The Percentage of Income Payment Plan, PIPP Plus, helps make monthly payments more affordable on a year-round basis. And, when a PIPP Plus household pays the monthly PIPP Plus payment on-time and in-full, some of their old debt and the rest of that month's bill goes away in the form of a credit on their utility account.

How do I sign up for PIPP Plus?

Contact your local energy assistance provider. You may also enroll in PIPP Plus by completing the Energy Assistance Program application and mailing it to the Ohio Development Services Agency. You must provide proof of your gross monthly household income for the last 30 days. 

How do I know if I am income eligible for PIPP Plus?

Households with a gross yearly household income at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty guidelines are eligible to participate in PIPP Plus.

Yearly income guidelines for 2022-2023 are as follows:

For units with more than eight (8) members add $8,260 for each member.

Do I have to pay a deposit when I sign up for PIPP Plus?

No. There are no deposits for PIPP Plus households. If you paid a deposit in the past, that amount will be used to reduce any debt you owe the utility company.

What will my monthly payment be?

Natural gas: $10 or 5 percent of your gross monthly household income each month, whichever is greater.

Electricity: $10 or 5 percent of your gross monthly household income each month, whichever is greater.

All-electric homes: $10 or 10 percent of your gross monthly household income each month, whichever is greater.

When is my first PIPP Plus payment due?

Your first payment is due when you enroll in PIPP Plus. If you are unable to pay at enrollment, the installment can be added to your next monthly bill, but you will be billed for two payments. You will also lose the arrearage credit for the first month.

Do I have to make a monthly payment if I am a zero income customer?

Yes. You are required to pay a $10 minimum monthly payment for both natural gas and electric. 

What are the benefits of paying my PIPP Plus amount on-time and in-full?

When PIPP Plus payments are made on-time and in-full, customers earn an incentive credit and an arrearage credit. Each time you pay your required monthly payment on-time and in-full, you no longer owe the rest of that month's billed amount. You also receive a 1/24th  credit toward any old debt. If you make full, on-time payments for 24 straight months, all of your arrearages will be eliminated.

Are fees assessed for late payments?

No, but you will not receive the incentive or arrearage crediting benefits that come from paying your PIPP Plus payment amount on-time and in-full.

What must I do to remain on PIPP Plus?

To remain on PIPP Plus you must pay installments in full each month. Provide documentation no less than once every 12 months that your gross monthly household income (and size) is at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level. Pay any missed installments by the anniversary date listed on your utility bill. You will have one billing cycle to make up those payments, or you will be removed from PIPP Plus, and your entire bill balance may become due. At that time, your utility may offer you an extended payment plan to help you avoid disconnection.

What is the difference between my PIPP Plus anniversary date and reverification date?

The anniversary date is the calendar date that you must be current on any missed PIPP Plus payments. The arrearage credits will be recalculated at the anniversary date if applicable. Your anniversary date is the same every year.

The reverification date is the actual date on which you complete documentation of your household income and size. Reverification must occur no more than 12 months from the previous reverification date. Since the customer is required to reverify any change in household size and income, the customer's reverification date may change from year to year.

If I am dropped from PIPP Plus for failure to make up missed  payments by the anniversary date, what must I do to be re-enrolled in the program?

You must make up all missed payments that you owed when you were dropped from PIPP Plus. In addition, you must pay missed installments for the months you were not enrolled on PIPP Plus but maintained service.

Can I re-enroll in PIPP Plus if I am removed for failure to prove that I am income-eligible?

Yes. You may re-enroll as long as you still meet the income requirements. To do so, you must provide proof of income, and you pay all missed PIPP Plus payments.

What is my responsibility for reporting changes in my household income?

You must report any change in your household income and size to your local energy assistance provider (i.e., community action agency).  Customers will not report their income if it increases.

What are my options if I become income ineligible for PIPP Plus?

Customers who become income ineligible for PIPP Plus, but are current on their PIPP Plus payment, will be placed on Graduate PIPP Plus. This program provides customers with a 12-month transition from PIPP Plus to full payments. Graduate PIPP Plus, customers pay an average of their most recent PIPP Plus amount and a budget billing amount calculated by their utility. Graduate PIPP Plus customers who make payments on-time and in-full will continue to receive credits toward their monthly bill balance and a 1/12 credit to their old debt. Some small gas companies are not required to offer Graduate PIPP Plus.

What if I no longer have natural gas service with the same company?

If your account is closed and you are moving outside of your current service territory or to a location where you do not need utility service in your name, and you still owe money to the utility company, you may qualify for Post PIPP Plus. Post PIPP Post PIPP Plus is a 12-month payment plan for former PIPP Plus or former Graduate PIPP Plus customers who are no longer customers of the utility but still have an arrearage. Post PIPP Plus is only available in the 12 months immediately after a PIPP Plus account is closed. Post PIPP Plus is offered by electric and gas companies.

What if I decide to stop participating in PIPP Plus even though I still qualify?

You may request to be taken off PIPP Plus at any time. Simply contact your utility company. At this time, you may be placed on Graduate PIPP Plus for 12 months. To participate, you must be current on all PIPP Plus payments. Some small gas companies are not required to offer Graduate PIPP Plus.

Can I participate in customer choice and PIPP Plus at the same time?

No. If you are participating in a customer choice program, and you enroll in PIPP Plus then you will automatically be switched to the utility. If you were under a contract with a marketer, they may assess an early termination fee if you switch to PIPP Plus before your contract expires.

Do all gas and electric companies in Ohio offer PIPP Plus?

No. Some of the small gas companies are not required to offer PIPP Plus. Contact your utility company for learn more about PIPP Plus or extended payment plans.