Governor DeWine Announces Expanded Eligibility for Utility Assistance Program

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has announced that more Ohioans are now eligible to access electric and natural gas assistance from the Ohio Department of Development and Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO).

Governor DeWine signed Executive Order 2022-12D, which authorizes the Ohio Department of Development to work in partnership with PUCO to implement emergency rules that increase the income threshold for Ohio's Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) from the current 150 percent of the federal poverty level to 175 percent. Ohio Department of Development has jurisdiction over PIPP for electric service, and PUCO has jurisdiction over PIPP rules for natural gas service.

More information about the expanded eligibility is available here..

Power outage review continues

Earlier this month, the PUCO invited members from AEP Ohio, AEP Transmission and PJM Interconnection to a public meeting about the mid-June 2022 AEP Ohio power outages.

All meeting materials are now available on the PUCO website, including links to the recording, transcript, presentations and minutes. PUCO Chair French has directed staff to file a written report about the outages and causes. Additionally, customers are encouraged to contact the PUCO Call Center with information about their experiences during the outages.

Click here to view materials from the power outage review.

Click here to contact the PUCO Call Center.

Keep cool with the Summer Crisis Program

The Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program (SCP) provides eligible Ohioans assistance with electric bills, central air conditioning repairs, and air conditioning unit or fan purchases.

The program runs from July 1, 2022 through Sept. 30, 2022.

Eligible participants receive a one-time payment of up to $500 for customers of PUCO-regulated utilities or $800 for unregulated utilities.

Click here for details about the program and eligibility requirements.