News Room

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 23, 2007

Columbus, OH -- Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher today urged Ohioans eligible for emergency home heating assistance to apply for the Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program (EHEAP) Winter Crisis Program before the March 31 deadline. The EHEAP Program provides a one-time per heating season credit to eligible households that are facing a disconnect order, have already been disconnected or have less than 10 days of bulk fuel supply.

"Ohioans endured some of the coldest temperatures in recent months and current utility bills are reflecting the increased usage of energy to keep families warm," said Lt. Governor Fisher, who also serves as Director of the Ohio Department of Development. "The Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program is an outstanding service that ensures our most vulnerable citizens have the ability to keep their homes warm and safe. I encourage all eligible Ohioans to apply for help from the EHEAP Program if they are in danger of losing service because of an inability to pay."

The 2006-2007 EHEAP Winter Crisis Program began on November 1, 2006. So far this season, approximately 133,424 applications for EHEAP assistance have been received and processed. During the same period last year, requests for EHEAP assistance were slightly lower with approximately 126,540 applications.

Those applying for Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program funds must be within households that are serviced by a PUCO-regulated utility and applicants must sign up for the Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) in order to receive emergency benefits. Bulk fuel users must certify in writing that they have less then a 10-day supply of bulk fuel in order to be eligible. EHEAP can also help pay for heating system repairs in certain cases. Customers who are not facing disconnection, but are having difficulties in paying their monthly heating bills may apply for the regular HEAP program through May 31, 2007. Eligible Ohioans are encouraged to contact their local community action agencies for assistance in applying for EHEAP and HEAP funds.

Qualifying for EHEAP depends on the size of the household and the total gross household income, which must be at or below 175 percent of the 2006-2007 federal poverty guidelines. EHEAP is provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, administered by the Ohio Department of Development's Community Development Division and provides assistance to eligible households during the winter months when home heating costs are the most expensive.

For more information about HEAP or EHEAP call 1-800- 282-0880 or visit www.odod.state.oh.us/cdd/ocs/heap.htm.

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Media contacts: Erica Revish at (614) 644-1931 or Maria Smith at (614) 466-2382