Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel

Media Center

Staying connected with heating sources easier with variety of Ohio’s assistance programs

COLUMBUS, Ohio – October 15, 2007 – As the colder temperatures begin to arrive throughout the state, Ohio’s residential utility consumers are facing the decision whether or not to fire up furnaces to stay warm. However, using more electricity, natural gas or other types of fuel to take the chill off can really strain the wallet.

In Ohio, there are several programs available to assist consumers in paying their winter heating bills to ensure that their households keep warm and stay connected. There also is a program available that may reduce telephone bills for income-eligible households helping to make monthly utility bills even more manageable. The Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (OCC), the residential utility consumer advocate, provides the following information on assistance programs that provide either payments or discounts for electric, natural gas and telephone service.

Ohio Winter Reconnect Program

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. Consumers can use the winter reconnect program beginning October 15, 2007 until April 15, 2008. Through the program, consumers can pay either the total amount they owe to the utility company or $175, whichever is less, plus a reconnection fee of no more than $20. However, if the reconnection fee for the company is more than $20, the difference will be added to the customer’s bill. For income eligible households, money given through the Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program (E-HEAP) may be used to pay these fees. As an added safeguard for low income customers, their service cannot be disconnected if they have an appointment scheduled to apply for E-HEAP. Disconnection could occur only if consumers miss their scheduled appointment.

Electric and natural gas companies in Ohio are required to reconnect service on the same day if a customer makes full payment of $175 before 12:30 pm. Those consumers who pay after 12:30 p.m. will have service reconnected the following business 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 designed to help income-eligible consumers at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty guidelines pay for their heating costs. Consumers can use this program one time per heating season.

HEAP, administered by the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD), provides financial assistance to income-eligible consumers who heat their homes with electric, natural gas or bulk fuel. Emergency HEAP (E-HEAP) is available to income-eligible 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. The application deadline for E-HEAP is March 31, 2008 and May 30, 2008 for HEAP. Consumers can receive applications by calling ODOD toll free 1-800-282- 0880 or the OCC toll free at 1-877-742-5622.

Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP)

PIPP is an extended payment arrangement plan for income-eligible customers of Ohio’s regulated electric and natural gas utilities. Eligible consumers must be at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty guideline. Most utility companies are required to accept payment based on a percentage of the household’s income.

Consumers are eventually responsible for paying the total balance of what they owe when they leave the PIPP program. Consumers can contact their utility company or a local community action agency to apply for PIPP at any time during the year.

Budget Billing

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 inquire about how to participate.

Payment Plans

When facing disconnection, consumers can propose a payment plan that works best for them. If the company finds the proposed payment plan not acceptable, it must provide an option of participating in either the 1/3 (where customers pay 1/3 of the total amount due each month, which includes their past due balance and current bill) or 1/6 (where customers pay 1/6 of the balance amount in addition to paying the full amount of the current bill) payment plan.

Telephone Lifeline

The majority of Ohio’s local telephone companies offer Lifeline programs. Most households that qualify for HEAP are automatically eligible for Lifeline. In addition to several other assistance programs that can qualify a household, those that are at or below 150 percent of the poverty level also are eligible. Under Lifeline, fees to establish service are waived. Consumers also receive a discount off the monthly basic local charges in addition to other benefits determined by each company.

For more information on the assistance programs, contact the OCC toll free at 1-877-PICKOCC (1-877-742-5622), 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.