In this issue:

• Assistance programs help Ohioans stay warm
• Understanding the Percentage of Income Payment Plan
• Make a difference in your heating bills
• Staying safe and warm during a power outage
• Q&A: Telephone rights with 900 & 976 charges

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Assistance programs help Ohioans stay warm

Many Ohioans may face disconnection of their electric or natural gas service this winter, just when they need it the most to stay warm. There are several programs available to help consumers regardless of their income level.

Winter Reconnect Program

Ohio's winter reconnect program allows most households that have been disconnected or are threatened with disconnection due to non-payment of a utility bill to have service restored during the winter months by paying a fee. Consumers can use the winter reconnect program until April 14, 2006. To be reconnected, consumers pay either the total amount they owe or $175, whichever is less, plus a reconnection fee of no more than $20. There is no income eligibility requirement for the winter reconnect program.

Income-eligible households can use Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program (E-HEAP) funds for the $175 payment. Beginning this year, consumers who use E-HEAP will not be required to enroll in the Percentage of Income Payment Plan. Additionally, those consumers whose household income is at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty guidelines can qualify for HEAP and E-HEAP this winter heating season.

Electric and natural gas companies in Ohio are required to reconnect service on the same day if a customer makes full payment and notifies the company of the payment before 12:30 p.m. Those consumers who pay after 12:30 p.m. will have service reconnected the following business day. Consumers can apply for the winter reconnect program in person at a local community action agency or by calling their utility company.

Budget Billing

Budget billing programs allow consumers who are current on their payments to spread the amount they owe over a 12-month period.

Payment Plans

When facing disconnection, consumers can propose to the company a payment plan that works best for them. If the company does not accept the proposed payment plan, it must provide one of two payment plan options to consumers: the 1/3 (where customers pay 1/3 of the total amount due each month, which includes their past due balance and current bill) or 1/6 (where customers pay 1/6 of the balance amount in addition to paying the full amount of the current bill). The 1/3 plan must be offered during the winter.

For more information on the winter reconnect program or additional payment plans, contact the OCC toll free at 1-877-PICKOCC (1-877-742-5622), or online at www.pickocc.org.

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Understanding the Percentage of Income Payment Plan

As colder temperatures are setting in and energy prices have risen, many Ohioans may find themselves facing difficulties in paying their utility bills. The Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC), the residential utility consumer advocate, can provide a variety of information about assistance programs to help consumers stay connected to their electric and natural gas services.

The Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) is an extended payment arrangement program for income-eligible customers of regulated electric and natural gas companies. Consumers who earn at or below 150 percent of the poverty level can utilize PIPP to pay a percentage of their income toward their monthly electric and natural gas bills.

Consumers who use natural gas to heat their homes pay 10 percent of their income to their natural gas company and 5 percent to their electric utility. Consumers who use only electric to heat their homes pay 15 percent to the electric utility. Lower percentage payment arrangements are available for customers who are at or below 50 percent of the poverty level or who do not collect any income.

How to qualify:

In order to be eligible for PIPP, customers must:

• Be a customer of a regulated electric or natural gas company such as American Electric Power, Cincinnati Gas & Electric, Columbia Gas, Dayton Power & Light, Dominion East Ohio, FirstEnergy or Vectren. PIPP is not available to customers of rural cooperatives or municipal utilities.
• Have utility service in their name.
• Apply for all available assistance programs, such as the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP).
• Earn a total income at or below the 150 percent of the federal poverty level. Income is defined as the total earnings of all members of the household before taxes.

Types of income include, but are not limited to: employment, child support, disability, unemployment benefits, worker's compensation, welfare, social security, supplemental security income and pensions.

What you need to apply:

• Proof of income for all members of the household who are 18 years of age or older, for the past three or 12 months.
• Copy of most recent utility bill.
• Completed and signed application (If applying for PIPP, remember to fill out the PIPP section on the HEAP application).
• Documentation of Social Security number and birth date for all members of the home. Bring verification such as a birth certificate, social security card or driver's license with the social security number on it when applying in person.

Applications, additional information about the program and other accepted forms of income can be obtained through community action agencies, county Department of Job and Family Services, the Ohio Department of Development and the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel.

Paying your PIPP balance:

The portion of the utility bill not covered by the monthly PIPP amount will continue to accumulate while customers remain on the program. Once a customer is no longer eligible for PIPP, he or she will be responsible for paying the accumulated balance. Payment programs, known as arrearage crediting, are available to help consumers pay off this debt.

For more information on PIPP or any other utility assistance programs, consumers should contact the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel at 1-877-PICKOCC (1-877-742-5622) or online at www.pickocc.org.

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Make a difference in your heating bills

As consumers head deeper into the winter heating season and continue to experience high natural gas prices, applying some practical tips could produce savings on energy bills. While each home is different, the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC) provides tips for the following areas where residents can help control the amount of natural gas used over the next few months:

• Furnace filter - Be sure to follow the instructions from the furnace manufacturer as to cleaning or changing the filter on a regular basis. Some filters should be changed monthly to ensure that air is flowing efficiently. Dirty filters force the furnace to run at a higher temperature, wasting both natural gas and money.

• Registers and air return vents - Move anything blocking heat from entering a room, including furniture.

• Thermostat - While people have different levels of comfort, a general rule for winter is to set the thermostat between 68 and 70 degrees while at home and to lower the temperature between 3 and 8 degrees while away. For added savings, consumers with an oversized furnace can consider turning their thermostat down as low as 55 degrees while away from their home. Oversized furnaces are those that are bigger than necessary considering the size of the home. Because they are larger, the units are able to bring a lower temperature up to 70 degrees in about an hour or less. Consumers who do not know if their furnace is oversized can experiment with how far to set back their thermostat while away. If it takes longer than an hour after raising the thermostat to warm the home, set it higher the next time.

  In addition, consumers can purchase a programmable thermostat for as little as $20 that will allow them to preset a heating schedule and better manage the temperature in their home. Programmable thermostats store four or more settings per day, enabling residents to have the temperature automatically drop based on a schedule of when they will be away from home or asleep.

• Windows - Consumers with older aluminum frame windows can consider kits that create temporary storm windows. Typically priced at about $10, the window kits reduce air leakage, allowing consumers to turn down their thermostat a few degrees and still feel comfortable.

• Heated water - If natural gas is used to heat water, be sure to look at ways to control water usage and prevent heat from escaping from the tank. For example, be sure the tank is set between 115 and 120 degrees. Higher temperatures cause more heat to be lost from the tank. Since dials on some tanks do not indicate the temperature, you may need to use a cooking thermometer to test the hot water. In addition, consider using low-flow shower heads and faucet aerators to manage how much hot water is used in the bathroom.

For more information, the OCC provides its Smart Energy Tips brochure and a guide to water conservation, which are available at www.pickocc.org or by calling 1-877-PICKOCC (1-877-742-5622) toll free.

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Staying safe and warm during a power outages

Having your electricity go out can be an inconvenience, especially during the winter. To help Ohioans find ways to stay warm safely during a power outage, the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC) brings you these tips on the safe use of alternative heating sources.

Gas stoves and carbon monoxide

First, natural gas stoves and ranges should not be used as a heating source because they emit carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can be fatal when breathed. Low levels of exposure can cause nausea, dizziness, muscle aches and weakness. Leave the house immediately and call the fire department if you suspect there is carbon monoxide in the home.

Generators

Some consumers may consider purchasing a generator if they experience long, frequent outages. When purchasing a generator, discuss the following factors with a salesperson:

• Price
• Type of fuel needed to run the generator
• Amount of time it can run
• Types of uses, such as appliances, sump pumps or home security systems

Kerosene and gasoline heaters

• Always choose a heater that has the latest safety standards built in, such as an automatic shut-off device in the event that the heater tips over.

• Keep all heaters on a level, hard and nonflammable surface at least three feet away from flammable objects such as drapes and bedding.

• Always turn the heater off when leaving the room.

• Never use gasoline in a kerosene heater or kerosene in a gasoline heater. Always store kerosene in a container intended for kerosene and fill the heater in a well-ventilated space.

Fireplaces

• Ensure wood stoves and fireplaces are installed according to building codes.

• Have the chimney cleaned and inspected yearly to prevent build up from catching fire.

• Avoid using coal, charcoal, trash or paper wrappings in a fireplace. These items can emit carbon monoxide or other dangerous fumes.

For more information on power outage safety, including tips for fireplaces and correct extension cord usage, contact the OCC toll free at 1-877-PICKOCC (1-877-742-5622) or visit online at www.pickocc.org.

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Q & A: Telephone rights with 900 & 976 charges

Q. What are 900 and 976 telephone numbers?

A. Telephone numbers that begin with "900" or "976" typically relate to entertainment services such as chat lines but sometimes are used by customers to receive over-the-telephone help with their computer. While most 900 and 976 calls are made using a telephone, charges can also result from calls made through a dial- up connection to the Internet. These calls can be very expensive and are not included in your local or long-distance calling plan.

Q. How are customers billed for these charges?

A. Charges for 900 and 976 calls appear on monthly telephone bills in a section separate from local and long-distance charges. Some services charge a flat fee for each call while others charge a high per-minute rate. Bills must include a local or toll-free telephone number for consumers to contact a representative with questions.

Q. What are my rights and responsibilities if I wish to dispute 900 or 976 telephone calls?

A. Some 900 and 976 calls may be billed without a customer's authorization, either because their telephone was used without their permission or they are a victim of a scam. Billing disputes involving these charges need to be made to the local telephone company within 60 days from the time the bill is issued. During an investigation - which cannot last longer than two billing cycles - customers do not have to pay for these charges. Basic local and long-distance telephone service cannot be disconnected based on any past due 900 or 976 charges.

Q. What can be done to prevent 900 and 976 calls from being made by someone in my home?

A. Caution those living and visiting the home, especially children, about the costs of dialing these numbers. Pay close attention when making long-distance calls and accepting collect calls since some chat lines and other services may transfer customers to a 900 or 976 telephone number. Be sure to review your monthly telephone bills for any charges that are unfamiliar. Additionally, local telephone companies offer the ability to block anyone in your home from making 900 or 976 calls. Typically this type of blocking service is free to customers who request it when they establish their telephone line. A one-time activation fee is sometimes required for those with existing telephone service.