Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP)
The Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) helps eligible Ohioans manage their energy bills year-round, offering households’ affordable monthly payments that help maintain gas and electric services.
If your home is heated with gas, you will have a monthly payment of 5% of your household income for your natural gas bill, and 5% of your household income for your electric bill. If you heat with electric, your monthly payment is 10% of your household income. The balance of your utility bill is subsidized by the state of Ohio.
There is a minimum monthly payment of $10.00.
Paying on-time and in-full each month reduces your outstanding balance. Each time a household makes their PIPP PLUS payment on time and in full, they will receive credits towards old utility debt and prevent new utility debt from occurring.
If you make 24 on-time and in-full payments, and you have an outstanding balance, your outstanding balance with your utility company will be eliminated.
Once you are enrolled in the PIPP program, you are required to re-verify your income each year. You must also be caught up on all your PIPP payments by your anniversary date, which is the date you signed up for PIPP. Failure to report changes in the household income or household members, missing a payment, or not re-verifying your income can result in being dropped from the program.
If your home is heated with gas, you will have a monthly payment of 5% of your household income for your natural gas bill, and 5% of your household income for your electric bill. If you heat with electric, your monthly payment is 10% of your household income. The balance of your utility bill is subsidized by the state of Ohio.
There is a minimum monthly payment of $10.00.
Paying on-time and in-full each month reduces your outstanding balance. Each time a household makes their PIPP PLUS payment on time and in full, they will receive credits towards old utility debt and prevent new utility debt from occurring.
If you make 24 on-time and in-full payments, and you have an outstanding balance, your outstanding balance with your utility company will be eliminated.
Once you are enrolled in the PIPP program, you are required to re-verify your income each year. You must also be caught up on all your PIPP payments by your anniversary date, which is the date you signed up for PIPP. Failure to report changes in the household income or household members, missing a payment, or not re-verifying your income can result in being dropped from the program.
Who is eligible for PIPP?
Lucas County residents with a household income at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty guidelines and have utility service from an electric or natural gas company regulated by the Public Utility Commission of Ohio are eligible for the program.
A household applying for PIPP must report total gross household income for the past 30 days (12 months preferred) for all members over the age of 18. Both homeowners and renters are eligible for assistance.
A household applying for PIPP must report total gross household income for the past 30 days (12 months preferred) for all members over the age of 18. Both homeowners and renters are eligible for assistance.
How do I apply?
Who is eligible for PIPP?
Lucas County residents with a household income at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty guidelines and have utility service from an electric or natural gas company regulated by the Public Utility Commission of Ohio (PUCO) are eligible for the program.
A household applying for PIPP must report total gross household income for the past 30 days (12 months preferred) for all members over the age of 18. Both homeowners and renters are eligible for assistance.
For 2023-2024, the income levels are:
A household applying for PIPP must report total gross household income for the past 30 days (12 months preferred) for all members over the age of 18. Both homeowners and renters are eligible for assistance.
For 2023-2024, the income levels are:
| Size of Household | Total Household Income 12 Months | 30-Day Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $25,515.00 | $2,097.12 |
| 2 | $34,510.00 | $2,836.43 |
| 3 | $43,505.00 | $3,575.75 |
| 4 | $52,500.00 | $4,315.07 |
| 5 | $61,495.00 | $5,054.38 |
| 6 | $70,490.00 | $5,793.70 |
| 7 | $79,485.00 | $6,533.01 |
| 8 | $88,480.00 | $7,272.32 |
For households with more than eight (8) members, add $8,995 for each additional member.
A household applying for HEAP must report total gross household income for the past 30 days (12 months preferred) for all members, except wage or salary income earned by dependent minors under 18 years old. Both homeowners and renters are eligible for assistance.
Documentation Needed to Apply
When you apply, you will need to complete the Energy Assistance Application
(English or Spanish) and submit copies of the following documents:
Current Gas bill and/or account numbers
Social Security numbers for all household members
Proof of U.S. Citizenship for all household members‐ Birth Certificate, Baptismal records (must show location and date of birth), U. S. Passport, Voter registration card, Military Service Record, Verified Citizenship for OWF Program, Indian Census Record.
Proof of Legal Resident/Qualified Alien‐ Naturalization Papers/ Certification of Citizenship, INS ID Card, Alien Registration Cards/ Re‐entry permits, Permanent Visa, INS Form.
Proof of Income for the entire household for the past 30 days for all income types, except Self-employment and Seasonal income. Self-employed and seasonal households must provide 12 months of documents.
Those applying on an applicant’s behalf. Current notarized letter is required for individuals’ applying on applicant’s behalf.
All documentation is required each time you apply for services. Failure to submit required documentation could delay processing times.
(English or Spanish) and submit copies of the following documents:
All documentation is required each time you apply for services. Failure to submit required documentation could delay processing times.
Additional Resources
Moving?
Contact Columbia Gas to transfer gas services; or Contact Toledo Edison to transfer electric services.
Questions, concerns or complaints regarding your utility bill?
Contact your Public Utility Commission of Ohio.
For statewide legal representative in matters related to electric, natural gas, telephone, and water services, visit The Office of the Ohio Consumers' Council.
Contact Columbia Gas to transfer gas services; or Contact Toledo Edison to transfer electric services.
Questions, concerns or complaints regarding your utility bill?
Contact your Public Utility Commission of Ohio.
For statewide legal representative in matters related to electric, natural gas, telephone, and water services, visit The Office of the Ohio Consumers' Council.