​The Community Action Council of Portage County wants to remind residents that the Winter Crisis Program and the Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus can help manage energy costs during these cold winter days.
The Winter Crisis Program, a component of the Home Energy Assistance Program, provides assistance to eligible households that are threatened with disconnection, have been disconnected or have less than a 10-day supply of bulk fuel. 
To qualify for the Winter Crisis Program, a household must be threatened with disconnection, have been disconnected or have less than a 25 percent supply of bulk fuel. The household must also have a gross income at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty level.
The Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP Plus) allows eligible customers to pay their utility bills based on a percentage of the household income.  This makes monthly payments more affordable year-round.  To be eligible for the PIPP Plus program, a customer must have electric or gas service that is regulated by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO), and must be income eligible. 
Individuals interested in receiving assistance must have a phone appointment, and provide all required documentation.  Applicants will need to provide utility bills, proof of income, and proof of citizenship. 0ther documentation may be required based on each household’s individual circumstances.
Portage County residents can call toll free 234-703-4303 or go online https://app.capappointments.com to schedule an appointment.  Appointments are scheduled up to 3 weeks in advance and must be made through the Agency’s 24 hour Interactive Voice Response scheduling system either by phone or online.
 
CAC also offers call-in appointments at our Ravenna office Monday through Thursday starting at 8:00 am until all the available appointments are full.  If you call between 8:00am and 10:00am, you will receive a same day-phone appointment time. 
 
ALL APPOINTMENTS, AND CALL-INS WILL BE CONDUCTED VIA PHONE INTERVIEW.  You are required to be available via the phone number provided, and have the required documents available so you are able to answer the intake specialists questions at the date and time of your appointment.  The Intake Specialist will work with you to decide what is the best method for providing your documents.
The Intake Specialist will attempt to reach you 2 (two) times during your scheduled appointment time.  If they are unable to reach you, you must re-schedule. At the conclusion of the Phone Interview, the Intake Specialist will inform you of the documents that you will need to submit and any other information necessary to complete the application.  This adjustment to policy does not change the requirement for collection of all required documentation.  Applications will only be considered complete when all required documentation has been provided.
To learn more about the programs call CAC at 330-297-1456 and press 1 for HEAP.   Customers must be income eligible, and provide all necessary documentation to be approved for assistance. 
The Winter Crisis Program ends March 31st, 2021.