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A national leader in assisting low-income households during the winter heating season, Ohio offers many utility assistance programs. The following information describes some of the programs, and links to more in-depth information are provided.
The Winter Reconnect Order – The Winter Reconnect Order, adopted by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, helps customers, regardless of income, who have been disconnected or threatened with disconnection to keep their utility service connected.
Energy Assistance Programs: Help with Paying Your Utility Bills – The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio provides this information about different assistance programs available for qualifying households.
Energy Assistance for Senior Citizens – The Ohio Department of Aging, through the Area Agencies on Aging, helps older citizens and people with disabilities apply for energy assistance programs. Call Ohio's toll-free Senior Services Help line at (866) 243-5678 during regular business hours.
Energy Disconnection & Reconnection – The Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel provides this information about important rights involving disconnection issues and offers payment assistance options.
The Department of Job & Family Services provides its county agencies with Prevention, Retention, and Contingency (P.R.C.) funds each year. Each county agency evaluates the needs of their community and decides how the P.R.C. funds will be spent. Contact your County Department of Job & Family Services to see if any P.R.C. funds are available for utility assistance.
HEAP is a federally funded program administered by the Ohio Department of Development. It is designed to help eligible low-income Ohioans meet the costs of home heating. HEAP provides a one-time payment for PUCO-regulated utility customers for the winter heating season.
The Home Energy Assistance Program – General HEAP information from the Ohio Department of Development.
PIPP is an extended payment plan that allows qualifying households to pay a percentage of their monthly income to cover their winter heating costs. Regulated natural gas and electric companies must offer this program.
Percentage of Income Payment Plan – This information from the Ohio Department of Development gives an overview of the PIPP program and the application procedures.
Home Weatherization Assistance Program – The Home Weatherization Assistance Program from the Ohio Department of Development provides qualifying households with weatherization measures such as adding insulation, repairing or replacing heating equipment, safety–testing, and air–leakage reduction.