Emergency Home Energy Assistance

About the Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program

The Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a federally funded program designed to help low-income households meet the high cost of home heating. Emergency HEAP provides assistance once per heating season to eligible households who are disconnected, threatened with disconnection, or have less than a 25% supply of bulk fuel. A direct payment is paid to the utility company. Households serviced by PUCO-regulated utilities are eligible to sign up for the Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP-Plus). This plan allows customers to pay 6% of their gross monthly income for gas and/or 6% of their gross monthly income for electric. Homes with 100% electric can pay 10% of their gross monthly income.  In addition, the HEAP staff can electronically transfer the HEAP application for process to the State HEAP program. This allows for an additional one-time payment for most utilities. Kno-Ho-Co-Ashland also operates the HEAP Summer Crisis Program. Persons with a medical condition or senior citizens may be eligible to receive home cooling cost assistance. A one-time payment is available to qualifying households.

Populations Served

Households disconnected or threatened with disconnection from their heating source, or less than 25% supply of bulk fuel. Residents in Knox, Holmes, Coshocton, and Ashland Counties

Income Guidelines

HEAP – At or below 175% of the Federal Poverty Level. PIPP-Plus – At or below 175% of the Federal Poverty Level.

Services Provided

One-time payment to heating supplier or bulk fuel vendor. In-home visits to those who are unable to come into the office due to physical limitations.

Funding Source

Funding Provided by the Ohio Development Services Agency, Office of Community Assistance.