Payment assistance

If you're having trouble paying your bill, one of these assistance programs could help you.

Income-qualified programs

The state of Ohio has programs available based on your household income and other eligibility requirements. For more information and to apply for the programs below, visit the Ohio Development Services Agency.

Select a program below to read more details.

Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP Plus)

• The program allows participants to pay a percentage of their gross income toward their utility bills, instead of the total amount of current charges. The payment is based on a percentage of the household gross income. The Governor of Ohio approved an emergency action to permanently increase the PIPP income eligibility from 150% of the federal poverty index to 175%.
• Through PIPP Plus, if you heat with gas, you pay 5% of your monthly household gross income to your gas company and 5% to your electric company. If you heat with electricity, you pay 10% of your monthly household gross income.
• Once you are enrolled in the program, you will see a PIPP Message and PIPP Summary on your bill.
• Pay the Amount Due indicated in the PIPP Summary in full and on-time.
• For every full, on-time payment you make, you will receive a credit toward your outstanding utility balance equal to 1/24 of the arrearage plus the accruing arrearage (if any).

Graduate PIPP Plus

If you have been on PIPP Plus and your income now exceeds the program limits or you wish to leave the program, Graduate PIPP Plus may be able to help you transition and reduce your debt.

Summer Crisis Program

During summer months, you may be able to obtain assistance based on income guidelines and and have a household member who is either:

• 60 years of age and older
• Can provide physician documentation that cooling assistance is needed for a household member's health, or
• Households who have a disconnect notice, have been shut off, or are trying to establish new electric service may be eligible for assistance, or
• Enrolling in Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP) for first time or have a PIPP default.

Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)

• Federally funded program that provides eligible Ohioans assistance with their home energy bills. This one-time benefit is applied directly to the customer's utility bill or bulk fuel bill.
• Ohioans with a household income at or below 175% of the federal poverty guidelines are eligible for the program.

Home Energy Assistance Winter Crisis Program (HEAP Winter Crisis Program)

• Helps income-eligible Ohioans that are threatened with disconnection, have been disconnected or have less than a 25% supply of bulk fuel in their tank maintain their utility service.
• Program runs from November 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024.
• Households must sign up for the PIPP Plus or another payment plan in order to receive emergency benefits.
• Ohioans with a household income at or below 175% of the federal poverty guidelines are eligible for the program.

Home Weatherization Assistance Program (HWAP)

• Provides eligible Ohioans with assistance to improve the energy efficiency of their homes and reduce their energy costs.
• Ohioans participating in the HWAP will receive a home inspection to identify the services necessary to improve their home's energy efficiency.
• Priority is given to Ohioans who are older than age of 60, those with disabilities, those with children in the home, and households with a high energy usage and/or burden.
• Ohioans with a household income at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines are eligible for the program.