Last updated: July 16, 2026
Bottom line
Ohio’s main home-energy programs are the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP Plus), Summer Crisis Program, Winter Crisis Program, and Home Weatherization Assistance Program (HWAP). Since April 6, 2026, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) has administered these programs, but the application path remains the same.
Start with the official Ohio energy application or your local energy assistance provider. If you have a shutoff notice, call the utility on the same day. An application does not erase the balance, and online or mailed applications may take up to 12 weeks.
ASMOM’s national LIHEAP guide explains the federal program. The Ohio assistance guide covers other benefits that may lower the same household budget.
If your service may be shut off
Act before the disconnection date. Energy assistance may help, but it does not automatically cover the full balance or guarantee that service stays on.
- Call the utility. Ask for the shutoff date, the exact amount needed to stop disconnection, and every payment plan available.
- Start an energy application. Apply for HEAP, PIPP Plus, or the crisis program that fits the season.
- Ask about the 30-day hold. PUCO has ordered investor-owned electric and natural-gas utilities to suspend nonpayment disconnections for 30 days after a customer applies for HEAP, PIPP, Winter Crisis, or Summer Crisis. Ask the utility to verify the application.
- Call Ohio 211. Dial 211 or 1-888-OHIO-211 for current local utility funds, food, rent, and other emergency referrals.
- Ask about medical protection. If losing service would be especially dangerous to someone’s health, ask the utility and medical provider about a 30-day medical certificate.
For food, housing, or another urgent family need, use ASMOM’s Ohio emergency guide.
Where to start
Choose the first step based on the bill, the season, and how close you are to disconnection. You may use more than one help path when each program allows it.
Electric or gas balance
Apply for HEAP or PIPP Plus and ask the utility for a required payment plan and any company hardship fund.
Summer cooling crisis
Make a Summer Crisis appointment if you meet the income and household-condition rules. The 2026 program runs through September 30.
Water or sewer bill
Call the water provider first. Then check city discounts, county PRC, Community Action, and 211.
High bills every month
Ask about PIPP Plus, budget billing, HWAP, the Electric Partnership Program, and utility efficiency services.
Transportation, rent, and child care can make a utility crisis harder to solve. ASMOM’s Ohio housing guide, Ohio transportation guide, and Ohio child care guide cover related help.
Quick reference for Ohio utility help
| Need | Start here | What it may provide | Reality check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual energy help | HEAP | One benefit applied to the main energy or bulk-fuel account | Processing may take up to 12 weeks. |
| Lower monthly bill | PIPP Plus | Income-based electric or gas payment | You must pay on time and reverify. |
| Cooling emergency | Summer Crisis | Electric help, cooling equipment, or central-air repair | Eligibility and appointment rules apply. |
| Winter disconnection | Winter Crisis | Seasonal help restoring or maintaining heat | The 2026–27 season is not open in July. |
| High energy use | HWAP or EPP | Approved efficiency work or electric-use reduction | These programs do not solve an immediate shutoff. |
| Water or sewer debt | Provider, PRC, or 211 | Local discount, payment plan, or emergency help | No single statewide water program covers everyone. |
Ohio energy programs that may help
The ODJFS energy hub lists the current state programs. Homeowners and renters may qualify, including some tenants whose energy cost is included in rent. Your household income, utility type, account status, fuel source, and documents affect the decision.
Home Energy Assistance Program
HEAP provides one annual benefit applied directly to the main energy bill or bulk-fuel account. The current application cycle runs from July 1, 2026 through May 30, 2027. Benefits may begin appearing on accounts as early as October 2026.
HEAP may cover regulated or unregulated gas and electric service, propane, fuel oil, coal, wood, or pellets when the heating source meets program rules. The amount depends on household size, income, fuel type, and federal funding.
PIPP Plus
PIPP Plus is a year-round plan for income-eligible customers of participating PUCO-regulated electric and natural-gas utilities. Gas-heated households generally pay 5% of monthly income toward gas and 5% toward electric. All-electric households generally pay 10% toward electric. The minimum payment is $10.
Each full, on-time payment earns a credit equal to 1/24 of the old balance. Customers must reverify at least once every 12 months and report household-income or size changes within 30 days. Missing required payments or reverification can cause removal from the plan.
Summer Crisis Program
The 2026 Summer Crisis Program runs from July 1 through September 30. It may help with electric bills, central-air repairs, and an air conditioner or fan.
A household must meet the income rule and have a member age 60 or older, a documented medical need for cooling, a disconnection notice, disconnected electric service, or a need to establish new electric service. PIPP Plus households may qualify for cooling equipment or central-air repair even when they do not receive bill assistance.
Current maximum bill assistance is up to $500 for customers of regulated utilities and up to $800 for customers of municipal utilities or electric cooperatives. Funding, equipment, and local appointment availability can run out.
Winter Crisis Program
Winter Crisis normally operates from November through March. It may help a household that has a shutoff notice, is disconnected, needs new or transferred service, is in PIPP default, or has less than 25% of its bulk fuel remaining.
As of July 16, 2026, the 2026–27 winter crisis period is not open. Check the state page and local provider in the fall for exact dates and benefit limits.
Weatherization and electric savings
The Home Weatherization program helps eligible households improve energy efficiency. Possible work includes insulation, air sealing, heating-system repair or replacement, and health-and-safety testing. Priority goes to households with older adults, people with disabilities, children, or high energy burdens.
The Electric Partnership Program may provide an in-home energy audit, education, and approved electric-efficiency measures. Participation may be required for some PIPP Plus customers when eligible.
Current income limits
The current 2026–27 application uses 175% of the federal poverty guideline for HEAP, PIPP Plus, the Electric Partnership Program, and the crisis programs for households of up to seven people. HWAP uses 200% of the federal poverty guideline.
| Household size | 175% annual limit | 200% HWAP limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $27,930 | $31,920 |
| 2 | $37,870 | $43,280 |
| 3 | $47,810 | $54,640 |
| 4 | $57,750 | $66,000 |
| 5 | $67,690 | $77,360 |
| 6 | $77,630 | $88,720 |
| 7 | $87,570 | $100,080 |
HEAP uses 60% of state median income for households larger than seven. Income can generally be reviewed using the prior 30 days or the prior 12 months. Dependent minors’ wages are excluded, but other household income must be reported.
Do not self-deny
Seasonal work, job loss, self-employment, child support paid, health insurance premiums, and some other documented deductions can affect the review. Submit the application and let the provider calculate the household.
Shutoff protections and payment plans
Many protections below apply only to PUCO-regulated investor-owned utilities. Municipal utilities, rural cooperatives, submetering companies, and landlord-controlled accounts may use different rules.
Pending application hold
The PUCO application protection prohibits investor-owned electric and natural-gas utilities from disconnecting for nonpayment for 30 days after a customer applies for HEAP, PIPP, Winter Crisis, or Summer Crisis. Ask the utility to confirm that it can see or verify your application.
Required payment plans
If you cannot reach an individual agreement, PUCO-regulated electric and gas utilities must offer standard plans. The Ohio payment-plan guide lists:
- One-sixth plan: past-due debt divided over six months, plus current use.
- One-ninth plan: past-due debt divided over nine months with budget billing.
- One-third plan: one-third of the total balance each month from November 1 through April 15.
The Special Reconnect Order for 2025–26 ended April 15, 2026. No 2026–27 order has been announced as of this update. Check again in the fall rather than relying on last season’s $175 rule.
30-day medical certificate
The medical certificate guide applies to residential customers of PUCO-regulated electric, natural-gas, and water utilities. A licensed medical professional may certify that disconnection would be especially dangerous to a permanent household member’s health or would prevent needed medical equipment from operating.
The certificate may stop a shutoff or restore service for up to 30 days. It can be used up to three times in a rolling 12-month period. It does not erase the debt, so use the protected period to arrange payment and assistance.
Utility complaint
Contact the utility first and save the call details. If the issue is not resolved, use the PUCO complaint form or call 1-800-686-7826. PUCO cannot control a company it does not regulate.
Water, sewer, county, and local help
Water assistance is often local. Call the provider on the bill and ask about payment arrangements, leak adjustments, hardship programs, and disconnection procedures. Then use Ohio 211 help for current county referrals.
County PRC
Ohio’s Prevention, Retention, and Contingency (PRC) program is run by county Job and Family Services offices. County plans may include utility assistance, transportation, car repair, work supplies, or other short-term help for qualifying families. Use the county PRC plans, but confirm the newest local policy because the state page may not show every recent revision.
City water examples
| Area | Current program | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Columbus | Income-qualified discount | Eligible water or power customers receive a 30% usage discount. |
| Cleveland Water | Water Affordability | Eligible owner-occupants at or below 200% of poverty may receive a 40% water-bill discount. |
| Toledo | WRAP discount | Eligible customers receive a 25% discount on water and sewer volume rates. |
These are examples, not statewide rules. Other cities and water districts may have different programs. Local Community Action agencies may also know about utility hardship funds; ASMOM’s Community Action guide explains what to ask.
Phone and internet help
The federal Lifeline program provides up to a $9.25 monthly discount on eligible phone, internet, or bundled service. A household may qualify through an income at or below 135% of the 2026 federal poverty guideline or participation in a qualifying program such as SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, federal public housing assistance, or the Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit.
Only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household. The Affordable Connectivity Program ended, so avoid websites that still promise a current ACP payment. ASMOM’s phone and internet guide explains other low-cost options.
How to apply without losing time
- Use the state application page. Apply online, schedule an appointment, or download and mail the current form.
- Find the local provider. Use the provider map for the agency serving your county.
- Make a crisis appointment. Starting an online form may not complete a Summer or Winter Crisis request.
- Call the utility. Give the application date and confirmation number and ask about a 30-day hold or payment plan.
- Check application status. Applications are processed in the order received and may take up to 12 weeks.
Do not mail original identity or citizenship records. Sign the application and include all requested pages. A missing signature, income record, or utility bill can stop processing.
Documents to gather
Requirements vary by program. Use ASMOM’s documents checklist to organize a larger benefits file.
| Document | Examples | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Identity and citizenship | Photo ID, birth record, Social Security card, eligible-status record | Verifies household members. |
| Income | Pay stubs, benefit letter, unemployment, self-employment records | Used for the income calculation. |
| Utility account | Complete current bill and account number | Shows provider, service address, and balance. |
| Crisis notice | Shutoff notice, disconnection proof, low-fuel statement | Supports crisis eligibility. |
| Housing | Lease or landlord statement | Shows responsibility when energy is included in rent. |
| Medical or disability | Medical certificate or disability verification | May support protection or priority. |
| Application records | Confirmation, appointment notice, screenshots, call log | Helps with follow-up and appeals. |
If food or cash needs are making the utility bill impossible, check ASMOM’s Ohio SNAP guide and Ohio TANF guide.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Waiting until shutoff day. Payment plans and crisis appointments work better before disconnection.
- Assuming the online form is a crisis appointment. Confirm the appointment with the local provider.
- Using old income limits. Ohio raised the limits for the July 2026 application cycle.
- Missing PIPP reverification. Annual reverification and payment rules protect your enrollment.
- Counting on last winter’s reconnect order. The 2025–26 order has expired.
- Ignoring current charges. Assistance with old debt may not cover new monthly use.
- Paying a grant fee. Real public energy programs do not charge a fee to receive the benefit.
If assistance is denied, delayed, or not enough
Ask for the reason in writing. The current application says you may appeal when an application has not been decided within 12 weeks. You may also appeal within 30 days if you disagree with the benefit amount or were denied assistance.
Check whether the problem is a missing signature, household member, income record, utility bill, citizenship document, or wrong program. Submit a correction using a method you can prove and ask the local provider to confirm receipt.
While the case is pending, call the utility again. Ask about the 30-day application hold, required payment plans, a medical certificate, company hardship funds, and a supervisor review. The utility hardship guide lists company-funded programs whose benefits and funding vary.
ASMOM’s benefits problem guide explains how to organize notices and calls. For landlord-controlled utilities, disconnection disputes, or another civil legal issue, use the Ohio legal guide. This article is general information, not legal advice.
Phone scripts
Calling the utility
“I have a residential account and need to prevent disconnection. What is the shutoff date and minimum payment? Which one-sixth, one-ninth, PIPP Plus, budget, or hardship option can I use?”
Calling the energy provider
“I applied for [HEAP, PIPP, or Summer Crisis] on [date]. My confirmation number is [number]. Is the application complete, and what appointment or document is still required?”
Calling about medical protection
“Someone who permanently lives in the home has a health condition that may make loss of service especially dangerous. What medical certificate form is required, where should it be sent, and how will I confirm receipt?”
Calling after a denial
“I received a denial or benefit notice dated [date]. Please explain the reason, the document or calculation used, and how I can appeal within the deadline.”
Resumen en español
En Ohio, los programas principales son HEAP, PIPP Plus, Summer Crisis, Winter Crisis y ayuda de climatización. Solicite por la página oficial de energía o con la agencia local de su condado. Las solicitudes por internet o correo pueden tardar hasta 12 semanas.
Si tiene aviso de corte, llame primero a la compañía. Pregunte la fecha, el pago mínimo, los planes obligatorios y la protección de 30 días para una solicitud pendiente. Marque 211 o llame al 1-888-OHIO-211 para ayuda local.
Si una condición médica hace peligroso perder electricidad, gas o agua, pregunte por un certificado médico de 30 días. Si niegan la ayuda, pida la razón por escrito y presente la apelación dentro del plazo de la carta.
FAQ
What is Ohio’s main utility assistance program?
Ohio’s main annual energy benefit is HEAP. The state also offers PIPP Plus, seasonal crisis programs, weatherization, and other energy-efficiency help.
What are the 2026 HEAP income limits?
For one person, the current 175% annual limit is $27,930. For four people, it is $57,750. Larger households use additional federal or state-median rules.
Can an application stop a shutoff?
For PUCO-regulated investor-owned electric and gas utilities, a HEAP, PIPP, Winter Crisis, or Summer Crisis application can trigger a 30-day nonpayment disconnection hold.
How does PIPP Plus calculate the payment?
Gas-heated households generally pay 5% of monthly income toward gas and 5% toward electric. All-electric households generally pay 10% toward electric.
Can Ohio help with water bills?
Water assistance is mostly local. Contact the provider, county PRC, Community Action, and 211. Columbus, Cleveland, Toledo, and some other systems have discount programs.
How long do I have to appeal?
The current application says you may appeal within 30 days after a denial or disputed benefit amount, or when an application remains undecided after 12 weeks.
Last updated: July 16, 2026 | Next review: October 16, 2026
About this guide
This guide uses official federal, state, local, and other high-trust nonprofit and community sources mentioned in the article.
A Single Mother is independent and is not a government agency, benefits office, lender, law firm, medical provider, or tax advisor.
Program rules, funding, local availability, and eligibility can change. Always confirm details with the official program before you apply or make decisions.
Verification: Last verified July 16, 2026, next review October 16, 2026.
Corrections: If you see something wrong or outdated, email suggestions@asinglemother.org.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It is not legal, financial, medical, tax, immigration, disability, safety, or government-agency advice.