Home energy costs can be challenging for Ohioans on fixed or low incomes. The Ohio Department of Aging partners with the Ohio Development Services Agency, the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel, the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, and Ohio's aging network to provide programs and information to help eligible older Ohioans.

Energy Assistance Programs sponsored by the Ohio Department of Development help low-income Ohioans of all ages deal with the costs of heating or cooling their homes. Apply for these programs at energyhelp.ohio.gov. For more information on these and other programs, call toll-free 1-800-282-0880, or contact your area agency on aging.

• Home Energy Assistance Program - HEAP helps low-income Ohioans of all ages pay heating and cooling bills.
• Home Weatherization Assistance Program - HWAP helps qualifying low-income homeowners and renters reduce energy consumption while increasing the comfort of their homes.
• Percentage of Income Payment Plan - PIPP is an extended payment plan for qualifying customers that requires regulated gas and electric companies to accept payments based on a percentage of household income.

In addition, the Ohio Department of Development offers a Summer Crisis Program and Winter Crisis Program, which provide one-time benefits to help eligible consumers pay a utility bill or repair or purchase heating and cooling equipment.

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio's (PUCO) Winter Reconnect Order can also help with heating bills for income-eligible Ohioans. The PUCO also answers consumer's questions and helps resolve issues with providers of electric, natural gas, telephone, water, or household moving services. Call the PUCO consumer help line at 1-800-686-7826.