Everyone needs help sometimes, especially when the cost of living increases. Sun Prairie Utilities has compiled a list of resources you can use to help meet the cost of your utility bills.
Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP)
This program can help you with costs related to heating, electricity, and emergencies. Around 225,000 Wisconsin households use this program every year.
Heating and Electricity: Both are one-time payments during the heating season (Oct. 1 - May 15). Funds pay a portion of costs for eligible households.
How to get started: You need to complete a Home Energy Plus application through your local WHEAP agency. To find your local agency, visit this link. You can also call the Energy Services of Dane County at (608) 333-0333.
If you qualify for WHEAP through Energy Services, then any electric bill assistance received will be paid to Sun Prairie Utilities on your behalf. This process typically takes 6-8 weeks.
Sunshine Place
This nonprofit organization provides food, clothing, beds, and other vital social services. It has an Emergency Assistance Program that helps people who have a sudden and temporary loss of income. The funds will help prevent eviction and utility disconnection.
How to get started: Make an appointment by calling (608) 977-2592. To check for eligibility, follow this link.
Dane County Emergency Rental Assistance – Dane CORE 2.0
This program is designed to help households struggling to pay housing costs, such as rent, utilities, and internet. It is a partnership between the City of Madison, Dane County, Community Action Coalition for South Central Wisconsin, the Tenant Resource Center, Urban Triage, and other community partners
How to get started: Check if you qualify through this link. Both the tenant and the landlord need to submit online applications. To talk to a person, call the Urban Triage customer care line at (608) 299-4128.
It takes around 4-6 weeks to process after all documents are received from the tenant and landlord.