Governor Scott Walker is making money available, to make sure propane dealers are able to purchase the fuel from suppliers, and for low-income households to purchase the fuel. Walker made the announcement following a meeting with stakeholders Monday, and said Wisconsin and other Midwestern states are taking a propane shortage very seriously.
A line of credit totaling $8 million will be made available through the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation and the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority. “The banks and other financial institutions in this state will be aware of the fact that the state stands ready to provide assistance, to make sure that we can provide that line of credit,” said Walker.
In addition, the governor announced an additional $8.5 million will be made available to provide assistance to low-income propane customers. Call toll-free1-866-HEATWIS (432-8947) for information about where you can purchase propane in your area, or to apply for assistance towards your propane heating bill.
Walker said the shortage is being taken seriously. “The emergency executive order I called up over the weekend gives is more flexibility, and in a worse-case scenario would allow us to call out the National Guard to provide direct assistance. We’re not at that point yet,” Walker said.
While a variety of factors have led to the shortage, the bitter arctic cold this winter is not least among those. “That’s part of it, yes,” said Greg France, a Schofield dealer who chairs the National Propane Gas Association. “We haven’t had a winter like this in a long time.”
