MGE Energy Fund utility bill assistance

The Madison Gas and Electric (MGE) Energy Fund program provides a small number of qualified low-income customers with one yet, yet immediate financial assistance to pay their bills. The funds are intended to help customers keep the electricity, heat, or gas on in their homes. The financial aid from the company is limited to certain situations, as the scale of this service does depend on donations from the community.

The program is entirely funded by customers, both business and residential. There are also employees that donate money to the service, and management contributes too. When it comes to a regular customer contributing, they can give as little as $1 a month, which will be added to their monthly Energy Fund bill. This is of course a tax-deductible contribution. Or people can also donate any amount of a one time contribution they want too. All of these funds go to help pay various types of utility bills.

Over the years, hundreds of thousands of dollars have been contributed. In addition, MGE also matches funds from time to time. These two approaches in effect allow a large amount of money to build up for paying utility bills.

Who are Energy Fund funds for?

There are various criteria in place to get money from Madison Gas and Electric Energy Fund. The bottom line is that this assistance is available only as the result of generous support from the larger community, as needed below. So this puts additional emphasis on ensuring those donations are used wisely.

The goal of the program is to help assure uninterrupted as well as affordable utility service for a number of less-fortunate families. The generous donations can include assistance for gas bills, light, heating costs, and other expenses as well. Whatever type of power that the customer uses to keep their lights as well as heat on can be covered.

 

 

Since Madison Gas and Electric Energy Fund is limited in scope and funding, it is often combined with other resources as well. This means that maybe a few dollars can go towards an unpaid utility bill. But for the low income customer that needs more longer term assistance, they may be given applications to benefits including LIHEAP, which is more long term support.

Another service that is often combined with the Energy Fund donation program is weatherization. Or there are other free energy conservation services explained. All of this are used together in order to provide some relief to the customer; both short term and long term. As just giving some credits to an unpaid utility bill, without taking care of the longer term hardship, is not sustainable.

Assistance is for people of all ages, races, religions, and backgrounds. Funds go to senior citizens, children, the disabled, and unemployed among others. There are restrictions based on age, race, or religion; anyone can apply.

In order to apply, residents of the Madison Gas and Electric  utility company can contact a local social service agency or attend a sign-up events. Customers seeking any type of financial help for paying their energy bills need to bring a copy of a valid drivers license or most recent utility bill, proof of income, copies of residents for all household members, and a copy of a bill showing proof of program eligibility. They also need to be sure to sign the application as well. For details, call 608-252-7222.