Winter Crisis Program

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – Emergencies which can severely set you back financially could occur at a moment’s notice. 

Muskingum County Community Action Outreach Specialist Emily Lichtner talked about the Winter Crisis Program that can help many Ohio residents who are facing energy service disconnection keep their house warm.

“So how the Winter Crisis Program works is it runs from November 1st, to March 31st,” Lichtner said. “It’s the Winter Reconnect or the SRO outside of the agency. And what that means is for Columbia Gas and AEP, we have up to $175 dollars that we can assist with outside of the agency. If you are above 175 percent of the guideline, you can still do the $175 as well. You can put yourself on a payment plan afterwards.”

The program covers up to $1,500 dollars for furnace repair or replacement if you can cover the remainder of the expense, as well as offering $1,200 dollars for residents who have less than a quarter tank of bulk fuel or propane to refill their tanks.

“So you do have to have a disconnect, be at 25 percent or below, and be out of wood, in order to qualify for one of those. You do have to be at 175 percent of the federal poverty guidelines or below,” Lichtner said.

To learn more about the Winter Crisis Program, you can call (740) 302-8404 to schedule an appointment. At the end of the call, you will receive a confirmation number that verifies your appointment. Columbia Gas and AEP customers who enter their account numbers will be allotted a 30 day hold.

“I think it’s another vital program. You know, you run into a tight spot or maybe you just need a little bit of help to get through to the next month, it doesn’t matter, either one, we’re here to help. We’re here to assist, to just help you get through to the next month,” Lichtner said.