no heat or furnace issues, residents can dial 2-1-1.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.