Bill Payment Assistance Available For Low-Income Households

Bill payment assistance remains available for households earning between 175 and 200 percent of federal poverty guidelines. The money is available on a first-come, first-serve basis for customers who have not traditionally  had access to other state assistance programs. These funds became available when Columbia Gas and the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) reached an agreement to distribute refunds from Columbia Gas Transmission corp. (TCO), an interstate pipeline supplier.

Approximately $2.1 million of pipeline refunds, of which about $1.9 million remain, were made available for customers. It will continue to be available until the funds are spent. Customers who qualify based on income and are in need of assistance should contact their local community action agency and request to apply for the Columbia Gas TCO fuel funds.  Unlike many of the other assistance programs, it is not neccesary for customers to be facing disconnection to qualify. The maximum benefit is $250.