The Ohio Development Services Agency wants to remind Ohioans that the Winter Crisis Program and the Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus can help manage energy costs during these cold winter days.
The Winter Crisis Program, a component of the Home Energy Assistance Program, provides assistance to eligible households that are threatened with disconnection, have been disconnected or have less than a 10-day supply of bulk fuel. The gross income of eligible households must be at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty guidelines.
For a family of four the annual income must be at or below $41,737.50. Individuals interested in receiving Winter Crisis assistance must have a face-to-face interview. A list of Winter Crisis Program providers by county can be found here.
The Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP Plus) allows eligible Ohioans to pay their utility bills based on a percentage of the household income. This makes monthly payments more affordable year-round.
To be eligible for the PIPP Plus program, a customer must receive his or her primary or secondary heat source from a company regulated by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) and must have a total household income which is at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level.
For a family of four the total annual income must be at or below $35,775.
To learn more about the programs or to find out if you’re eligible call the toll-free hotline at (800) 282-0880, Monday through Friday (hearing impaired customers may dial (800) 686-1557 for assistance) or visit www.energyhelp.ohio.gov for more information. A program application can be downloaded at the Ohio Development Services Agency website. When applying, customers must provide proof of their gross monthly household income for at least the last three months.