Commitment to Community Program
Beginning in October of 2000, all electric providers in Wisconsin were required under Reliability 2000 legislation to collect monthly fees aimed at improving energy conservation and efficiency and fostering low-income energy assistance programs for Wisconsin residents.
For cooperatives, the fee amount is $16.00 per year or $1.33 per month from each account. Half of the money collected is to be used for energy conservation programs and the other half to fund low-income energy assistance and weatherization programs. Since Barron Electric already offers an energy conservation program (load management), we only have to collect half of the fee or $.66 per month per location to fund low-income energy assistance programs. Over $100,000 is given to low-income Barron Electric members for energy assistance each year.
Distribution of Funds
Barron Electric's Commitment to Community Program is designed to help households with their energy costs, including electricity bills. Members may be eligible for assistance if they meet the WHEAP guidelines listed below. Members should contact their local Human Services Department to determine eligibility.
| Barron County | 715-537-5691 |
| Burnett County | 715-349-7600 |
| Chippewa County | 866-794-7788 |
| Dunn County | 715-232-1116 |
| Polk County | 715-485-8400 |
| Rusk County | 715-532-2299 |
| Sawyer County | 715-634-8270 |
| Washburn County | 715-468-4747 |
Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP)
WHEAP is a federal program designed to help households with their energy costs. Households may be eligible if their gross income for the last three months is less than the amount shown below.
| Size of Family | One Month | Three Month | Annual Income |
| 1 | $2,047 | $6,142 | $24,568 |
| 2 | $2,677 | $8,032 | $32,127 |
| 3 | $3,307 | $9,921 | $39,686 |
| 4 | $3,937 | $11,811 | $47,245 |
| 5 | $4,567 | $13,701 | $54,804 |
| 6 | $5,197 | $15,59 | $62,364 |
| 7 | $5,315 | $15,945 | $63,781 |
| 8 | $5,433 | $16,300 | $65,198 |