Utility Services Assistance

Did you know that there is help available to many low-income consumers to keep their utility services connected during the winter heating season. Programs that help with utilities include PIPP (Percentage of Income Payment Plan), HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program), E-HEAP (Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program) and HeatShare.

HEAP provides assistance to households at or below 150% of Federal Poverty guidelines. The amount of help you receive if you qualify depends on:

• where you live
• how many live in household
• total household income
• other financial assistance you receive
• how much you pay for heat or fuel

Applications for HEAP are available at Department of Job and Family Services, Community Action Agencies, and the Area Agencies on Aging. Individuals can also request and application by calling the Ohio Consumer's counsel at 877-PICK-OCC (877-742-5622) or the Ohio Department of Development, HEAP office at 800-282-0880. It is important that all applications be filled out completely and signed.

E-HEAP is for eligible consumers during the winter heating season who:

• have received a disconnection notice
• have already been disconnected from their electric or gas utility
• have less than a 10-day supply of fuel

To apply, you must call your local Community Action Agency to request an appointment to sign up for this assistance in-person. E-HEAP provides a one-time credit or payment and the amount of assistance is determined by information provided in the application. As an E-HEAP recipient, you must also sign up for PIPP.

PIPP is an extended payment plan for qualified consumers who are customers of regulated gas or electric utility companies. If you qualify, you pay a percentage of month household income to the utility supplier, instead of paying the actual heating bill. It is important to note that the balance of your heating bill continues to accumulate until the point you no longer qualify, or need this assistance, at which point recipients are required to pay back the remainder of their heating bill in monthly installments.

The HeatShare programs are programs administered by the Salvation Army to help qualifying households pay for natural gas bills. These programs typically run from January until May, or until funds are depleted. For more information about the HeatShare program or to receive assistance contact your local Salvation Army.

If you are experiencing difficulties, the Outreach staff of the Ohio Buckeye Chapter may also be able to assist you by providing referrals to other community resources. If all possible assistance has been exhausted and you find yourself in an emergency financial situation, please contact the Outreach staff at 800-667-7131, option #1.

Sources: Office of the Ohio consumer's Counsel and Public Utilities Commission of Ohio