The Ohio Department of Development, Buckeye Hills Regional Council, and Southeast Ohio’s Community Action Agencies will help income-eligible Ohioans stay cool during the hot summer months. The Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program provides eligible Ohioans assistance paying an electric bill or assistance paying for central air conditioning repairs. The program runs from July 1 until September 30.
The Summer Crisis Program assists low-income households with an older household member (60 years or older), that can provide physician documentation that cooling assistance is needed for a household member’s health, have a disconnect notice, have been shut off, are trying to establish new service on their electric bill, or require air conditioning. Conditions can include such things as lung disease, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or asthma.
To apply for the program, clients are required to schedule an appointment with their local Community Action Agency:
- Hocking-Athens-Perry Community Action (HAPCAP): 740-868-1908
- Guernsey-Monroe-Noble Tri-County CAC: 740-955-8001
- Washington-Morgan Community Action: 740-370-1328
- Gallia-Meigs Community Action: 740-444-4371
Clients need to bring copies of the following documents to their appointment:
- Copies of their most recent energy bills.
- A list of all household members and proof of income for the last 30 days or 12 months for each member.
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency for all household members.
- Proof of disability (if applicable).
- Physician documentation that cooling assistance is needed for a household member’s health (if there isn’t a household member over the age of 60).
For more information about the features of the Summer Crisis Program, contact your local Community Action Agency.
To be connected to your local Energy Assistance provider, call (800) 282-0880 (hearing-impaired clients may dial 711 for assistance) or visit Energy Assistance on the Ohio Department of Development website.