Energy Assistance Programs Accepting Applications

As the temperatures fall and heating bills rise, remember that the Ohio Development Services Agency (ODSA) offers several programs to income eligible Ohioans to assist in paying their utility bills and to improve energy efficiency of their homes.

HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program) is an assistance program that provides a one-time benefit annually to your primary heating source account. For example, if you heat your home with a gas furnace, a credit will be provided to your gas bill. Complete the Energy Assistance Programs Application online July 2018-March 2019 or visit your local provider in person.

WCP (Winter Crisis Program) provides a one-time benefit annually to your primary heating source account. The benefit can be used by eligible households that are disconnected (or have a pending disconnection notice), need to establish new services, or pay to transfer service, or have 25% (or less) of bulk fuel. The program can also assist with fuel tank placement, furnace repair, and can provide funds for the purchase of electric heaters. Visit your local provider to apply in person for WCP.

SCP (Summer Crisis Program) provides a one-time benefit annually to your electric bill, and/or for the purchase of fans and air conditioners. Visit your local provider in person to apply for SCP.

PIPP Plus (Percentage of Payment Plan Plus) is an extended payment arrangement that requires regulated gas and electric companies to accept payments based on a percentage of the household income. Under PIPP Plus, if you heat with gas, you pay 6 percent of your monthly household income to your gas company and 6 percent to your electric company. If you heat with electricity, you pay 10 percent of your monthly household income. An application can be submitted for the following companies: American Electric Power (AEP), Columbia Gas of Ohio, Dayton Power and Light (DP&L), Dominion East Ohio Gas, Duke Energy, FirstEnergy Companies (Cleveland Illuminating Co., Ohio Edison, and Toledo Edison) and Vectren. PIPP Plus is not available to customers of rural electric co-ops, municipal utilities, or users of delivered fuel. The household must provide a copy of a current utility bill, which should be in the name of the PIPP Plus applicant or a household member. Complete the Energy Assistance Programs Application online July 2018-March 2019 or visit your local provider in person.

HWAP is a residential energy efficiency program that reduces energy use of qualified homes. The types of assistance will be based on the home’s energy efficiency assessment. Visit your local provider in person to apply for HWAP.

Household eligibility is based on income. Specific guidelines are contained in the Energy Assistance Programs Application for 2018-2019. The benefit amount depends on federal funding levels, how many people live with you, total household income, and primary fuel used. Benefits are most often applied to the energy bill by your utility company. If you live in subsidized housing but have a utility bill in your name, you may be eligible for assistance. Residents of licensed medical facilities (hospital, skilled nursing facility, or intermediate care facility) or publicly operated residence, such as YMCA, are ineligible. Boarding/rooming houses, group homes, or emergency shelters are ineligible for payment assistance but may be eligible for weatherization services. All persons who share a common kitchen and bath are considered members of the same household and must apply on one application. Households with zero income are required to provide an IRS transcript.  Call 1-800-908-9946 for assistance with IRS transcript.