Summer Crisis Program

Summer electric assistance available for low-income households

Help is available for eligible Ohioans struggling to cope with the summer heat. The Summer Crisis Program provides eligible customers of regulated utilities a benefit of up to $500, while customers of unregulated utilities may receive a benefit up to $800. These benefits can help pay an electric utility bill, pay towards a central air conditioning repair, and/or go towards the purchase of an air conditioning unit or fans. The program is available from July 1 until September 30th.

To be eligible for assistance, the total household income must be at or below 175 percent of the federal income guidelines. In addition, households must meet at least one of the following eligibility requirements:

• A household member is 60 years of age or older. No medical documentation is required.
• A member of the household has a documented medical condition verified by a qualified medical professional.
• Household has a disconnect notice, has service shut off, or needs to establish new electric service.

Additional information

• If the household is facing disconnection, customers will need to make a co-payment on their account if the bill’s balance exceeds the maximum benefit amount.
• Households may receive the maximum benefit for bill assistance and receive an additional benefit (i.e. central air conditioner repair, air conditioner unit, and/or fan) once per cooling season.
• Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP Plus) customers are eligible for assistance towards their PIPP Plus default payment, or first PIPP Plus payment.

For additional information on the Summer Crisis Program, and to locate your local Energy Assistance Provider contact the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) at 1-800-282-0880 (TDD 1-800-686-1557) or online at https://development.ohio.gov/individual/energy-assistance/3-summer-crisis-program.

To apply for the Summer Crisis Program, consumers need to contact their local Energy Assistance Provider (community action agency) for an appointment. The Energy Assistance Provider will determine the benefits that can be provided.