Utility Assistance Programs
Income-eligible Ohioans threatened with a utility disconnection may qualify for assistance with gas, or electric payments. Community Action Wayne/Medina administers the Home Energy Winter and Summer Crisis programs (HEAP, E-HEAP, SCP), and Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP).
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
HEAP is a federally funded program that provides eligible Ohioans assistance with their energy bills. The Percentage of Income Payment Plus (PIPP) Plan is an extended payment arrangement with regulated utilities based on income.
Applications can be mailed directly to the State or completed at CAW/M at the time of other program utilization. Please use the link to access the online portal to submit a HEAP/PIPP+ application. www.energyhelp.ohio.gov
- Winter Crisis Program - A one-time benefit from November 1- March 31 with shut-off notices, disconnections, new service, or less than a 25% supply of bulk fuel. This benefit is processed at CAW/M.
- Summer Crisis Program - A one-time benefit to assist with electric bills during the months of July, August, and September. Qualifications and benefits change yearly. This benefit is processed at CAW/M.
Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP)
Percentage of Income Payment Plus (PIPP) Plan is an extended payment arrangement that requires regulated gas and electric companies to accept payments based on a percentage of the household income.
- Natural Gas Consumer PIPP Plus amount is 5%
- Electric Consumer PIPP Plus amount is 10% for the primary heating source. 5% for secondary.
Qualifications: total household income at or below 175% of the federal poverty guidelines and have a regulated utility.
Graduate PIPP Plus Program
PIPP Plus customers who are either income ineligible or choose to leave PIPP Plus but still owe a balance on a utility bill and are in good standing with their utilities may enroll in Graduate PIPP Plus through the utility. Customers have 12 months on Graduate PIPP Plus to retire their arrearage(s).
Qualifications: must be on PIPP
The Summer Crisis Program will begin July 1st thru Sept. 30th
The Summer Crisis Assistance Program provides a one-time benefit to eligible Ohioans with cooling assistance during the summer months. The program runs from July 1 to Sept. 30, 2026.
The focus of the Summer Crisis Program is to provide assistance with electric utility bills, central air conditioning repairs, and air conditioning unit and/or fan purchases. Households with a household member who is either 60 years of age and older, has a certified medical condition, and households who have a disconnect notice, have been shut off, or are trying to establish new electric service may be eligible for assistance.
