Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel

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Contact: Marty Berkowitz
(614) 387-2962

As cold weather approaches, OCC reminds consumers of utility payment options

Consumer advocate responds to PUCO’s Winter Reconnection Order for 2009

COLUMBUS, Ohio – October 5, 2009 – Almost 11 percent of Ohio households were faced with loss of gas or electric utility services in the past year due to non-payment of their bills. With applications for bill-paying assistance expected to increase, the Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (OCC) reminds customers of several options to stay connected to their utility services this winter.

On Sept. 23, the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) issued special winter reconnection assistance procedures that give customers of investor-owned gas and electric companies an opportunity to avoid disconnection this winter, initiate new service or to have service reconnected.

The winter reconnection order said any consumer who is either disconnected or threatened with disconnection may have their electric or natural gas service restored or maintained for an amount not to exceed $175 and a reconnection fee of not more than $36. In previous years, the reconnection charge was limited to an up-front payment of $20. The $175 payment includes any security deposit the customer may owe.

Consumers can use this option on a one-time basis from Oct. 19, 2009 until April 15, 2010.

For income-eligible households, 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.

“While the OCC is pleased that the PUCO has again implemented special winter reconnection procedures, we are concerned that the substantial increase in the reconnection charge is yet one more burden for customers who already are struggling to maintain utility services.” said Consumers’ Counsel Janine L. Migden-Ostrander. “Without the winter reconnection order, the health and safety of low-income Ohioans could be jeopardized because of the lack of heat in their homes this winter.”

Assistance also is available from utilities, as well as federally and state-funded programs, such as the following:

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.

Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP)

PIPP is an income-based payment arrangement where low-income customers pay a percentage of their monthly income for electric and natural gas service. The electric PIPP program is administered by ODOD; the natural gas PIPP program is administered by the PUCO. Eligible consumers must be at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty guideline. Consumers can obtain more information about the payment levels by contacting their utility company.

Budget Billing

Budget billing, administered by the utility companies, 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 a payment arrangement that works best for them to their utility company. If the company finds the arrangement unacceptable, it must provide an option of participating in either the “one-third” winter payment plan (where customers are billed 1/3rd of the total amount due each month) or the “one-sixth” payment plan (where customers pay 1/6th of the past due amount along with the current charges).

Telephone Lifeline

The majority of Ohio’s local telephone companies offer Lifeline programs to assist with payment of telephone bills. Most households that qualify for HEAP are automatically eligible for Lifeline. In addition to several other assistance programs that can qualify a household, those that are at or below 150 percent of the poverty level also are eligible.

Leader Voice Mail

For consumers in the 419 area code, free voice mail is available to citizens without access to a traditional landline telephone. Leader Voice Mail provides a way to reach potential employers, housing contacts or keep in touch with family members and loved ones.

For additional information about these options, customers can visit OCC Web site, www.pickocc.org or call the OCC toll free, 1-877-742-5622. For additional information about the HEAP and electric PIPP programs, customers also can contact the ODOD toll free, 1-800- 282-0880.

About the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel

The Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC), the residential utility consumer advocate, represents the interests of 4.5 million households in proceedings before state and federal regulators and in the courts. The state agency also educates consumers about electric, natural gas, telephone and water issues and resolves complaints from individuals. To receive utility information, brochures, schedule a presentation or file a utility complaint, residential consumers may call 1-877-PICKOCC (1-877-742-5622) toll free in Ohio or visit the OCC Web site at www.pickocc.org.