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LUCAS COUNTY, Ohio (WTVG) – As temperatures start to soar in Northwest Ohio, electricity bills are skyrocketing with them. As of July 1, 2021, a resource is aimed at helping Ohioans and their wallets calm down. it’s called Home Energy Summer Crisis Program (HEAP). The program is designed to help low-income households pay their electricity bills in summer. There is also a winter version of the program. During the summer, fans and air conditions may also be provided to people with qualifying medical conditions. The summer crisis program runs from July 1 to September 30.
“We are helping them financially to maintain these services,” said Claudia Rodriguez-Salazar, director of emergency and empowerment services at Toledo Trail. The organization aims to reduce poverty by providing services throughout the community. They also help organize the HEAP initiative throughout the Greater Toledo region. Customers using regulated utilities (like Toledo Edison) can receive up to $ 500. Customers of unregulated utilities (municipal utilities or co-ops) can receive up to $ 800. Air conditioners and / or fans will only be provided to those who have not received a unit in the last three years from Pathway.
“We care about our community,” Rodriguez-Salazar said. “There are some very grateful people, and we are blessed to be here to be able to provide this service. “
To qualify, households in Lucas County must have gross income at or below the poverty lines of 175% to be eligible for assistance. They must also meet one of the eligibility requirements below:
- Household member aged 60 and over
- Household member with documented medical conditions verified by a licensed healthcare professional (qualified under Ohio State law to write prescriptions)
- Household member diagnosed with COVID-19 in the past 12 months
- The electricity service of the household member (s) has received a disconnection notice, has been cut or a new electricity service is being established for the household
- Household member enrolling in the Income Percentage Payment Plus (RPPP) Plan is eligible for assistance with their default RPPP payment or their first RPPP payment
So how do you apply? You must call the HEAP hotline to make an appointment: 567-803-0010. Hours are Monday to Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Please stay online for your confirmation number and appointment details. The walk-in process is Wednesday and Thursday only.
“We are here to help you and we don’t need to fight alone,” added Rodriguez-Salazar. “There are helping hands.”
To reach Pathway Toledo, you can vVisit their website or dial 419-242-7304.
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