Heating Bill Help

The Ohio Department of Development sponsors several programs to help low-income Ohioans pay heating bills and improve the energy efficiency of their homes.

Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) provides a one-time payment for Public Utility Commission of Ohio (PUCO) regulated utility customers for the winter heating season.  The total household income of an applicant must be at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines.  For example, in the 2009-2010 season:

Emergency HEAP (E-HEAP)

A special component of the HEAP program, E-HEAP assists eligible households that are disconnected, threatened with disconnection, or have less than a ten day supply of bulk fuel.  Households serviced by a PUCO-regulated utility must sign up for PIPP (see below) in order to receive emergency benefits. Households whose gross income is at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty guidelines are eligible for the Emergency Program.

Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP)

PIPP is an extended payment plan that requires regulated gas and electric companies to accept payments based on a percentage of the household income.  To be eligible for the PIPP program, a customer must receive heat from a company regulated by the PUCO, must have a total household income at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level, and must apply for all energy assistance programs for which he or she is eligible.

Home Weatherization Assistance Program (HWAP)

HWAP helps low-income homeowners and renters reduce energy use, thus reducing their overall housing expenses.  Households at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines or households participating in HEAP or Supplemental Security Income qualify for this program.

For more information on these energy assistance programs, call toll-free 1-800-282-0880 or visit http://energyhelp.ohio.gov