WQIO Ohio's Super Station
Local residents struggling with high summer electric bills or without adequate cooling can now apply for assistance through Ohio’s Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program.
The program, offered through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and administered locally by the Kno-Ho-Co-Ashland Community Action Commission, runs from July 1 through September 30.
Eligible households may receive assistance paying their electric bill, establishing new electric service, repairing a central air conditioning unit, or purchasing an air conditioner or fan.
The program is designed to help income-eligible Ohioans as well as households that have received a disconnection notice, have already had their electric service shut off, or include someone who is 60 years of age or older or has a qualifying medical condition. Eligible medical conditions include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung disease and other health issues that make cooling assistance medically necessary.
To qualify, households must have a gross income at or below 175 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for families of up to seven people. For a family of four, the annual income limit is $57,750. Larger households may qualify under separate state median income guidelines.
The program continues to serve thousands of Ohio families each year. In 2025, the Summer Crisis Program assisted more than 55,000 households statewide, providing approximately $12.4 million in energy assistance benefits.
Residents enrolled in Ohio’s Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP Plus) may also qualify for additional assistance, including central air conditioning repairs or replacement cooling equipment if they meet program requirements.
Applications are handled by appointment through the Kno-Ho-Co-Ashland Community Action Commission. Residents should call 740-397-0378 to schedule an appointment.
Applicants should bring:
- Their most recent electric or energy bills.
- Proof of income for all household members for the past 30 days or previous 12 months.
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency for everyone in the household.
- Proof of disability, if applicable.
- A physician’s statement if cooling assistance is medically necessary for a household member.
Additional information about the Summer Crisis Program is available by contacting the Kno-Ho-Co-Ashland Community Action Commission or through Ohio’s Energy Assistance Program.
