Home Energy Assistance Program Can Help with Bills, Repairs

The Ohio Department of Development and local Community Action Agency will help income-eligible Ohioans stay cool during the hot summer months. The Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program provides eligible Ohioans assistance paying an electric bill or assistance paying for central air conditioning repairs. The program runs from July 1, 2022, until September 30, 2022. To apply for the program, clients are required to schedule an appointment with their local Community Action Agency.

Clients need to bring copies of the following documents to their appointment:

• Copies of their most recent energy bills;
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency for all household members;
• Proof of disability (if applicable);
• Physician documentation that cooling assistance is needed for a household member’s health (if there isn’t a household member over the age of 60).

The Summer Crisis Program assists low-income households with an older household member (60 years or older), that can provide physician documentation that cooling assistance is needed for a household member’s health, have a disconnect notice, have been shut off, are trying to establish new service on their electric bill, or require air conditioning. Conditions can include such things as lung disease, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or asthma.

• For more information about the features of the Summer Crisis Program, what is needed to apply, and to be connected to your local Community Action Agency, please visit: www.energyhelp.ohio.gov or call (800) 282-0880.
• Visit the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel’s website to find assistance fact sheets on a variety of utility concerns.