Ohio’s Summer Crisis Program returns next month to help residents struggling to keep their electricity flowing during the hot summer months.
The annual program provides eligible households reconnect their electricity, pay electric bills or repair central air conditioning. Some agencies also offer window air conditioning units and fans. Terms of the 2023 program remain the same as the 2022 program and continue the expanded eligibility and benefits that were put in place during the pandemic.
The program opens July 3 and appointments can be made as early as June 19. Agencies actual start dates are varying slightly due to observances of Juneteenth and Independence Day.
IMPACT Community Action will host its annual Beat the Heat event on June 30 with summer crisis appointments, food, music and more. The family-friendly event is set for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 711 Southwood Ave. in Columbus.
Lorain County Community Action Agency uses an online system to make appointments and has partnered with the Lorain County Office on Aging to serve seniors in person with walk-in appointments.
Residents must be living at or below 175% of the federal poverty level, $52,500 for a family for four in 2023. They must also meet one of the following criteria:
· At least one household member is age 60 or over.
· A household member has a documented medical condition worsened by extreme heat.
· Their electric service has been disconnected or they have received a disconnect notice.
· They are trying to establish new service.
· They are enrolling in PIPP Plus for the first time.
· They are an existing PIPP customer in default.
Benefits remain at levels expanded during the pandemic. Customers of regulated utilities can receive up to $500 in assistance. Customers of unregulated utilities can receive up to $800. Eligible clients can also receive up to $500 for central air conditioning repairs.
The program runs through Sept. 30 again this year. Share your agency’s plans and events by emailing us at info@lccaa.net.
