Need Help with Your Utility Bills? Payment Plans are Available

If you’re experiencing difficulties paying your utility bills, you are not alone. Many Ohioans struggle with their bills. Do you need more time to pay the full bill or need an extended payment arrangement? If so, contact your utility company to ask for an individualized payment plan. 

If you can’t arrange a personalized plan, electric and natural gas utilities regulated by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio are required to offer you one of the following payment plans: 

The “One-Ninth” Plan is available year-round. It allows you to pay your past-due amount in nine equal monthly payments. In addition, you will be set up on a budget plan. 

The budget plan is based on your average use over 12 months and helps avoid bill spikes in the coldest or hottest months. The budget amount may be adjusted periodically. 

The “One-Sixth” Plan is available year-round. It allows you to pay your past-due amount in six equal monthly payments. In addition, you must also pay your current usage amount each month. 

The “One-Third,” or Winter Heating Season Plan, is available from November 1 through April 15. It allows you to pay a third of your total balance due each month (past due amount plus current charges) until April 15. 

You may be eligible to enroll in another payment plan for any past-due amounts remaining after April 15.

The Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP Plus) is available year-round for income-eligible households. PIPP Plus allows you to pay a percentage of your household’s monthly income instead of the full bill amount. Households with total income at or below 175 percent of the federal income guidelines may be eligible. 

To apply, contact your local Energy Assistance Provider (Community Action Agency) at 1-800-282-0880 to schedule an appointment or visit www.energyhelp.ohio.gov. Learn more at www.occ.ohio.gov/factsheet/pipp-plus. 

Budget Billing allows you to pay a set amount for your utilities each month based on your average use over 12 months. This helps avoid bill spikes in the coldest or hottest months. Your account is reviewed periodically and may be adjusted depending on your usage or changes in energy costs. 

To sign up for budget billing, contact your utility. Typically, your account must be current (no past due amount). Consumers who have chosen a third-party energy supplier may not be eligible for budget billing.

If you are behind on your utility bill payments, we encourage you to contact your utilities immediately to make payment arrangements to avoid service disconnection. Don’t put it off! 

Learn more about your disconnection protections and other bill-payment assistance programs at www.occ.ohio.gov/utilityassistance. 

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