Winter Crisis Program Helps Manage Energy Costs

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.  The gross income of eligible households must be at or below 175% of the federal poverty guidelines.  For a family of 4 the annual income must be at or below $43,050.  Individuals interested in receiving Winter Crisis Assistance must have a face-to-face interview.  To schedule an appointment you can call CAC at 330-297-1456 and choose option 1.  The automated appointment system will walk you through making an appointment.  If appointments are booked, just keep trying, new appointments are opened every weekday at midnight. 
CAC also offers walk-ins for those who are unable to schedule an appointment.  Walk-ins are seen on a first come first serve basis.  Our walk-in sites are as follows:

• CAC’s Main Office, 1036 W. Main St, Ravenna: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings.The doors open at 8am to 11am, and we see the first 24 clients.
• Kent Free Library, 312 W Main St, Kent:Mondays from 10am-12pm
• Garrettsville Library, 10482 South St, Garrettsville: on the first and third Tuesdays of each month from 10am-12pm
• Portage County Senior Center, 705 Oakwood St., Ravenna: Wednesdays from 9am-11 am
• Atwater Town Hall , 1219 State Route 183, Atwater: the first and third Thursday of each month from 9am-11am
• Windham Renaissance Family Center, 9005 Wilverne Dr., Windham: Fridays from 9am-11am

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 have a total household income which is at or below 150% of the federal poverty level.  For a family of 4 the total annual income must be at or below $36,900.

To learn more about the programs call CAC at 330-297-1456 and press extension 236, or 1 to make an appointment.  Customers must be income eligible, and provide all necessary documentation to be approved for assistance. 

The Winter Crisis Program ends March 31st, 2018.