Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel - Your Residential Utility Consumer Advocate
Ohio Consumers Counsel 50 Years

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

ShareShare:
download pdf link

HEAP Summer Crisis Program (SCP)

OCC Summer Crisis Ad
        Download this image and share it with friends and family or on social media! 
       ¡Descarga esta imagen y compártela con tus amigos y familiares o en las redes sociales!

Summer electric assistance is available for low-income households

The Summer Crisis Program (SCP) is a federally funded program administered by the Ohio Department of Job & Family Services, Office of Community Support Services. Eligible customers of utility companies regulated by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) may receive up to $500, while those with non-regulated utilities (municipal or cooperatives) may be eligible for up to $800. These benefits can be used to help cover the cost of electric bills. Customers may also be eligible for assistance with central air conditioning repairs, or the purchase of an air conditioning unit or fans. SCP is available from July 1 until Sept. 30, 2026.

To be eligible for assistance, the total household income must be at or below 175 percent of the federal income guidelines for households with up to seven members. For families/households of eight or more, check with the local Energy Assistance Provider/Community Action Agency (EAP/CAA) for income guidelines. In addition, households must meet at least one of the following eligibility requirements:

  • A household member is 60 years of age or older. No medical documentation is required.
  • A member of the household has a documented medical condition verified by a qualified medical professional. 
  • Household either has a disconnect notice, service has been shut off, or a new service is being established.  

Additional information

  • Customers facing disconnection will need to make a co-payment on their account if the bill’s balance exceeds the maximum benefit amount.
  • Households may receive the maximum benefit for bill assistance and receive an additional benefit (i.e. central air conditioner repair) once per cooling season.
  • Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP Plus) customers are not eligible for assistance towards a PIPP Plus default payment, or first PIPP Plus payment.

To apply, or for more information, consumers should contact their local EAP/CAA for an appointment. Locate a local EAP/CAA by visiting www.occ.ohio.gov/utilityassistance or www.energyhelp.ohio.gov. The EAP/CAA will determine the benefits that can be provided.

2026 Income Guidelines

Size of
household*

12-Month Limit

30-Day Limit

175%

175%

1

$27,930

$2,295.62

2

$37,870

$3,112.60

3

$47,810

$3,929.59

4

$57,750

$4,746.58

5

$67,690

$5,563.56

6

$77,630

$6,380.55

7

$87,570

$6,197.53

* For families/households with more than 7 members, 
please contact your local Energy Assistance Provider.

OCC Summer Crisis Poster
       Download and print this poster or view PDF. 
       Descargue e imprima este póster o vealo en PDF.

 

 

 

To download: Click the folder with a down arrow icon. To print: Click the printer icon in the top right of the display.

If you need multiple copies for an organization or group, please contact a member of our outreach team.