MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) reminds customers to check their eligibility for energy assistance as the winter heating season approaches. Applications for energy assistance are now being accepted by the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP).

To apply for energy assistance, residents must contact the designated agency in the county where they live. To receive a WHEAP grant, applicants must provide:

— Their most recent energy bill or their electric or natural gas account number

— Proof of income for all household members for the past three months

— Social Security numbers for all household members

— A photo ID (only applies to first-time applicants)

— Rent certificate or statement (if heat is included in the resident’s rent, or the resident provides a separate heating payment to the landlord)

A list of energy assistance agencies in northeastern and north central Wisconsin is available by calling 866-432-8947 or by visiting the WPS website. Customers with questions about energy bills or payment options should contact WPS at 800-450-7260.

Energy assistance is awarded based on household income levels, so residents do not need to be behind on energy bills to receive a grant. WHEAP guidelines are updated annually, and additional residents may qualify for assistance this year due to changes to eligibility levels.

WHEAP, a service coordinated by the Wisconsin Department of Administration, helps qualifying residents reduce their energy bills or meet emergency needs. Assistance provided by WHEAP is made through a one-time grant.