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Utility Tips

• When you are choosing a place to rent, always check to see what utilities are included. Make sure you know what you are responsible for versus the landlord. The Ohio Consumers’ Council offers a fact sheet to help explain utilities and renting.
• Since heating costs are usually the biggest utility expense, sometimes it is less expensive overall to find a place where heat is included in your rent. It may also be easier for you to budget.
• If utilities are included in your rent, try to make sure you have a reputable landlord. If the landlord does not pay the utility bill, your service may be disconnected.
• If you are responsible for paying your own utilities, look into programs to help spread the cost of your utility payments throughout the year. There are two primary programs – PIPP (Percentage of Income Payment Plan) and the Budget Payment Plan. Click here for a comparison of these two programs.
• If your income is at or below 175% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, sign up for all other utility assistance programs for which you qualify. Click here to go to a list of these programs.
• You may have a choice of gas and/or electric supplier and this could affect your rates. For example, even though Dominion East Ohio delivers your gas, you may be able to choose who supplies your gas. The amount these suppliers charge often varies greatly and it is very important to compare plans and rates. You could save lots of money on your bill. Contact the Ohio Consumers’ Council at (877) 742-5622 or the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio at (800) 686-7826 for fact sheets and help with this choice.
• It is very important to pay the amount due every month. The utility company may begin the disconnection process if you are behind on even one payment (30 days from the due date).
• Notify the utility company immediately if you believe you will be late on a payment. This shows that you are a responsible customer and may help when negotiating a payment plan in the future (although it may not avoid a shut-off).
• If you need help negotiating a payment plan with a utility company and you are not on the PIPP program, contact the Consumer Protection Association at (216) 881-3434 for an appointment.
• If you have received a disconnection notice, or your utilities have been shut off, click here to go to a list of programs that may help.
• If you have a concern about a utility company or questions about your rights as a consumer, contact the Ohio Consumers’ Council at (877) 742-5622 or the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio at (800) 686-7826.

PIPP And Budget Payment Plan Comparison

If you need help deciding which program is right for you, contact your utility company or the Ohio Consumer’s Council at (877) 742-5622. They can compare the monthly amount required for PIPP with the monthly charge for the Budget Payment Plan and help you decide which program is best.

Non-Emergency Utility Programs

In addition to PIPP, the following programs may help people at or below 175% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

The HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program) provides a one-time per heating season voucher or credit for your winter heating bill. The amount provided varies and is adjusted for household size. To be eligible for this program, your gross household income (before taxes) must be at or below 175% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Those with incomes between 151% and 175% of poverty will also have to be TANF eligible (household must include a minor child living with a parent, legal guardian or close relative; a pregnant woman; or a non-custodial parent of a minor child, and applicant must be a citizen or qualified alien). You must apply once a year by mail. If you received help last year, you will be mailed an application by the end of September. If you are applying for the first time, or if you did not receive your application by mail, you may contact the Ohio Department of Development at (800) 282-0880. The application is also available online at http://www.odod.state.oh.us/cdd/ocs/heap.htm.

The Home Weatherization Assistance Program may help you lower your heating bills by decreasing the loss of heat from your home due to such things as poor insulation and heat escaping through windows and doors. These services are available to both homeowners and renters whose income is below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Some of the weatherization repairs that may be provided include weather stripping and caulking of windows and doors, replacing broken glass, insulating, installing storm windows and furnace tune-ups. You may apply for this program by checking the box for weatherization services on the HEAP application. To get a HEAP application, contact the Ohio Department of Development at (800) 282-0880. The application is also available online at http://www.odod.state.oh.us/cdd/ocs/heap.htm.

Summer HEAP/The Summer Cooling Program provides a one-time payment of up to $175 per summer to help with the high costs of cooling. To qualify, your income must be at or below 175% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines; you must either have a family member who is over the age of 60, or a household member of any age who has a breathing problem. Your doctor will need to complete papers verifying this medical condition. Applications for this program must generally be made in person. The program usually begins in June and ends August 31. To make an appointment, contact the Council for Economic Opportunities in Greater Cleveland (CEOGC) at (216) 518-4014.

The SBC Lifeline program offers a lower monthly rate, free installation and does not require a security deposit to get new telephone service. If you have an outstanding balance, you may still be eligible for Lifeline and they will help you to work out payment arrangements. To qualify for this program, your income must be at of below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines OR you must be a recipient of one of the following programs: HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program); E-HEAP (Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program); Medicaid; SSI (Supplemental Security Income); SSDI (Supplemental Security Income); Federal Public Housing or Section 8; Food Stamps/Ohio Direction Card; OWF (Ohio Works First) or DA (Disability Assistance) including Veterans’ Disability. To sign up, call SBC at (800) 335-8721.

Emergency Utility Assistance Programs

These programs may help prevent a disconnection, restore service or provide one time funds to help pay for a utility bill.

E-HEAP (Emergency Home Emergency Assistance Program) provides a one-time payment of up to $175 each winter. To qualify, your income must be at or below 175% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Those with incomes between 151% and 175% of poverty will also have to be TANF eligible (household must include a minor child living with a parent, legal guardian or close relative; a pregnant woman; or a non-custodial parent of a minor child, and applicant must be a citizen or qualified alien). In addition, you must have a disconnection notice or your service must be off, and the emergency payment must be enough to prevent a shutoff for 30 days or must restore your service if it is already disconnected. Applications for this program must be made in person. The program usually begins around November 1 and ends on March 31. To make an appointment, contact the Council for Economic Opportunities in Greater Cleveland (CEOGC) at (216) 518-4014.

Winter Reconnection Order. The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) generally issues an order every year stating that PUCO-regulated utility companies will make available a Winter Reconnection program. The program allows your service to be restored for $175 plus a reconnection fee during the winter season (normally from Nov. 1 through April 15th). This program is also available to those who are threatened with disconnection. Customers are required to enter into a payment plan to receive this option. Cleveland Public Power (CPP) is not subject to this order, but they have a similar program. You can contact CPP at (216) 664-4600. Customers of other utilities can contact their utility company for assistance.

One-Third Payment Plan. This plan allows you to pay off your balance by paying 1/3 (around 33%) of the balance each month (plus your current charges) for three months until your balance is paid off. Dominion East Ohio, The Illuminating Company and Columbia Gas are required to offer this program during the winter months (November 1 – April 15) and may offer it year-round if they choose. Cleveland Public Power is not required, but does offer, some form of the 1/3 payment plan.

One-Sixth Payment Plan. Some utility companies allow you to pay off your balance by paying 1/6 (around 17%) of the balance each month (plus your current charges) for six months until your balance is paid off.

Consumer Protection Association may be able to help you arrange a payment plan to avoid disconnection of your gas, electric and/or water service. To make an appointment, call (216) 881-3434. Payment plans cannot be arranged for people on PIPP, but the agency can provide guidance for people on that plan.

211/First Call For Help can let you know if agencies such as the Salvation Army, Council for Economic Opportunities in Greater Cleveland, or the PRC program have funds available to help you pay your utility bill. These programs are sporadic and/or funding may be restricted. Call 211/First Call For Help 24 hours a day, every day, at 216-436-2000 or 2-1-1.

Poverty Guidelines

* Source: Federal Register, Vol. 70, No. 33, February 18, 2005, pp. 8373-8375.
All other calculations by 211/First Call For Help.