LIHEAP Households Served (Estimate for FY 2009)
Heating: 393,681
Cooling: 29,764
LIHEAP Program Dates
Heating: September 1 - May 31
Crisis: October 1 - March 31
State
Low-Income Rate Assistance
Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP)
Ohio’s regulated gas and electric utilities are mandated to participate in the statewide PIPP. Low-income customers who heat with natural gas pay 10 percent of their monthly income to their gas company and 5 percent to their electric company. Those with incomes at or below 150 percent of federal poverty guidelines (FPG) pay 3 percent instead of 5 percent to their secondary source of heat. If their utility provides both gas and electric, or if they heat with electricity, they pay 15 percent of income to the one utility. Eligibility: must receive primary or secondary heat source from a company regulated by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, total household income must be 150 percent FPG or below, and, if eligible, must apply for all energy assistance programs. PIPP is administered by the Ohio Department of Development’s HEAP (or LIHEAP) office.
1-800-282-0880 (Ohio HEAP) www.odod.state.oh.us/cdd/ocs/heap.htm#pipp (for online application)
Contact local community action agencies at: www.development.ohio.gov/cdd/ocs/locate.htm
Contact County Job and Family Services Agencies at: http://jfs.ohio.gov/county/cntydir.stm
Winter Reconnect Program
Allows most households that have been disconnected or are threatened with disconnection due to non-payment of a utility bill to have service restored during the winter months by paying either the total amount they owe or $175, whichever is less, plus a reconnection fee of no more than $20. Consumers can use the winter reconnect program through April 15. There is no income eligibility requirement for the winter reconnect program. Income-eligible households can use Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program (E-HEAP) funds for the $175 payment. Consumers can apply for the winter reconnect program in person at a local community action agency or by calling their utility company.
Ohio Energy Credit (OEC) Program
Customers who are 65 years of age or older OR totally and permanently disabled will receive an increased Energy Assistance benefit beyond what they would receive under HEAP. When processing the customer's Energy Assistance Application, the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) will screen all applications and determine whether the customer is eligible for the increased benefit amount. For more information: Call the Ohio Department of Development toll-free at 1-800-282-0880. For hearing impaired applicants with a telecommunications device for the deaf, (TDD) call toll-free 1-800-686-1557.
Low-Income Energy Efficiency
The Electric Partnership Program (EPP) was provided for under Ohio's 1999 electric restructuring legislation and is funded by the electric universal service rider. Its goal is to reduce electric consumption by households that participate in the state's Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP). The program is targeted to high consumption, high arrears PIPP households and is composed of two types of programs:
A baseload efficiency program which audits lighting, appliances and all other uses of electricity not related to heating and installs appropriate measures; and,
A weatherization program for those who heat with electricity and who have moderate to high usage. This program adds insulation, performs heating system inspections and addresses health & safety measures.
The EPP began operations in March 2002 and is administered by the Ohio Office of Energy Efficiency. USFMail@odod.state.oh.us for more information.
In addition to programs offered by electric utilities through EPP, gas utilities also provide energy efficiency programs. LIHEAP funds transferred to the Ohio Office of Energy Efficiency are matched with utility funds to allow local providers to serve more households.
Utility
Low-Income Rate Assistance
American Electric Power
Crisis Response Fund
Electric bill assistance and weatherization for AEP customers. Eligibility is between 176 percent and 200 percent of federal poverty guidelines. AEP Ohio customers can learn whether they are eligible for the assistance program, and apply for help in paying their electric bills, by contacting their local community action agency or the Ohio Department of Development's Home Energy Assistance Program toll-free hotline at 1-800-282-0880, Monday through Friday.
Find your local community action agency at www.development.ohio.gov/cdd/ocs/locate.htm www.aepohio.com/account/bills/assistance/Default.aspx
Columbia Gas
Assistance is available for customers with incomes between 175 and 200 percent of federal poverty guidelines. Customers who believe they may be eligible for help should contact their local community action commission or call the Columbia Customer Contact Center at (800) 344-4077 for information on where to apply.
Erie and Huron counties: contact the Erie Huron Counties Community Action Commission at 419-626-4320.
Dayton Power & Light
937-331-3900 or 1-800-433-8500; TTY-TTD (hearing impaired) 1-800-750-0750 www.waytogo.com/payAssist.php
Percentage of Income Payment Plan Credit Program
Customers who have been on the PIPP program for one year and have more than 12 months PIPP arrears may be eligible for PIPP credits. The amount of credit is based on the total 12 months arrears. This credit is applied to the outstanding balance and not to the current installment.
Fresh Start
An arrearage-crediting program for customers no longer on PIPP.
Duke Energy
Accountability & Credibility Together (ACT)
For customers residing in Hamilton County, Ohio, ACT has funds available to help Duke Energy low-income customers needing help paying December, January, and February natural gas bills. Funding is provided through the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services. Enrollment is on a first-served basis, while funds are available. Customers must be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guideline, and have at least one dependent child under age 18 living at home. Qualifying households will be required to pay a minimum of their Budget Billing or Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) amount. ACT will make a one-time payment to Duke Energy, not to exceed $1,000. All applicants will be offered energy conservation packages from ACT and a weekly energy conservation workshop by People Working Cooperatively.
To see if you meet qualifying guidelines, to enroll, or for more information, call ACT at 513-721-.8333 (beginning December 12, 2008). www.duke-energy.com/ohio/special-assistance/act.asp
Gas Fuel Fund
Residents of Warren County may be eligible for a one-time credit of up to $300 toward their balance. To be eligible, household income has to be between 175 - 200 percent of the 2009 Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Duke Energy Ohio is launching a new pilot program to help low-income residents save money on the cost of natural gas service. Customers who are at or below 175% of the federal poverty guideline, are not enrolled in the PIPP and who use less than 900 ccf of natural gas annually are eligible for the program. The first 10,000 customers to enroll will receive a $4 monthly credit to offset rate increases. Customers who have been part of the Home Energy Assistance Program in the past year have been automatically enrolled in the pilot program. Other customers who are eligible can enroll by filling out a self-verification form available at Duke’s customer service office at 644 Linn Street in Cincinnati or at your local Community Action Agency. An application is also available on Duke's website. Call Duke Energy at (513) 421-9500, or from a toll area call (800) 544-6900. Persons who have a hearing impairment may call the TDD/TYY toll free number (800) 752-6254. www.duke-energy.com/ohio/special-assistance/oh-res-low-income-pilot.asp
Low-Income Energy Efficiency
Columbia Gas
Warm Choice
Weatherization measures include insulation, air sealing and high-efficiency furnaces. Homeowners and renters whose income is 150% or less of federal poverty guidelines are eligible. To apply, customers must contact their local community-based organization or call the statewide referral service at 1-800-952-3037 to be directed to your
local provider.
1-800-952-3037 www.columbiagasohio.com/en/your-home/Rights/Assistance-Programs.aspx
Dominion East Ohio
Housewarming Program
Provides weatherization assistance to help eligible customers reduce their energy usage. The program provides free weather-stripping, attic and sidewall insulation, door sweeps and other insulation devices. Client education is also part of the Housewarming Program to educate consumers on ways to reduce consumption effectively. For information, call 1-888-377-3774. www.dom.com/dominion-east-ohio/customer-service/your-bill/energy-assistance-programs.jsp
Duke Energy
Income-qualified customers receive a furnace or heat pump clean and tune, energy-efficient light bulbs, energy-saving tips and if needed, a hot water heater wrap, weather stripping and pipe wrap. Depending on the condition of your home and its energy usage, other services may include duct sealing, wall and attic insulation and other air leakage sealing measures. For additional information, call People Working Cooperatively at 513-351-7921 or e-mail kschroder@duke-energy.com and reference this program. www.duke-energy.com/ohio/savings/home-weatherization.asp
Emergency Charitable Assistance
Please note these charitable funds are last resort emergency funds with limited resources and limited times of operation.
American Electric Power
Neighbor to Neighbor Program
AEP Ohio and Dollar Energy Fund have teamed up to assist low-income AEP Ohio customers who have difficulty paying their electric bill. Eligible customers will receive a utility assistance grant applied directly to their AEP Ohio bill. Contact AEP at 1-800-277-2177 or locate a local agency at the website address below to apply for assistance. www.dollarenergy.org/need-help/Neighbor-To-NeighborProgram_OH.aspx
Columbia Gas
Heatshare
Funded by shareholder and customer donations, this fund helps low-income customers who have nowhere else to turn for energy assistance. To apply for HeatShare, contact your local chapter of The Salvation Army.
1-800-344-4077, TDD/TTY: 1-877-460-2443 www.columbiagasohio.com/en/your-home/Rights/Assistance-Programs.aspx
Dominion East Ohio
EnergyShare
Sponsored by Dominion East Ohio, the EnergyShare program is designed to help needy individuals and families pay any type of winter heating bill--natural gas, wood, oil, kerosene or electricity. Contact your local Salvation Army office to apply.
1-800-362-7557 www.dom.com/about/community/energyshare.jsp
Duke Energy
HeatShare
Designed to assist those in need with heating bills during the winter season. Eligibility is based upon need and doesn’t necessarily follow government assistance guidelines. An individual must be subject to disconnection of service in order to qualify. Eligible customers may apply for a one-time annual assistance beginning mid-January through May or until funds are depleted. For additional information or to apply for assistance, contact the Salvation Army at 513-762-5636 after the program begins in mid-January. www.duke-energy.com/community/programs/heatshare.asp
Ohio Edison Project Reach
Provides once-a-year financial assistance to disabled, unemployed or low-income customers who might lose electric service because of overdue energy bills. The Salvation Army determines eligibility and administers the program. For more information, contact the local Salvation Army office.
1-800-633-4766
The Illuminating Company Community Outreach Opportunity Program (CO-OP)
Provides once-a-year financial assistance to disabled, unemployed or low-income customers who might lose electric service because of overdue energy bills. The Salvation Army determines eligibility and administers the program. For more information, contact the Cleveland Salvation Army.
216-861-8185
Toledo Edison Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Provides once-a-year financial assistance to disabled, unemployed or low-income customers who might lose electric service because of overdue energy bills. The Salvation Army determines eligibility and administers the program. For more information, contact the Toledo Salvation Army.
419-241-3549
Consolidated Electric Cooperative
The People Fund
A community service program that responds to the needs of the community that aren't met through other agencies and organizations. Funded mainly by customer donations. Online applications are available.
419-947-3055, 740-363-2541 or 1-800-421-5863, or email www.consolidatedelectric.coop/community/people_fund.asp
Firelands Electric
Operation Round Up
Customer donations assist individuals and organizations.
419-929-1571 or 1-800-533-8658 www.firelandsec.com/roundup.aspx
Guernsey-Muskingum Electric Cooperative
Operation Helping Others
Customer donations assist individuals and community organizations. Funds will not pay utility bills.
New Concord 740-826-7661
Cambridge 740-432-4167
Zanesville 740-454-0770 or 1-800-521-9879 www.gmenergy.com/Community/OHO.aspx
Logan County Cooperative
Operation Round Up
Health and rescue organizations, food banks, educational projects, child care programs, and individuals with special needs are just a few of the possibilities for customer Operation Round Up donations. Online applications are available.
937-592-4781 www.loganrec.com/oprounddesc.asp
Lorain-Medina Rural Electric Cooperative
Operation RoundUp
Customer donations can assist individuals with special needs, health and rescue organizations, food banks, educational projects, and child care programs. Deadlines for grant applications are March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31.
Contact Karen Farago at 1-800-222-5673 or 1-440-647-2133 or email www.lmre.org/people.asp
North Central Electric Cooperative
Operation Round Up
Customer donations can assist individuals with special needs, health and rescue organizations, food banks, educational projects, and child care programs. Deadlines for grant applications are March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31.
Contact Anita Hollinger at 1-800-426-3072 or 419-426-3072 or by email www.ncelec.org/people.asp
