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Utility Assistance
Home Energy Assistance & Weatherization Programs
Winter brings with it lower temperatures and higher utility bills that many families have difficulty paying. There are services that can help. The following utility assistance programs are available during this winter season.
HEAP Information
PIPP Plus Program
PIPP Plus FAQ
PIPP Plus Presentation
Winter Reconnect Order (WRO)
COLUMBUS, Ohio - Oct. 15, 2012 - As temperatures drop, Ohioans are starting to
crank up their home heating systems. Starting today, low-income Ohioans can
benefit from additional relief for these utility services. Residential utility
consumers can avoid a utility disconnection or restore their heating services by
making a one-time payment of $175.
In September, the Public Utilities
Commission of Ohio (PUCO) issued a Winter Reconnection Order providing
low-income consumers with this assistance. This option is available for
consumers until April 15, 2013.
For households with incomes at or below
200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, funds provided through the Low
Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Winter Crisis Program (WCP) or
other energy assistance programs may be used to pay the $175 charge.
Households with incomes above 200 percent of the federal poverty
guidelines must enter into a payment plan for any remaining balance on their
utility bills above $175.
If a consumer's heating service has already
been disconnected, an additional $36 reconnection fee is required.
Consumers are encouraged to apply for assistance or contact their
utility company to establish a payment plan before they face loss of service and
additional reconnection fees.
"The Winter Reconnection Order has helped
hundreds of thousands of Ohioans maintain utility service for heat during the
winter months," said Ohio Consumers' Counsel Bruce J. Weston. Click here for more details
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