The  Winter Crisis Program (WCP) helps income eligible Ohioans that are threatened with disconnection, have been disconnected, need to establish new service, or have 25% (or less) supply of bulk fuel in their tank, maintain their utility service.  We also offer furnace repair for eligible households.   

The program runs until March 31, 2026. Ohio households serviced by a Public Utilities Commission of Ohio-regulated utility must sign up for the Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP) or another payment plan if there is still an outstanding balance on the bill after receiving assistance.

Households interested in receiving emergency utility assistance must have a phone appointment and provide all required documentation.  Applicants will need to provide utility bills, proof of income, proof of citizenship, proof of disability if applicable, birth dates and social security numbers for all household members. Other 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 of Portage County also offers call-in appointments at our Ravenna office Monday through Thursday starting at 8:00am  until all the available appointments are full.  If you call during this time and appointments are still available, you will receive a same-day appointment.  The phone number for call-ins is 330-297-1456 ext 0.

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.  Applications will only be considered complete when all required documentation has been provided.

Community Action Council of Portage County wants to ensure Portage County residents stay warm and comfortable this winter by helping alleviate the burden of costly energy bills.   From November 3,2025, through March 31,2026, income-eligible households can receive one-time assistance with their home energy bill through the Winter Crisis Program.

The Winter Crisis Program assists households facing service disconnection, have been disconnected, need to establish new service, or have 25 percent or less supply of bulk fuel in their tank to maintain service. Qualifying households must have a gross annual income of at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty level. For a family of four, that is up to $56,262.

To make an appointment for the Winter Crisis Program, residents can call our 24-hour appointment line at 234-703-4303g or make an appointment online at https://app.capappointments.com.  Winter Crisis Program appointments can be booked starting on October 27th at 9 am.  We also have minimal same day appointments. To make a same day appointment, please call at 8am Monday through Thursday (except Holidays).  We will make same day call-in appointments until they are all booked. 

Clients need to provide the following information and documents:

• Utility account numbers.
• A list of all household members and their social security number.
• Proof of income for the last 30 days or 12 months for each adult household members.
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency for all household members.
• Proof of disability, if applicable.

 
Applications for the HEAP Winter Crisis program must be received by March 31, 2026. The last day to apply for the regular HEAP benefit is May 31, 2026. For more information on the programs, visit www.cacportage.net  or call us at 330-297-1456 HEAP is option 1.

Community Action Council of Portage County (CAC) is still accepting appointments and call-ins for the Summer Crisis Program (SCP).  The program runs through September 30th and may be able to assist households with a portion of their electric bill and provide a window air conditioner and/or fan to help with summer heat. 
To be eligible, households must be at or below 175% of poverty, and meet one of the following criteria:

• An electric bill that is in danger of disconnect, OFF, needs new service established or transfer of service.
• A household member that is 60 or older.
• A statement signed by a physician that states a household member has a medical condition that would be improved by continued electric service or air conditioning. 
• To be eligible for an air conditioner or fan(s), you may not have received one for the past 3 program years (2022, 2023, 2024).

CAC will continue to have call-ins Monday through Thursday mornings starting at 8am.  Call-ins are limited and will be first come first serve until all available appointments have been filled for the day.  These appointments go very quickly and are generally filled by 8:30am.   
To determine eligibility, you will be required to provide proof of income, citizenship, utility bills, detailed information about all household members, and proof of age and/or disability if applicable.   

• If claiming zero household income your specific situation will require additional documents, and tax transcripts for all adult household members may be needed.
• Individual circumstances sometimes require additional documentation.

​All HEAP services are offered via phone interview.

You do not need an appointment to apply for HEAP and PIPP, or to re-verify PIPP.  You can visit www.energyhelp.ohio.gov to start an online application.  You can also print out an application fill it out and drop it in our drop box with all required documents at 1036 West Main St, Ravenna. 

Portage County residents can get on the call-in schedule by calling 330-297-1456 ext 0.  If you would like to speak to someone, call 330-297-1456 and press 1 for HEAP.  Appointments can be scheduled by calling our toll free appointment line 234-703-4303.
 

The Community Action Council of Portage County is administering the Summer Crisis Program (SCP) from July 1st through September 30th.

SCP can help with electric bills, and families may be eligible for a window air conditioning unit and/or fans. Central Air conditioning repair is also offered to households that qualify.

To qualify for SCP assistance, households must be at or below 175% of the federal poverty guidelines, and meet one of the following criteria:

• An electric bill that is in danger of being disconnected, OFF, needs new service established or transfer of service.
• A household member that is 60 or older.
• A statement signed by a physician that states a household member has a medical condition that would be improved by continued electric service or air conditioning.    
• In order to be eligible for an air conditioner or fan(s), you may not have received one through HEAP for the past 3 program years (2022, 2023, 2024).

To determine eligibility the following documents are needed:

• Most recent 30 days of household income (unless self-employed or seasonal, then 12 months of income is required)
• most recent heating bill
• most recent electric bill
• social security numbers for all household members
• proof of citizenship for all household members (can be birth certificate or social security card)
• proof of age if 60 or older
• proof of disability if applicable
• If claiming zero household income your specific situation will require other documents, and tax transcripts for all adult household members may be needed.
• Individual circumstances sometimes require additional documentation.

Portage County residents can schedule an appointment by calling our toll-free appointment line 234-703-4303 or online at https://app.capappointments.com

Call-ins are available via phone interview on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday starting at 8:00am until all available appointments are scheduled. To schedule a same day call-in appointment, call 330-297-1456 ext 0.  Do not leave a message, by the time messages are returned, all appointments are booked. 

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.

If you have additional questions not related to making an appointment, you can call CAC at 330-297-1456, and press option 1 for HEAP.
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Community Action Council of Portage County
1036 West Main St * PO BOX 917 * Ravenna, Ohio 44266
Phone:   330-297-1456 HEAP is Option 1
Appointment line:   234-703-4303
Fax:   330-297-1463