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The Ohio Department of Development sponsors several programs to
help low-income Ohioans pay heating bills and improve the energy
efficiency of their homes.
For more information on these energy assistance programs and
federal poverty guidelines, call toll-free 1-800-282-0880 or
visit
http://energyhelp.ohio.gov
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.
Emergency HEAP (E-HEAP)
Special components 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. |
