Help Available with Heating

Winter Crisis Program

LCCAA currently offers multiple programs that help low-income Lorain County residents keep their heat on or reconnect them to heat.

Residents who have been threatened with disconnection for inability to pay their bill most likely will benefit from the winter crisis program.

To be eligible for help, residents must live at or below 175% of the federal poverty line (FPL). This year, in addition to the threat of disconnect or an actual disconnect, residents are eligible if they have or have had COVID-19.

Utility companies will stop a service disconnection if an appointment to determine eligibility has been made. The appointment must be kept and you must include your account number when booking.

Appointments must be no less than 48 hours before a disconnection to service is scheduled. Rescheduling removes the hold and possibly triggers loss of service.

Winter Crisis operates annually from November to March

Home Energy Assistance Program

If you are not threatened with a disconnection, but are struggling to pay your bill, you may qualify for HEAP. HEAP provides a once a season credit on your heating bill that can ease your tight budget. This year, additional funding is available for HEAP through the CARES act.

HEAP operates annually from July to March. Residents must be living at or below 175% of the FPL.

Winter Reconnect Order

If your heat is turned off, the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio requires companies to accept a minimum payment to reconnect you.

This $175 fee can be part of your HEAP or Winter Crisis benefit. The order is typically in effect from October to April, but can vary by utility company. Eligibility includes all Ohioans.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, all Winter Crisis services will be provided by phone only. Our satellite offices and administrative building remain closed to the public.

Required documents can now be submitted three ways: by FAX to 440-201-6483, by email to heapdocs@lccaa.net and through the secure drop box at 936 Broadway Ave., Lorain.

For Help, Call 440-538-6999, 24 Hours a Day