Alliant program helps those who can't pay heating bills

By James Edward Mills

Residents of Wisconsin and some adjoining states who have difficulty paying their heating bills can turn to a Madison utility to help them ease the winter chill.

Since the early 1980s, Alliant Energy has offered help to low-income families through its Hometown Care Energy Fund.

In 2004, Alliant collected more than $500,000 to distribute to more than 45 community-based nonprofit organizations that work with the poor, elderly and disabled who need energy assistance.

Andy Burch, Alliant customer assistance program manager, said the grants can supplement aid provided by state and federal agencies.

"With some of the federal funds that provide heating assistance, there are gaps that they don't cover," Burch said. "When our customers are at an income level where they may be a few dollars above the federal limit, they may not get a heating grant. Home Care is one of the more discretionary funding sources that provides agencies a little more flexibility to manage special-needs situations and work with customers."

By distributing money to agencies such as Energy Services Inc., a nonprofit organization that provides home energy assistance in 13 Wisconsin counties, Alliant is able to keep in touch with customers who need help, Burch said.

"They are, in many ways, frontline employees for the utilities," Burch said. "They work face to face with these customers. This fund is one way for us to acknowledge the hardships that exist out there and provide agencies with something to work with."

The Hometown Care Energy Fund is supported through contributions from shareholders, customers and employees. Customers can donate money through their monthly energy bill while employees can opt for a payroll deduction. Donations from customers are tracked by community and are earmarked for distribution to nearby agencies.

In 2004, 793 households benefited from Hometown Care with an average grant of $240, Burch said.

The fund also was supported through the sale of 500 collectible die-cast toy trucks bearing the Alliant logo and prints of a painting titled "Winter in the Heartland" by Iowa artist Kermit Solheim.

To find out more about the Hometown Care Energy Fund, visit www.alliantenergy.com/ hometowncare.

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