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What is the time period to apply for energy assistance?

Households can apply for energy assistance from Oct. 1 through June 1.

Do I need to apply every year?

No, not every year, but every heating season. The heating season is from Oct. 1 through June 1.

Do I need to be in an emergency situation to apply for energy assistance?

Apply as soon as you can. Your application will be processed in the first-in, first-out priority.

Can my utility vendor shut me off?

Yes, unless you take steps under the Cold Weather Rule to protect yourself. You must contact your utility company to apply for protection from having your heat shut off. This is true for all residential customers, including families with young children and senior citizens.

Do you pay my entire bill?

No, the energy assistance grant is not based upon the amount of your bill. The grant amount is determined by your consumption use, household size and household income.

Should I continue to pay my bill?

Yes, you should always continue to pay your bill on a monthly basis to avoid past-due balances. Ask your vendor about the budget plan to make your payments affordable to your needs.

What if I receive a disconnection notice?

Contact your vendor to arrange a payment plan and submit an application for energy assistance and include a copy of your disconnect notice. If your disconnect notice is within the current billing cycle, WCCA will contact your vendor upon receiving your application. If the vendor informs WCCA that they are willing to schedule a payment plan with you, your application will be processed in the first-in, first-out priority within one to six weeks. If WCCA is not able to negotiate with your vendor, your application will be processed within 18 to 48 hours, if funding is available.

Are all utilities covered?

All utilities must follow some level of the Cold Weather Rule. Rate-regulated utilities (Xcel Energy, Reliant/Minnegasco and others) must follow a more expanded rule than municipal utilities and electric cooperatives. There are separate laws that have similar protections for municipal and electric cooperative customers. Delivered fuels, such as fuel oil, propane and wood are not covered.

What is the Cold Weather Rule (CWR)?

The CWR regulates the conditions under which gas and electric utilities may disconnect residential service in the winter (from Oct. 1 to Apr. 15). The CWR requires that ratepayers who have difficulty paying heating bills contact their utility to work out a mutually acceptable payment plan to preserve service. The type of plan available depends on your household income level.

Is this a monthly grant?

No, this is not a monthly grant. Upon your approval into the program, the entire amount you are eligible for will be sent to your selected vendor(s) within four months.

How long is the application process?

Processing your application can take anywhere from one to six weeks, depending on the number of applications received in the office. Applications are processed in a first-in, first-out priority.