Low-Income Rate Assistance
- PIPP Plus
Ohio's regulated gas and electric utilities are mandated to participate in the statewide PIPP. Low-income customers who heat with natural gas pay 6 percent of their monthly income or $10 (whichever is greater) to their gas or electric company. Customers with all-electric homes pay $10 or 10 percent of their gross monthly household income each month, whichever is greater. Zero-income customers are required to pay a $10 minimum monthly payment for both natural gas and electric. When PIPP Plus payments are made on time and in full, customers earn an incentive credit and an arrearage credit. Each time they pay their required monthly payment on time and in full, they no longer owe the rest of that month's billed amount. They also receive a one-twenty-fourth credit toward any old debt. If they make full, on-time payments for 24 months straight, all of the arrearages would be eliminated. 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)
http://development.ohio.gov/is/is_pipp.htm
Contact local community action agencies at:www.oacaa.org/directory/
Contact County Job and Family Services Agencies at: http://jfs.ohio.gov/County/County_Directory.pdf - 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. - 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
Permanently disabled, 65-years-or-older customers may be eligible for a credit up to 30% on winter heating bills. Call the Ohio Department of Taxation, toll-free, at 1-800-282-4310.
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 is administered by the Ohio Office of Energy Efficiency.
USFMail@odod.state.oh.us for more information.
- 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 for WarmChoice benefits, call the WarmChoice toll free number at
1-800-952-3037 to be directed to your local provider.
www.columbiagasohio.com/en/your-home/Rights/Assistance-Programs.aspx
Emergency Charitable Assistance
- Utility Fuel Fund
This fund offers a one-time assistance payment of up to $250 per heating season to maintain or restore service. Customers do not need to be disconnected or facing disconnection to qualify. Households between 175 and 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level qualify for this fund.
Applications must be completed at local Community Action Agencies. - Winter Crisis Fuel Fund
Fund of last resort that can provide up to $175 to customers who are disconnected or threatened with disconnection. Households at or below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level qualify for this fund.
Lucas County: Economic Opportunity Planning Association of Greater Toledo Inc. (EOPA), 866-504-7392
Wood, Seneca, Ottawa and Sandusky counties: WSOS Community Action Commission Inc., 419-334-8911
Columbia Customer Contact Center, 1-800-344-4077 - 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
