Message from the Consumers' Counsel:

Stay connected this winter

Many consumers have probably heard by now that natural gas prices have dropped slightly over previous years. Although the rates are lower, there is still a chance that monthly bills could be similar to last year or higher, depending on the weather this winter.

Consumers have several options for receiving assistance in managing their heating bills. Many times, utility companies are willing to work with customers to make payment arrangements on electric, natural gas or telephone bills. The Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (OCC), your residential utility consumer advocate, can provide information on programs that may help consumers stay connected to their utility services.

Electric and natural gas

• Home Energy Assistance Program: HEAP pays a portion of consumers’ winter heating bills one time during the winter heating season. Emergency HEAP (E-HEAP) provides a one-time payment between Nov. 1, 2006 and March 31, 2007 for customers who face disconnection, have been disconnected or have less than a 10-day supply of bulk fuel. Consumers must be at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty level to be eligible for these programs.

• Percentage of Income Payment Plan: PIPP allows customers to maintain service by paying a percentage of their income towards their monthly bill. Generally consumers will pay 10 percent toward their primary heating source and 5 percent toward their secondary source of heat. To be eligible, consumers must be at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level.

• Home Weatherization Assistance Program: HWAP is a federally funded low-income program that helps reduce energy usage in the homes of those consumers who are at or below150 percent of the federal poverty level.

• Ohio’s Winter Reconnect Program: the Winter Reconnect Program allows consumers who are facing disconnection or have been disconnected during the winter heating season to stay connected or be reconnected for $175 and a reconnection fee of no more than $20. There are no income qualifications for this program.

• Budget billing: Consumers who are not eligible for the HEAP or PIPP programs do have options to help manage their bills and stay connected. Budget billing programs allow consumers who are current on their payments to spread the amount they owe over a 12-month period. This can help avoid disconnection during the winter.

Telephone

Telephone Lifeline programs in Ohio are available to assist consumers who are facing disconnection. The program may offer financial assistance for reconnection as well as discounts on establishing service and monthly rates.

Energy Efficiency

In addition to these programs, consumers can help lower their heating bills by becoming more energy efficient. By turning down their thermostat by approximately three degrees, consumers could see nearly a 10-percent savings on their monthly heating bill. A great way to achieve these savings and reduce energy usage is to install a programmable thermostat. Consumers can set the thermostat to regulate the temperature so that less energy is used to heat the home while they are away or overnight while the household is asleep.

To learn more about utility assistance programs and energy saving tips, visit the Stay Connected section of our website or call us toll free at 1-877-PICKOCC (1-877-742-5622).

Best regards,

Janine L. Migden-Ostrander