Energy

assistance requests up

Those in need

of energy help

urged to apply

By FRITZ BUSCH

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- Mild winter weather is saving consumers on their winter heating bills and taking a smaller piece of government budgets this winter, but requests for heating assistance are up sharply.

Judy Sellner of the Brown County Energy Assistance Office said requests are up this season compared to last year. As of Jan. 1, 2003, 649 county households applied for energy financial assistance. That compared to 749 requests for the previous winter.

Sellner attributed the high number of requests to a sagging national economy that has left more people out of work and only a 1.4 percent increase in Social Security benefits this year. Medicare rates alone increased from about $54 per month last year to $58.70 this year, she said.

Sellner was quick to point out that anybody in need of energy assistance is encouraged to visit her office in the Brown County Community Services Building or call 359-6504, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

"We need to know how many people are in need to help define our budget," Sellner said. "Anybody that feels they need help should fill out an application. Even those that think they may not get help should apply."

Residents that have had utilities disconnected or are out of propane, oil, wood or are in any type of no-fuel situation are particularly encouraged to apply.

State programs provide a temporary safety net that helps make energy affordable by helping pay some home energy costs and for installing thermal, moisture and indoor air quality protection in dwellings. Households with the lowest income and highest heating costs receive the most benefits.

Eligibility is based on income, household size and amount of energy a home uses. Several programs help pay or reduce energy costs for individual households.

The Energy Assistance Program provides financial assistance to households to pay heating bills. The Weatherization Assistance Program reduces energy costs for households by making improvements to the home that will reduce energy bills. One application can be used to apply for both programs.

Households who are at or below 50 percent of the state median income are eligible. Funds are available for renters and homeowners.

Energy Assistance Program (EAP) services include providing direct payments to energy suppliers, educating consumers to use home heating energy efficiently and safely, advocating with energy suppliers and human service providers on behalf of consumers, crisis help for utility disconnections or necessary fuel deliveries and emergency heating system repair or replacement.

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) services include participant education, energy audits to evaluate a home's energy usage, exterior wall and attic insulation, air infiltration and bypass sealing and test, repair and/or replacement of home mechanical systems to ensure efficiency and safety.

The Reach Out for Warmth program assists households who do not qualify for either program and meet a higher set of income guidelines (60 percent of State Median Income).

The Energy Assistance Office administers improvement programs (CIPs) in collaboration with utilities and fuel suppliers.