Income-eligible Ohioans in Knox and Ashland counties can receive help staying cool during the hot summer months thanks to two agencies.

The Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program provides eligible Ohioans assistance paying an electric bill or assistance paying for central air conditioning repairs. The program runs from July 1, 2022, until Sept. 30, 2022. It is sponsored by the Ohio Department of Development and Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging Inc.

To apply for the program, clients are required to schedule an appointment with Kno-Ho-Co-Ashland Community Action for Ashland and Knox Counties can be scheduled by calling 419-281-4327 for Ashland County and 740-397-0378 for Knox County

Clients need to bring copies of the following documents to their appointment:

• Copies of their most recent energy bills;
• A list of all household members and proof of income for the last 30 days or 12 months for each member;
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency for all household members;
• Proof of disability (if applicable);
• Physician documentation that cooling assistance is needed for a household member’s health (if there isn’t a household member over the age of 60).

Also, Ohioans enrolled in the Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus Program (PIPP) who meet the above criteria may be eligible for assistance towards their default PIPP payment, first PIPP payment, central air conditioning repairs or may receive an air conditioning unit and/or fan.

For more information about the features of the Summer Crisis Program and what is needed to apply, contact the Kno-Ho-Co-Ashland Community Action at 419-281-4327 for Ashland and 740-397-0378 for Knox. To be connected to your local Energy Assistance provider, visit energyhelp.ohio.gov or call 800-282-0880.