The Ohio Development Services Agency (ODSA) and the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) want to
remind Ohioans that assistance is available for citizens whose residences have been disconnected or are
threatened with disconnection from utility service.
The Winter Crisis Program, a component of the Home Energy Assistance Program, provides assistance to
eligible households that are threatened with disconnection, have been disconnected or have less than a
10-day supply of bulk fuel. The gross income of eligible households must be at or below 175 percent of
the federal poverty guidelines. For a family of four the annual income must be at or below $41,737.50.
Individuals interested in receiving Winter Crisis assistance must have a face-to-face interview at their
Winter Crisis Program provider. A list of providers by county can be found by calling the ODSA toll-free
hotline at 800-282-0880, Monday through Friday (hearing impaired customers may dial 800-686-1557 for
assistance) or visit energyhelp.ohio.gov for more information.
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio’s Winter Reconnect Order allows residential customers the
opportunity to have their service restored or maintained by paying the amount due or $175, whichever is
less. If the customer’s service has already been disconnected, the customer must pay the $175 and
possibly a reconnection fee of no more than $36 to restore service. Customers may use the program once
during the winter heating season between Oct. 20, 2014 and April 15, 2015.
There is no income eligibility requirement or sign-up required for the Winter Reconnect Order.
There are other state and federal programs available to assist those who qualify. The PUCO and ODSA
suggest that customers explore all options including PIPP Plus, HEAP and the Home Weatherization
Assistance Program (HWAP).
More information about these programs and additional ways to save on home heating bills this winter is
available at Ohio’s Winter Heating Resource website www.winterheat.ohio.gov or at energyhelp.ohio.gov.
Customers who have questions about the PUCO winter heating season reconnect program may contact the PUCO
at 1-800-686-PUCO (7826).
