Oconto County residents have burned through nearly $144,000 in government assistance to heat their homes this winter, and more crisis money is at the ready. The Oconto County Board on Thursday transferred $50,000 from its contingency fund to an energy assistance fund administered by the Department of Health and Human Services.
Penny Helmle, economic support division manager for Oconto County, said the county has nearly exhausted the state crisis funds it received in four allocations. About $5,000 remains, and state officials have informed her no additional funds are available.
Prolonged cold weather and a propane shortage that spiked prices to $7 a gallon prompted residents to apply for assistance. The first requests came on Jan. 15, and by Feb. 11, the department received 840 calls requesting crisis funding, prepared 336 applications and paid out $91,000.
“The crisis situation has slowed down the last two weeks,” Helmle said.
The $50,000 set aside by the county may be needed to address a second concern: electric bills. Helmle said many residents will be without electricity after April 15 when utility companies are permitted to disconnect customers who are behind on their payments.
“We can’t leave people in crisis situations,” she said.
Oconto County will receive about $6,000 in electricity crisis funds from the state, but Helmle predicted the need to be greater although not all of the $50,000 is expected to be paid out.
To receive benefits, individuals must meet income and household-size requirements set by the state. Individuals interested in applying for funding may contact the Health and Human Services Department, 920-834-7000.
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