Winter temperatures can mean higher home heating bills for Ohioans.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration forecasts that compared to last year, U.S. households will spend slightly more to heat their homes with electricity this year and slightly less if they use natural gas.
There are lots of utility payment and assistance programs that can help keep you connected and warm. Here’s a quick rundown:
- PIPP Plus (Percentage of Income Payment Plan): A year-round payment plan where eligible customers pay a portion of their income toward their electric (and/or gas) bills.
- HEAP – Home Energy Assistance Program: A one-time financial benefit applied to a heating or bulk fuel bill for low-income households.
- HEAP Winter Crisis Program: Helps income-eligible customers maintain or restore service, or establish new service, between November and March.
- Home Weatherization Assistance Program (HWAP): Helps eligible households improve energy efficiency (e.g., insulation) to lower utility costs.
- Special Reconnect Order (SRO): Available mid-October to mid-April; allows any customer (regardless of income) to reconnect or avoid disconnection by paying up to $175 (plus a reconnection fee up to $36).
- 30-Day Medical Certificate: For customers with a serious medical condition in the household, this helps avoid disconnection or reconnect service.
- Utility-Provided Assistance Programs: Various customer assistance programs offered directly by utilities for bill payment help.
- Patriot Plan: Extra protections and help for military households.
Click here to learn more about each of these plans, see application details and keep the heat on this winter.
