WKOW 27: Madison, WI Breaking News, Weather and SportsNeed for energy assistance doubles
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Energy Services, part of the Keep Wisconsin Warm Fund, helps people pay their heating bills over the winter months. However, it's having a hard time keeping up with increasing need, plus increasing fuel costs.
In Rock County, the number of people requesting help is up forty percent from last year. The number of people recieving help has more than doubled over the past two years. This year six thousand Rock County residents are recieving aid.
"The reality is the need for assistance has been record setting for the last three or four years," said Tim Bruer, Energy Services Coordinator.
The number of people being turned away is also soaring. Nearly a third of those who applied, 28-hundred people, were denied aid.
"Unfortunately for those households that are just a few dollars over the income guidelines, we've literally seen 28 hundred households where there's simply nothing we can do for them," said Bruer.
In all, energy services will spend $4 million in Rock County this year. Most of that will go towards getting through this current winter heating season. That could lead to serious funding problems when next winter's heating season begins on October 1.
Bruer stated "We are without question in an emergency management mode."
If you need to get in touch with Energy Services of Rock County, call 608-363-9200
In Dane County call 608-267-8601
Send your story ideas to bosmulski@wkowtv.com
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