CINCINNATI — With frigid temperatures refusing to let up, many Tri-State residents are bracing for the moment when heating bills arrive. The extra strain is leaving some households scrambling to figure out how to keep the heat on and where to turn for help.
Kathryn Metz, senior outreach and education specialist with the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel, told us demand for help is unusually high.
“I was on a call with Cincinnati-Hamilton Community Action yesterday, and they said they’ve been inundated with calls from consumers who need assistance right now,” Metz said.
Despite this need, many who qualify for financial assistance aren’t applying, and some don’t even know the programs exist.
“Unfortunately, we see only about one in five eligible households utilizing the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP),” Metz said.
Home Energy Assistance Program
HEAP helps low-income families manage winter heating costs, with benefits applied directly to utility bills.
What to know about HEAP:
- You may qualify if your household income is at or below 175% of the federal poverty guidelines
- For a household of four: $56,262.50 or less annually
- No disconnection notice required
- One-time annual credit applied directly to the heating bill
How to apply:
- Online at www.energyhelp.ohio.gov
- Call the Cincinnati-Hamilton County Community Action Agency at 513-685-4478
WATCH: What to know about heating assistance programs as cold temperatures linger
Winter Crisis Program
The Winter Crisis Program provides one-time benefits if your heat has been disconnected or you have received a shut-off notice. The program is available through March 31. Once an appointment is made, customers receive a 30-day hold on their account to prevent disconnection.
Who qualifies:
- Household income at or below 175% of the federal poverty guidelines
- For a household of four: $56,262.50 or less annually
How to apply:
- Call 513-685-4478
- Schedule online at energyhelp.ohio.gov
PIPP Plus program
Ohio’s PIPP Plus program allows eligible customers to pay a reduced monthly amount based on income. On-time payments can also reduce past-due balances.
Who qualifies:
- Must be an Ohio resident
- Household income at or below 175% of the federal poverty guidelines
- Must have electric service (and in most cases natural gas service)
- Your name must be on the utility account
Duke Energy assistance programs
Duke Energy offers income-qualified customers several options, including the Share the Light Fund, administered by The Salvation Army. This provides one-time assistance to help avoid disconnection or restore service for customers in:
- Adams County
- Brown County
- Butler County
- Clermont County
- Clinton County
- Hamilton County
- Highland County
- Warren County
Duke Energy also offers payment plans and extended due dates for customers who need more time to pay.
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Don’t wait to seek help
Ohio does not have statewide weather-related shutoff protection, so Metz said she urges residents to act early.
“If you know you’re struggling to pay the bill, contact the utility company before you even receive a disconnect notice and try to work with them to set up a payment plan,” she said.
For additional help and energy-saving tips, visit occ.ohio.gov or call 2-1-1 (United Way) for referrals to local assistance programs.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and adapted for this platform with the assistance of AI. All reporting is verified by our editorial team for fairness and accuracy.
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