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The Ohio Development Services Agency has an-

nounced that the application process has started for
the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program
(LIHEAP) Summer Crisis Program for Summer 2014.

The Summer Crisis Program is designed to help quali-
fied households pay for summer cooling. This program
applies to electric utilities only and is available from
June 1 through Aug. 31.

This program is administered by local service
agencies around the state. For a complete list of local
agencies, visit: http://energyhelp.ohio.gov.

To qualify for the Summer Crisis program, you must
live in a household with gross annual incomes of up to
175 percent of the federal poverty level and meet one
of the following criteria:

You must have a member of the household who is
at least 60 years old; or
Provide a doctors note showing medical necessity.

For those who qualify, the Summer Crisis program
offers one air conditioner unit per household (for
households that have not received an air conditioning
unit in the last three years).

Additionally, those who qualify are also eligible for a
one-time payment assistance (for electric bills only) of
up to $175 to help you afford cooling costs.

Applicants do not have to be enrolled in PIPP to be
eligible for the Summer Crisis program, and you do
not have to be in danger of disconnection to receive
assistance.

Call today for more information or to enroll.
Monday-Friday: 7am-5pm
(800) 282-0880 (Voice)
(800) 686-1557 (TDD)
HEAP Summer Crisis Program Underway
Cooling assistance during sweltering summer months
As the seasons change in Ohio, so does the way we use
energy in our homes. With the summer cooling season now
upon us, households should plan ahead to keep energy bills
low. Here are some helpful tips from the U.S. Department of
Energy to conserve energy this summer:

Keep your refrigerator door closed as much as
possible, and make sure the air vents are not
blocked by food items.
Try to keep the temperature at 37 to 40 de-
grees inside your refrigerator, and at 0 to 5
degrees inside the freezer. This will increase
the efficiency of your appliance.
Run the clothes washer with full loads, or ad-
just the water level for smaller loads. Try to
use hot water only if its absolutely necessary.
Only operate the dishwasher with a full load,
as small loads use excess hot water and
energy to operate.
Use the air-dry option on your dishwasher if
possible.
Lower the thermostat on the water heater to
120 degrees this will keep your showers
cooler, and save you some cash!
Take showers instead of baths to reduce the
amount of hot water used.
Summer Money-Saving Tips:
Easy Ways to Avoid Wasting Energy
Problems paying your utility bills?

PUCO-regulated gas and electric companies
have extended payment plans available to allow
you to make affordable payments and maintain
service. For more information, contact your
utility company or PUCOs Public Interest
Center toll-free:

Monday-Friday
Between 8am-5pm
(800) 686-PUCO (7826)
(800) 686-1570 (TTY-TDD)

Some utility companies may offer other emer-
gency assistance plans. Please contact your
provider for more information.