Electric bill assistance programs in Summit County.
Non-profits, the local government and charities across Summit County provide financial help for residents having trouble paying their electric, heating, or natural gas bills. There are programs that help with The Illuminating Company, Ohio or Toledo Edison and First Energy bills. Find details on resources that help pay utilities in the city of Akron as well as Summit County.
Non-profits and charities that help with utilities
The leading organization is the Akron Summit Community Action, Inc. They provide a few different resources, namely applications to the HEAP program (which is the area’s version of LIHEAP low-energy assistance). However that is a government benefit for families living in or near poverty levels in Summit County. The community action organization also provides other financial resources too and find details on Akron Summit Community Action programs that help pay bills.
- The Pathways HUB in Akron Ohio, at the community action agency, is a source of information on places that offer emergency help with bills, ranging from utility to water and more. The case workers from the Akron Summit Community Action will help people find and apply for funds.
First Energy has a charity program known as the Ohio Fuel Fund. This is a program that helps just people with First Energy utility companies (Toledo or Ohio Edison or the Illuminating Company). The utility company will provide a one time grant to help with utilities bills, with the amount variable based on funding levels. in general, the Ohio Fuel Fund will help people with low to even moderate income families in Summit County.
- In order to qualify for financial assistance with electric bills, residents need to have an active account, have been making a pattern of good faith payments prior to their hardship, and they also need to have a total household income that meets First Energy Ohio Fund criteria. Note it will also help pay for winter fuel costs, above and beyond electricity, such as propane.
Summit County Salvation Army provides help with Ohio Edison electric bill only. Of course qualifications needs to be met, with a focus on helping the vulnerable (seniors, disabled, families with young kids, etc.) that meet low-income guidelines. The maximum cash grant allowed per qualified family in most cases is $200, with very few exceptions made. The Christian, faith based charity does have limited funds. The main address is 190 S Maple St, Akron, OH 44302. Call (330) 762-8481.
Government electric and utility assistance
The Ohio Department of Development, while based in Columbus OH, also provides help in Summit County. Grant money is available for customers of a “Regulated” or “unregulated” utility provider as well. While the amounts fluctuate, in general anywhere from $500 to $800 is paid out during the summer for electric bills to income qualified families. Call (800) 848-1300 to reach the agency.
- The main government benefit is Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP). This will set a fixed monthly rate that a qualified low-income family in Summit County will pay for their electric or gas costs each month. PIPP sets a fixed percentage based on the household's income, so what it does is ensure a lower income household is not paying a large percentage of their income for electricity. https://development.ohio.gov/individual/energy-assistance/2-percentage-of-income-payment-plan-plus.
- The Department of Development also administers the various PIPP Plus programs in Summit County. There are options ranging from debt relief from Graduate PIPP Plus to the “standard” PIPP Plus (which helps Akron residents pay down a past due balance of a previous electric company)
HEAP, or the Home Energy Assistance Program, is the main government assistance programs that helps low-income families. Community Action can help people apply as well as the OH Department of Development. The city of Akron also help people apply for HEAP here. https://www.akronohio.gov/departments/finance/akron_utility_bill_assistance_program.php.
- The government will provide funds to help with electric costs, with a focus on during the winter heating seasons. Documentation is also required. Individuals will need to bring photo identification; their social security card, and details around income and family members.
Related Content From Needhelppayingbills.com
|
