HEAP and Winter Crisis Program Extended

Home Energy Assistance Program and Winter Crisis Program Extended

Families can now apply for the Home Energy Assistance Winter Crisis Program until May 1, 2020. The Winter Crisis Program is a one-time benefit to customers of a regulated utility that have a disconnection notice, have been disconnected from their utility service or have less than 25% supply of bulk fuel to maintain their utility service.

The regular Home Energy Assistance Program or HEAP application will now be open until June 1, 2020. Families that have not already received a Winter Crisis or regular-HEAP benefit can apply.

Utility Reconnect Order Extended and Utilities to Suspend Disconnections

The PUCO extended its winter reconnect order through May 1, 2020. The Winter Reconnect Order helps Ohioans reconnect or maintain electric and natural gas service during the heating season between Oct. 14, 2019 and May 1, 2020.

Additionally, PUCO-regulated utilities are reviewing their policies and identifying where it may be prudent to suspend, for the duration of the emergency, any policies that would impose a service restoration hardship. The Commission also encourages those utilities not regulated by the PUCO to implement similar procedures.

The Commission also directed utilities to coordinate and communicate with local community action agencies and other community-based organizations to ensure that utility service to customers is maintained during the state of emergency.

Utilities to Suspend Home Meter Readings

Ohio’s electric, natural gas, water & wastewater distribution utilities have suspended any in-person meter reading activities and any other non-essential work that would create unnecessary social contact.

Functions that are necessary to initiate new service or to ensure the continuity of service are deemed essential and will continue during the state of emergency.