SIDNEY — The Ohio Development Services Agency and Bridges Community Action Partnership have reminded Ohioans that assistance is available to help them manage their energy bills year-round.

The Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) permits eligible Ohioans to pay the same amount each month for their gas or electric bills. Ohioans who are customers of a regulated utility and have an income at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level ($36,900 a year for a family of four) are eligible.

If a customer heats his home with natural gas, the PIPP installment amount will be six percent of the monthly gross household income. The payment to an electric company will also be six percent of the customer’s monthly gross household income. If customers heat their homes with electricity, the PIPP installment will be 10 percent of their monthly household incomes. Both homeowners and renters are eligible for assistance.

To apply, Ohioans must file the Energy Assistance Program application with the Bridges Community Action Partnership. Ohioans need to include a copy of their most recent energy bills, a list of all household members and proof of income for the last 90 days for each member, and proof of citizenship or legal residency.

When customers pay the installment on-time and in-full, they receive a credit for the balance of the current bill as well as a credit to any outstanding balance on their gas or electric accounts.

Each year, PIPP customers must reverify their incomes. Customers must also be current on all PIPP payments by their anniversary dates, the dates they initially enrolled in the program.

Ohioans not eligible for the Percentage of Income Payment Plan program are encouraged to work with Bridges Community Action Partnership to identify other opportunities for assistance.

For more information about the Percentage of Income Payment Plan, call 937-507-9341. Information can also be found at www.energyhelp.ohio.gov or by calling 800-282-0880.