We present for the first time the quasi-free electron energy V-0(rho) in helium from low density to the density of the triple point liquid (gaseous helium/liquid helium I/liquid helium II triple point), on a noncritical isotherm and on an isotherm near the critical temperature. These data were obtained using field enhanced photoemission, a new experimental technique for the characterization of dense fluids. A novel critical point effect in helium is presented and is accurately fitted to the local Wigner-Seitz model. This model, which was developed for attractive fluids, is thereby shown to be applicable to repulsive fluids as well. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.