Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel - Your Residential Utility Consumer Advocate

Need Assistance? Assistance may be available for Ohioans who need help paying their utility bills.

Willis, Maureen
       Ohio Consumers’ Counsel Maureen Willis

Many Ohioans struggle to pay their bills as the cost of basic necessities-including utilities- continues to rise. Fortunately, Ohio offers several programs to help households afford their energy costs and stay connected to essential utility services during the winter months.

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a federally funded program that helps income-eligible consumers with winter heating costs. HEAP has two components:

  • Regular HEAP provides a one-time credit each winter heating season to households at or below 175% of the federal poverty level for their primary heating source – electric, natural gas, or bulk fuel.
  • Winter Crisis Program (WCP) assists eligible consumers facing a disconnection, shut-off notice, or low fuel supply (less than 25%).  It can also help establish new service or pay to transfer service.

Consumers can apply for HEAP by mail, online, or through their local Energy Assistance Provider or community action agency. WCP applicants must also complete an interview.

The Special Reconnect Order (SRO) is available for Ohio households, regardless of income. It allows any customer of a Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) regulated electric or natural gas utility to pay $175 to maintain or restore service, even if their balance is higher. The $175 can be split between two utilities. Remaining balances can be placed on a payment plan, and reconnection fees are capped at $36. To use the SRO, consumers should contact their utility directly.

Available year-round, the Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP Plus) helps income-eligible consumers manage ongoing bills. Instead of paying the full monthly amount, participants pay a set percentage of their income toward electric or natural gas service. If full PIPP payments are made on time each month, the remaining balance is forgiven. In addition, any exiting arrearage receives a 1/24th credit with each on-time payment. PIPP Plus is available to households at or below 175% of the federal poverty level for customers served by PUCO-regulated utilities.

For more information on these and other assistance programs, visit the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel website at https://www.occ.ohio.gov/utilityassistance.

 

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Maureen Willis
Ohio Consumers’ Counsel