Energy Affordability

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – Ohio has multiple financial assistance programs aimed to keep energy affordable for low income residents.

Muskingum County Community Action Outreach Specialist Emily Lichtner shared how Ohio’s Percentage of Income Payment Program works to better balance tight household budgets.

“How the PIPP program works is if you’re gas and electric, it’s going to be five percent. If you’re all electric, it’s ten percent of the gross monthly income in the home. That’s another one it’s just… it’s based on your income to kind of help keep your bill hopefully a little bit more affordable for you,” Lichtner said.

Any household with an income at or below the 175 percent of the federally recognized poverty level is eligible for the assistance. If you qualify, the state will apply the discount directly to the account you have set up with your home energy provider.

“I believe the number one benefit would be it’s supposed to make your bill more affordable for you,” Lichtner said. “Now if you’re not making that payment, it’s the same as not making your current charges. So your current charges would add to your back debt. So that’s why we always just stress, it’s really important to make that payment on time, just like it would be to pay your current charges. But it’s a great program. If you work the program, it works for you.”

PIPP is accessible year-round and you can visit the Community Action office on Lee Street or apply online.

“I truly believe there are plenty of people out there who are unable to pay their electric bill without the program. And without the program, you don’t have electric,” Lichtner said.