Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel

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Utility assistance programs help consumers
stay connected

A guest column by Janine Migden-Ostrander, Consumers' Counsel

COLUMBUS, Ohio, November 24, 2004 - As the colder months approach, energy prices continue to rise and our budgets get tighter, many Ohioans may find themselves facing difficulties in paying their utility bills in order to buy groceries or medicine for a family member in need.

The Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC), the residential utility advocate, can provide information about a variety of assistance programs that will help consumers stay connected to their electric and natural gas services.

Ohio Winter Reconnect Program

Ohio's winter reconnect program allows most households that have been disconnected or are facing possible 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 to the utility company or $175, whichever is less, plus a reconnection fee of no more than $20. Consumers can use this program one time between now and April 15, 2005.

Although there is no income eligibility requirement for the winter reconnect program, any consumer who takes advantage of the program must arrange with the company to pay any past due balance.

Electric and natural gas companies in Ohio are required to reconnect service on the same day if a consumer makes full payment before 12:30 pm. Those consumers who pay after 12:30 p.m. will have service reconnected the following day. Consumers can apply for the winter reconnect program in person at a local community action agency or by calling their electric or natural gas company directly.

Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)

HEAP is a federally funded program that provides a one-time payment per heating season of between 10 and 40 percent of a consumers' natural gas or electric bill for consumers who meet the qualifications. Emergency HEAP (E-HEAP) is available for low-income consumers who have been disconnected from their heating source, have received a disconnection notice or have less than a 10-day supply of bulk fuel. Consumers can apply for HEAP and E-HEAP through March 31, 2005. Applications can be obtained from Ohio Department of Development by calling toll free 1-800-282-0880 or by calling the OCC toll free at 1-877-742-5622.

Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP)

PIPP is a low-income program that enables income-eligible consumers to pay a percentage of their income toward their monthly electric and natural gas bills. Consumers who use natural gas to heat their homes would pay 10 percent of their income to their natural gas company and 5 percent to their electric utility. The balance of the bill will continue to accumulate and consumers will be responsible for paying this accumulated amount once they are no longer eligible for the PIPP program. Consumers are eligible for PIPP if they participate in the HEAP program or have annual household income at or below 150 percent of the poverty level.

Budget Billing

Budget billing is a way consumers can spread their winter heating costs throughout the year. A uniform budget amount is determined through historical usage of the customer, expected weather conditions and the expected cost of energy. Consumers who are current on their monthly payments can enroll in a budget billing program anytime during the year by calling their utility company. If you have a past due bill, the company may require payment before initiating the budget. To enroll in a budget payment plan, call your electric or natural gas utility company. Consumers who are participating in PIPP are not eligible for budget billing.

For more information on any of the utility assistance programs or additional payment plans, contact the OCC at 1-877-PICKOCC (1-877-742-5622) to speak with our staff, or online at www.pickocc.org.

About the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel

The Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC), the residential utility consumer advocate, represents the interests of 4.5 million households in proceedings before state and federal regulators and in the courts. The state agency also educates consumers about electric, natural gas, telephone and water issues and resolves complaints from individuals. To receive utility information, brochures, schedule a presentation or file a utility complaint, residential consumers may call 1-877-PICKOCC (1-877-742-5622) toll free in Ohio or visit the OCC website at www.pickocc.org.