Commitment to Community

Donations

Barron Electric gives back to the community through the donations program. Funds for these donations are derived from unclaimed capital credits. Examples of community donations are as follows:

In 2000, Barron Electric donated 16 freezers to local food pantries to help meet the need of additional freezer capacity. Food pantry donations are also made during Capital Credit Days.
In 2001, defibrillators were donated for use in patrol cars in Barron and Washburn County Sheriff Departments and the City of Barron and Spooner patrol cars, as well as to the Long Lake First Responders.
In 2002, a donation of $10,000 was made to the Barron Area Community Center, and a donation of $5,000 was awarded to the Ridgeland Community Center.
In 2003, Barron Electric donated $2,000 to the Barron County Library Service
In 2004, Barron Electric partnered with the Wisconsin Masonic Foundation to provide funds for the purchase of defibrillators for five area high schools.
In 2005, Barron Electric donated $1,000 to the NRECA International Foundation.
In 2006, Barron Electric donated $600 to the Dallas Area Ambulance Service.
In 2007, Barron Electric donated $1,000 to the Chetek Fire District.
In 2008, Barron Electric donated $1,000 to the Barron Public Library, Cumberland Public Library, and Cameron Public Library.
In 2009, the Barron County Fair Association received a $2,500 donation.

Barron Electric also makes annual donations to the following organizations in the communities we serve:

FFA Chapters
Boy Scouts
Girl Scouts
Hospice Programs

Distribution of Funds and Emergency Disbursements

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	537-5691
Burnett County	349-7600
Chippewa County	866-794-7788
Dunn County	232-1116
Polk County	485-8400
Rusk County	532-2299
Sawyer County	634-8270
Washburn County	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.

Household Size	3 Months Income
1	$5,859
2	$7,661
3	$9,464
4	$11,267
5	$13,069
6	$14,872
7	$15,210
8	$15,548