The following topics were covered in your issue of October's Customer Connection:
Let Wisconsin Public Service help you fight rising energy costs while disposing of your old, working refrigerator, freezer or room air conditioner. Through the Appliance Pick-Up Program, in partnership with Focus on Energy, we'll pick up your old, working refrigerator, freezer or room air conditioner — at no cost to you — and dispose of it properly. In fact, you'll receive a $20 reward for helping protect the environment. Don't delay — the program ends December 31, 2008.
You must be a Wisconsin resident who gets your electricity from WPS. To confirm eligibility, call 866-706-3995 or visit focusonenergy.com/recycle.
You or someone you know may be eligible for help with home heating bills. The Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) is a federally-funded program that helps eligible households pay a portion of their home heating costs. The amount of heating assistance benefit depends on the household's size, income and heating costs.
You may be eligible for assistance if your gross income for the last three months is less than the amount shown below for your family size
| Household Size | 150% of Poverty Level |
|---|---|
| 1 | $3,900 |
| 2 | 5,250 |
| 3 | 6,600 |
| 4 | 7,950 |
| 5 | 9,300 |
| 6 | 10,650 |
| 7 | 12,000 |
| 8 | 13,350 |
For each additional person, add $1,350.
You may receive assistance with weatherizing your home if you meet the WHEAP income eligibility guidelines. Weatherization may include caulking, weather-stripping and insulating.
If you're interested in finding out about additional assistance programs available to Wisconsin residents, contact Focus on Energy at 800-762-7077 or visit their Web site at www.focusonenergy.com.
WPS wants to help you manage your monthly energy bill. We encourage you to enroll in Budget Billing, which spreads your energy charges out evenly over 12 months, helping you better manage energy costs. If you are interested in learning more about your energy use and managing your costs, visit Energy-Saving Tools & Ideas and All About My Bill. If you are experiencing payment difficulties, please call us at 800-450-7260.
| County | Agency | Telephone Number |
|---|---|---|
| Brown | Integrated Community Services | 920-448-4540 |
| Calumet | Dept. of Human Services | 920-849-1622 |
| Door | Door County Job Center | 920-743-7273 |
| Florence | Dept. of Human Services | 715-528-3296 |
| Fond du Lac | Energy Services, Inc. | 800-506-5596 |
| Forest | NEWCAP | 715-478-3871 or 800-242-7334 |
| Kewaunee | Dept. of Human Services | 920-388-3777 |
| Langlade | Dept. of Human Services | 715-627-6500 |
| Lincoln | Dept. of Human Services | 715-536-6200 or 800-666-3119 |
| Manitowoc | Manitowoc County Job Center | 920-683-2888 |
| Marathon | Energy Services, Inc. | 715-842-3111 |
| Marinette | Dept. of Human Services | 715-732-7740 |
| Oconto | Dept. of Human Services | 920-834-7000 |
| Oneida | Dept. of Human Services | 715-362-5695 |
| Outagamie | Energy Services, Inc. | 800-506-5596 |
| Portage | Energy Services, Inc. | 715-344-5999 |
| Shawano | Forward Services | 715-526-4740 |
| Sheboygan | County Job Center | 920-459-3207 or 800-596-1919 |
| Vilas | Dept. of Human Services | 715-479-3668 |
| Waupaca | Energy Services, Inc. | 800-922-2393 |
| Winnebago | Energy Services, Inc. | 800-506-5596 |
| Tribal | ||
| Lac du Flambeau Tribal Office Reservations | 715-588-3303 | |
| Potawatomi Tribal Office | 715-478-7206 | |
| Mole Lake Tribal Office | 715-478-3265 | |
| Oneida Nation Social Services | 920-490-6800 or 888-216-3216 | |
The do-it-yourself 8-Point Furnace Safety Check can protect you and yours from the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning:
Find even more Energy-Saving Tips.
Stop. Think. Live.
We believe that through encouragement and financial assistance, students will some day make significant contributions to their communities.
Each year, Wisconsin Public Service Foundation, Inc., offers college money to students whose homes are served by WPS. If you have a high school senior graduating in 2009 with plans to attend a four-year or technical college in Wisconsin or Upper Michigan, he or she may qualify for a Foundation scholarship. Eligibility is generally based upon such factors as academic standing and financial need. If you want to apply for a scholarship, or would like more details, please visit wisconsinpublicservice.com/news/scholarships.aspx.
Apply for your scholarship today!
From heating systems to appliances to lighting, there are so many ways to manage your energy costs this month — and all year long.
Try these 10 energy-saving ideas and save!
Find even more Energy-Saving Tips.
Servings: 8
Prep time: 20 minutes
Baking temperature: 350°
Baking time: 30 + 10 minutes
In a large non-stick skillet, cook beef, mushrooms and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain.
In a shallow 3-quart baking dish coated with non-stick cooking spray, layer pasta, Parmesan cheese, green pepper, beef mixture and spaghetti sauce. Cover and bake for 30 minutes.
Uncover; sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Bake 10 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.