Ohio

Low-Income Energy Programs Federal | State | Utility | Charitable

Federal

LIHEAP Contact
Public Inquiries: 1-800-282-0880;
For the hearing-impaired dial 711
Website

Online Application
EnergyHelp

Local LIHEAP Administering Agency Contacts
https://oacaa.org/find-an-agency/

Weatherization Assistance Program
Local Administering Agency Contacts Website
Online Application

LIHEAP FY 2024 Funding
$169,287,102
*including additional $4,498,141 from Infrastructure and Jobs Act (IIJA), (Pub. L. 117-58)

LIHEAP Income Eligibility Level
60% State Median Income
Weatherization: 200% Federal Poverty Level

LIHEAP FY 2024 Benefit
Heating: $50 minimum, $930 maximum
Crisis: $900 Winter, $800 Summer
Weatherization: $8,009

LIHEAP Households Served in FY 2023
Heating: 239,242
Winter Crisis: 67,941
Summer Crisis: 43,127
Weatherization: 3,202

LIHEAP Program Dates
Heating: October 1 - May 31
Winter Crisis: November 1 - March 31
Summer Crisis: July 1 - September 30
Weatherization: year-round

State

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: https://development.ohio.gov/cs/cs_caa.htm

Winter Reconnect Program 
Allows residential customers of regulated utilities that have been disconnected or are threatened with disconnection due to non-payment of a utility bill to have service restored by paying either the total amount they owe or $175, whichever is less, plus a reconnection fee of no more than $36. The Winter Reconnect Order may be used once during each heating season, which runs from mid-October through mid-April. 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. No signup is required. If service has been disconnected for non-payment or is being threatened with disconnection, the customer must pay the required fees to the utility company and follow the company’s procedures to get reconnected. If paying at an authorized agent, the customer will also need to call the utility with the receipt number to report the payment.

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:

1. A baseload efficiency program which audits lighting, appliances and all other uses of electricity not related to heating and installs appropriate measures; and,
2. 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

Search By Utility Allegheny Power American Electric Power Columbia Gas Columbus Southern Power (AEP) Consolidated Electric Co-op Dayton Power & Light Dominion East Ohio Duke Energy Firelands Electric Guernsey-Muskingum Electric Co-op Illuminating Company Logan County Co-op Lorain-Medina Rural Electric Co-op North Central Electric Co-op Ohio Edison Ohio Power (AEP) Toledo Edison Vectren

Low-Income Rate Assistance

Columbia Gas 
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.

• 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

AES Ohio 
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

• Ohio Electric Residential Low Income Pilot Program
  Provides assistance to low-income electric customers by making lower rates available to eligible customers. Customers who are at or below 200% of the federal poverty guideline and are not enrolled in the PIPP are eligible for the program. An application is available on Duke Energy's website and at Duke’s customer service office at 644 Linn Street in Cincinnati or at your local Community Action Agency.
  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-electric-res-low-income-pilot.asp

Low-Income Energy Efficiency

American Electric Power 
gridSMART Community Assistance 
Customers living on low or fixed incomes may be eligible to receive weatherization assistance or repair services. You may be eligible for this program if you are enrolled in the Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP), Home Weatherization Assistance Program (HWAP), or Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) and your gross income is at or below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines. Energy efficiency measures may include: home energy assessment, attic and wall insulation, air sealing, CFLs, refrigerator replacement or other energy-saving improvements.

Contact your local community-based agency to apply or contact AEP Ohio at 1-800-672-2231 for more information.
https://www.aepohio.com/save/programs/SMARTCommunityAssist.aspx

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 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

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.comand reference this program.
www.duke-energy.com/ohio/savings/home-weatherization.asp

Vectren
TEEM
Qualifying households can receive energy efficiency measures in their home at no cost. Improvements, such as upgrading insulation or installing a new natural gas furnace, are made by a team of energy efficiency professionals from the Community Action Partnership of the Greater Dayton Area. Households with income at 300 percent of poverty or less are eligible for the program.

Call 1-800-617-2673 to see if you qualify.
www.vectren.com/Save_Energy/Home_Weatherization.jsp?sstate=OH

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/ohio/neighbor-neighbor-program/

Columbia Gas

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.

• 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

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 175 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

Dayton Power & Light
Gift of Power 
This customer emergency relief program is for those struggling to pay their winter heating bills. Gift of Power will aid customers who may not be eligible for Ohio Energy Assistance programs, but who may have incurred a financial hardship, such as a job loss, major medical bills or the loss of a spouse. Eligible customers may apply by contacting The Salvation Army at 937-528-5145. For more information, visit www.dpandl.com/gift.

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, http://neo.salvationarmy.org/.
1-800-362-7557
https://www.dom.com/residential/dominion-east-ohio/in-the-community/energyshare

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 513-721-0795 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.
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
http://www.firelandsec.com/content/operation-roundup-applications

Guernsey-Muskingum Electric Cooperative
Operation Helping Others 
Customer donations assist individuals and community organizations. Funds will not pay utility bills. Applications are available online. New Concord 740-826-7661; Ohio Toll Free 1-800-521-9879 www.gmenergy.com/content/operation-helping-others

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
People Fund 
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. For more information, contact the cooperative’s Member Services Department at 440-647-2133 or email
https://www.lmre.org/people-fund

North Central Electric Cooperative
People Fund 
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. For more information, contact the cooperative's Member Services Department at 419-426-3072 or by email.
https://www.ncelec.org/people-fund