Requests for heating assistance soar in Racine County
RACINE CO. (WITI) -- More and more people are needing the help of energy services in Racine County -- so they can keep their power on when the heating season ends.
Kristi Ingersoll is a co-team leader for Energy Services of Racine County where the number of people needing assistance has jumped from 2013.
"The difference in numbers is 917 more paid cases this year at this time than there was last year," said Ingersoll.
Ingersoll says they've helped residents by paying about $2 million more than this time last year. Grants are determined based on energy costs, household size and income with the payment sent directly to the energy company.
That's something clients like Geneva Nesbitt are extremely thankful for -- especially this month.
"I just found out today that my bill is going to be like triple what it had been and stuff," said Nesbitt.
This is why Ingersoll is hoping people do see if they qualify for help -- instead of having to make difficult and possibly unnecessary choices.
"You don't want them to have to choose between eating or their medicine or paying to keep their heat on," said Ingersoll.
Energy Services is a federally-funded, non-profit organization. For more information and to see if you qualify for assistance, call 262-633-6000.