As another winter approaches, the Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (OCC) reminds consumers having difficulty paying their energy bills that several options are available to help stay connected.
Through April 15, the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) has instructed the state’s investor-owned electric and natural gas utilities to reconnect or maintain services for residential customers either disconnected or threatened with disconnection.
According to the “Winter Reconnection Order,” customers can have their service restored by paying the amount owed or $175, whichever is less, plus a $36 reconnection fee. This option is available on a one-time basis.
For income-eligible households (detailed below), funds provided through the Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program (E-HEAP) or other energy assistance programs may be used to pay the $175 charge. Customers must enter a payment plan for any remaining balance and apply for other available public benefits.
“The OCC is pleased the PUCO has again implemented special winter reconnection procedures but remains concerned about the number of residential customers struggling to keep their utilities connected,” Consumers’ Counsel Janine L. Migden-Ostrander said. “We urge consumers who are behind on their utility bills to seek help from the OCC or their local utility before being faced with a service disruption and expensive reconnection fees.”
In addition to the winter reconnection provision, the following federally and state-funded programs are available:
Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP Plus)
The revised percentage of income payment plan (PIPP Plus) goes into effect Nov. 1. PIPP Plus is an income-based payment arrangement where customers at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty guidelines pay a percentage of their monthly income towards their electric and/or natural gas bills. Questions about the PIPP Plus program and requests for a new brochure that describes the program can be obtained by calling the OCC toll free at 1-877-742-5622 or visiting www.pickocc.org.
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
HEAP, administered by the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD), is designed to help income-eligible consumers at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines pay for their heating costs. Consumers can use this program one time per heating season. The benefit amounts may vary depending on individual circumstances and the amount of federal funding available.
Budget Billing
Budget billing allows consumers to spread energy costs over a 12-month period to have more uniform monthly payments. Consumers should contact their utility company to learn more about the program.
Payment Plans
When facing disconnection, consumers may propose to their utility company a payment arrangement that works best for them. Utilities are required to provide one of the following payment plans:
* “One-ninth” payment plan – Customers make nine equal payments on their outstanding balance along with a budget payment amount. The budget amount spreads electric or natural gas payments uniformly over 12 months;
* “One-sixth” payment plan – Customers pay one-sixth of the total past due amount in six equal payments along with current charges; or
* “One-third” payment plan – Customers pay one-third of the total bill (current monthly charges plus past due charges) each month. Utilities are required to offer this plan during the winter heating season (Nov. 1 – April 15).
For additional information about all available assistance options, customers can visit the OCC’s website, www.pickocc.org, or call toll free at 1-877-742-5622. For additional information about the HEAP and electric PIPP Plus programs, customers can contact the ODOD toll free, 1-800-282-0880.
