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Pulling back the curtains on wage-theft enforcement in MN; Trump's latest attack is on RFK, Jr; NM LGBTQ+ equality group endorses 2024 'Rock Star' candidates; Michigan's youth justice reforms: Expanded diversion, no fees.

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Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg says rebuilding Baltimore's Key Bridge will be challenging and expensive. An Alabama Democrat flips a state legislature seat and former Connecticut senator Joe Lieberman dies at 82.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

Heating Bill Help Available for Ohioans Amid Another Wintry Burst

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Monday, March 3, 2014   

COLUMBUS, Ohio - The latest burst of winter weather is a big concern for many Ohioans facing high heating bills. Fortunately, new help is available. Ohio's utilities offer "fuel funds," a partnership between gas and electric utilities and community agencies. The funds provide utility bill assistance for low- to moderate-income customers.

Dave Rinebolt, executive director, Ohio Partners for Affordable Energy, said "fuel funds" become available today for Duke and First Energy Customers.

"We open them at this point in the year because we're coming out of the most severe part of winter," Rinebolt explained, "although you could argue we're still in a very severe part of winter, and we're seeing people with high bills from December and January that they just can't pay."

Funds were opened for Dayton Power & Light last week. Rinebolt said almost every utility has some sort of assistance available. The maximum benefit is between $250 to $500, depending on the fund. Ohio also provides help with bills through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). Rinebolt said "fuel funds" are designed to complement that program.

"You have a regular HEAP benefit plus emergency HEAP benefits that families can access when they are in danger of disconnection," he said. "'Fuel funds' supplement those two resources and are available to clients who have already used all the help that's available."

Rinebolt added that the funding is limited, and he encouraged customers to reach out to their utility company before it is too late.

"The 'fuel fund' we manage for First Energy is usually depleted in about 23 days. Some of the other funds that have more revenue may last into late April, perhaps early May," he said.

To find out about assistance and eligibility, Ohioans should contact their utility provider.



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