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Get Help Paying Your Electric Bill with Ohio Energy Assistance Programs
Ohio offers a variety of energy assistance programs designed to support residents with limited income or unexpected financial hardship. Whether you’re applying for LIHEAP, enrolling in PIPP, or requesting a payment extension, this guide walks you through your options and how to apply.
Key Takeaways
- Qualified lower-income households can receive support through LIHEAP (annual direct utility bill payments for households at or below 175% of the federal poverty line) and WAP (free energy-efficiency upgrades like insulation and HVAC sealing for households up to 200% of the poverty line).
- Ohio offers targeted relief such as PIPP Plus (capping electric payments at 6% of monthly income or $10), CARES (hardship referral support), LIURP (free audits/upgrades), and the Dollar Energy Fund (one-time past-due grants).
- Individual electric providers offer flexible management options regardless of strict income limits, including Budget Billing (equalized monthly installments), temporary payment extensions, arrearage forgiveness, and medical certificate protection against disconnection.
- Many major state and federal programs (like HEAP and PIPP) allow combined online applications via energyhelp.ohio.gov or through local Community Action Agencies.
Table of Contents
Federal Energy Assistance Programs in Ohio
1. Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps eligible households pay a portion of their home energy bills, prevent disconnection, or restore service after shutoff. Benefits are paid directly to your utility company once per year.
Eligibility: You may qualify if your household income is at or below 175% of the federal poverty level. Priority is given to families with elderly members, individuals with disabilities, and households with young children.
How to apply: You can apply online or through your local Community Action Agency. Learn more and access the HEAP Ohio application on the Ohio Department of Development website.
For more information about LIHEAP at the federal level, visit the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ LIHEAP page.
2. Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) helps Ohio homeowners and renters reduce energy use and lower utility bills by providing free home improvements, such as insulation, air sealing, and HVAC upgrades.
Eligibility: Households must have an income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines.
How to apply: Applications are managed through local service providers. Contact your local Community Action Agency to get started.
State-Regulated Programs for Ohio Residents
Ohio’s Public Utilities Commission (PUCO) oversees several state energy assistance programs that help residents manage electricity costs and maintain service.
1. Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP Plus)
The PIPP Ohio program allows qualifying customers to pay a percentage of their household income each month instead of the full utility bill. For electric service, payments are typically 6% of monthly income or $10, whichever is greater.
Eligibility: Household income must be at or below 175% of the federal poverty level, and the home must be served by a regulated electric or gas utility.
How to apply: Complete the Ohio PIPP application online or through your local Community Action Agency.
2. Customer Assistance Referral and Evaluation Program (CARES)
CARES helps customers facing extended financial or medical hardship. Utility representatives connect participants with community resources and support programs to keep service active while they regain stability.
Eligibility: Open to residential customers experiencing long-term hardship or significant life changes affecting their ability to pay.
How to apply: Contact your utility provider directly to request a CARES referral.
3. Customer Assistance Programs (CAPs)
Each major utility in Ohio—like AEP Ohio, AES Ohio, and Duke Energy—offers Customer Assistance Programs (CAPs) that provide reduced rates or arrearage forgiveness for low-income customers who make consistent monthly payments.
How to apply: Applications vary by provider. Contact your electric utility for CAP enrollment information.
4. Low Income Usage Reduction Program (LIURP)
The Low Income Usage Reduction Program (LIURP) provides free energy audits and home efficiency upgrades to reduce monthly energy use and costs.
Eligibility: You must meet income guidelines similar to those for PIPP and HEAP.
How to apply: Contact your electric utility company or local Community Action Agency.
5. Dollar Energy Fund
The Dollar Energy Fund provides one-time grants to help customers pay past-due utility bills and avoid disconnection. The program is funded by donations from utility customers, community partners, and corporate sponsors.
Eligibility: Varies by utility and household income; applicants must have made a prior payment on their account.
How to apply: Apply online or through a local partner agency once per program year.
Utility Programs to Help Manage Your Bill
Even if you don’t qualify for state or federal programs, most Ohio utilities offer payment flexibility options to help make your electric bills more manageable.
1. Budget billing
Budget billing evens out your monthly payments by spreading annual energy costs over 12 equal installments—helping you avoid high seasonal spikes.
How to enroll: Log in to your utility’s online account or call customer service to opt in.
2. Payment arrangements and extensions
If you’ve fallen behind, most utilities offer payment arrangements or short-term extensions to give you extra time to catch up.
How to request: Contact your electric company before your due date to discuss available options and avoid late fees or disconnection.
3. Medical certificates
Customers with a household member who has a serious medical condition may be eligible for a medical certificate, which temporarily prevents disconnection of electric service.
How to apply: Your doctor or medical professional must submit certification directly to your utility provider.
Double Down Savings: Shop for Electricity Plans in Ohio
Ohio residents have more options than ever when it comes to energy assistance and utility savings. From federal and state programs like PIPP and HEAP to utility-run payment plans and efficiency upgrades, there’s help available for nearly every type of household. Once you have sought and achieved assistance though a federal, state or utility program you can still lower your electricity bill more through Energy Choice. This gives Ohioan’s the option to sign up through a third party electricity supplier.
Our marketplace offers a free comparison tool to shop and compare Ohio electricity plans side by side. In just minutes, you can find the most affordable rate for your household and lock in long-term savings on your monthly electric bill.
Compare Electricity Rates in Ohio by Utility
FAQ's About Ohio Energy Assistance Programs
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Eligibility primarily depends on your total household income relative to the Federal Poverty Guidelines. For example:
HEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program) & PIPP Plus: Generally available to households with incomes at or below 175% of the federal poverty level. Priority for HEAP is given to households with young children, seniors, or members with disabilities.Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP): Open to households with incomes at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.
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HEAP provides a one-time benefit paid directly to your utility company once per year to help cover heating or cooling costs.PIPP Plus (Percentage of Income Payment Plan) is an ongoing payment program. Instead of paying your full monthly utility bill, your payment is capped at a fixed percentage of your monthly income (typically 6% for electric service, or $10, whichever is higher). Making full, on-time payments through PIPP can also help reduce past-due debt.
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You can submit a combined application for HEAP and PIPP Plus online through the Ohio Department of Development portal at energyhelp.ohio.gov. Alternatively, you can apply in person or by phone through your local Community Action Agency, where staff can also assist with referrals for the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) and local emergency utility grants.
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If you do not meet the income thresholds for state or federal assistance, you still have several options through your electric utility provider:
Budget Billing: Spreads your annual energy costs evenly across 12 months to eliminate seasonal bill spikes.Payment Extensions & Plans: Short-term arrangements directly with your utility to give you extra time to pay past-due balances.Medical Certificates: If someone in your household has a serious medical condition, a doctor’s certification submitted to your utility can temporarily prevent service disconnection.Shopping Energy Rates: Because Ohio is a deregulated energy market, you can also shop around for lower electricity supply rates from competitive retail providers to lower your monthly costs directly.