Need help paying those winter gas bills?
With the cold weather approaching, many people who are still suffering from the weak economy may be concerned about their winter heating bills. Columbia Gas reports that a large number of customers who qualify for financial assistance do not receive help, for a number of reasons. They may not realize they qualify, or they may not even know where to seek assistance.
One positive factor is that natural gas prices are at near-decade lows, thanks to large supplies and a mild hurricane season. Even so, some customers are still struggling with their household budgets. Columbia Gas urges customers to contact your utility company at the first sign you may have trouble paying your bill. The sooner they hear about an issue, the more options that are available for assistance.
Columbia Gas wants to assure customers that shutting off service is always a last resort, and that they are willing to work with customers. Those whose service is shut off or at risk of being shut off should consider the following options:
- Payment Plans: Any Columbia Gas customer who feels that they might have a problem paying their winter heating bills should call 1-800-344-4077 for assistance in enrolling in a one-third, one-sixth or one-ninth payment plan that can make bills easier to handle.
- Fuel Funds: Columbia Gas customers are encouraged to contact their local Community Action Agency (see below) to see if monies from the Fuel Fund program are still available. These funds are designated to assist households with incomes up to 200% of the federal poverty level and are available until exhausted. There are multiple programs with different income qualifications.
- Winter Crisis Program (formerly known as E-HEAP): Beginning Nov. 1, qualified low income customers are eligible for the Winter Crisis Program, funds that can be used if necessary to pay a $175 reconnection fee established by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio. For more information, call the Ohio Department of Development at 1-800-282-0880.
- Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP Plus): Households at or less than 150% of the federal poverty guidelines may be eligible to pay just 6% of monthly income for their gas bill year-round. For more information, call the Ohio Department of Development at 1-800-282-0880.
- Budget Payment Plan: It's not too late for any customer to enroll in this Columbia Gas plan, which spreads winter heating costs across the entire year. Enroll online (click on "Manage Your Account" and log in to enroll any time), or call 1-800-344-4077, and select option 1 from the main menu, folliwing the prompts for information about the budget plan.
- Energy Conservation: The Home Performance Solutions program offers rebates of up to 70% of qualified energy-efficient improvements that can reduce a home's annual energy consumption by 30% or more. The program includes a home energy audit, a $500 value that costs only $50. Columbia's rebates can be combined with Federal Energy Tax Credits, manufacturers' rebates and other incentives to reduce overall costs even more. To schedule an energy audit or obtain more information about the program, Columbia customers should call 1-877-644-6674.
Click here for more detailed information about many of the above programs. A number of them (such as the Winter Crisis Program, PIPP Plus, the Utility Fuel Fund and others) ask you to contact your local Community Action Agency. In Medina County that agency is: Community Action Wayne/Medina, 820B Lafayette Road, Medina 44256. Their phone number is 330-723-2229.
