Those who may need help paying electric bills or an air conditioner or a fan during the Summer 2014 may
find help through the Summer Crisis Cooling Program operated by WSOS. This program, which provides a
one-time assistance per season, operates July 1 to Aug. 31 or until funds are exhausted, whichever comes
first. Appointments may be made by calling 1-888-441-4327.
This year, the program will also provide assistance to those residents who are customers of unregulated
electric utilities such as electric cooperatives or municipal/village utilities. However, a disconnect
notice is required. This assistance will be provided regardless of the age of the applicant or the
medical condition. In addition, PIPP Plus customers who are current with their payments/installments
will be eligible to receive a fan or an air conditioner only.
The total benefits were also increased for 2014. For those with documented medical conditions or who are
60 years and over, total benefits for regulated customers is $350 while for unregulated customers it’s
$400. However, to be eligible for this assistance, the applicant must have a household member 60 years
of age or older, or documentation of a qualifying medical condition (form a licensed physician stating
"due to illness, this client would benefit from continued electric service.") In addition, the
clients must pay a portion of their electric bill.
Anyone who fulfills this requirement may get an air conditioner if he/she has not received one in the
past three years. If they’ve received an air conditioner, the person can get help paying the electric
bill once for the summer.
This assistance cannot be used to pay on a Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) Plus bill, but the
assistance may be used for enrollment in PIPP.
To apply for assistance, applicants must have with them the following information:
• Proof of income, for all residents 18 years of age or older, for either three or 12 months
• A copy of the most recent utility bill
• Social Security numbers and birth dates for all residents in the home, and
• Medical documentation as specified above
In addition, Emergency Services program continues to certify residents for enrollment in the Percentage
of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) for customers of Columbia Gas, the American Electric Power Company, Toledo
Edison, Ohio Edison, and Suburban Gas.
To make an appointment or for more information, contact WSOS Emergency Services at 1-888-441-4327.
Income guidelines for the Summer Crisis Program are 175 percent of the 2014 federal poverty guidelines.
They are:
Annual income/90-day income
• 1 in Household: $20,442.50/$5,105.63
• 2 in household: $27,527.50/$6,881.88
• 3 in household: $34,632.50/$8,658.13
• 4 in household: $41,737.50/$10,434.38
• 5 in household: $48,842.50/$12,210.63
• 6 in household: $55,947.50/$13,986.88
For households with more than six members, add $7,105 per member for 12 months or $1,776.25 for three
months.