Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel

Message from the Consumers' Counsel:

Saving energy and staying connected this winter

As consumers find themselves in the middle of the winter heating season, they may be trying to find ways to better manage their monthly heating bills and stay connected. Being energy efficient does not necessarily mean that consumers have to adjust to being colder to save money on their bills. In fact it can be the opposite.

Consumers that participate in energy efficient practices can be comfortable and still use less energy by ensuring that energy is not lost in their homes. This can be done through the installation of ENERGY STAR appliances, windows and doors as well as by using a programmable thermostat. Try setting the thermostat to between 68 and 70 degrees, but set it back five degrees when sleeping or at work to save up to 10 percent on the heating bill. The OCC offers more information on energy efficiency through its Web site’s “Smart Energy” section.

For those who need assistance with their bills, there are several programs available. The OCC provides information on income-based assistance through its “Stay Connected” program, which can be found here.

Additionally, Ohio established a moratorium this winter on electric and natural gas shutoffs for low-income customers who follow certain procedures, including signing up for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) to certify their incomes are at or below 175% of the federal poverty guideline.  For example, a family of four earning $36,137.50 or less is eligible. To avoid disconnection for nonpayment, consumers must be enrolled and current with any payment through the Percentage of Income Payment Plan or another extended payment plan.

Budget billing programs allow consumers who are current on their payments to spread the amount they owe over a 12-month period. Consumers should contact their utility company to participate.

Payment plans allow consumers to propose a payment plan to the company that works for their budget. Although the company can reject the plan, it must offer
either a:

• 1/3 payment plan: customers pay 1/3 of the total amount due each month, which includes their past due balance and current bill; and/or

• 1/6 payment plan: customers pay 1/6 of the balance amount in addition to paying the full amount of the current bill

Ohio’s Winter Reconnect Program allows 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. 

For additional information on energy efficiency and financial assistance programs, contact the OCC toll free at 1-877-PICKOCC (1-877-742-5622). The hotline connects Ohioans to OCC representatives available Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. An automated informational voicemail service is available 24 hours a day.

In addition to the toll-free number, consumers can reach consumer service representatives by submitting requests or questions here.

Best regards,

Janine L. Migden-Ostrander