As winter approaches, don't wait to sign up for energy assistance

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- It may not be cold yet, but it will be soon, so We Energies is reminding people to be prepared for the impending weather and costs of heating by looking into the Energy Assistance Program.

Due to state law, the heat cannot be turned off from November 1st through April 15th -- but costs of heating can add up and create a financial problem at the end of the moratorium.

That's why We Energies wants folks to be aware of ways to avoid getting behind on payments.

Richard Sands is one of those worried about his winter heating costs.

"The past couple years I had only worked for eight months out of the last two years due to other circumstances in my family. I actually did a lot of ground work trying to find public assistance," Sands said.

On Sunday, Sands walked into Community Advocates to work out a plan to cover his high energy costs.

"I know in the future that there's going to be quite a surmountable cost being my wife has cancer. So this will be a big help," Sands said.

It is in circumstances like Sands' that Diane Gallegos with the Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services says assistance is available.

"We help them get through that time. We also offer assistance during the moratorium," Gallegos said.

It's not just special circumstances that allow folks to receive assistance, according to Brian Manthey with We Energies. Anyone with financial concerns can see if they qualify for the Energy Assistance Program.

"What you really want to do is communicate with us because we'll definitely try to work with you to set up payment plans, to try to get you that energy assistance funding if it is available and to move forward so that we don't have to disconnect. That is an absolute last resort for us," Manthey said.

"If people are having a crisis situation -- they might be disconnected or have very high fuel bills. We can help with crisis assistance as well as a regular energy benefits," Gallegos said.

"It is going to be huge, being that my finances have been very little. I know they will actually help greatly with my bill," Sands said.

We Energies is trying to let people know to apply for the program early to avoid long waits.

There are certain income requirements to get the assistance.

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