LEADS - Help that leads you in the right direction

Community Services

Utility Bills

Because of the economy, we saw an increase of 21% in the need for utility assistance in 2009. We were able to help over 2000 households in Licking County. Many customers needed help because of job losses and lower incomes. Because of additional funding and partnerships with American Electric Power and Columbia Gas, as well as the Ohio Department of Development, we were able to make a significant impact.

– Terry Boehm, Community Services Director

LEADS can help you with your electric and gas bills through several programs.

Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a federally funded program designed to help Licking County citizens with their utility bills. To be eligible for assistance you must have an income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

Summer Crisis Program assists eligible individuals and families with electric bills and/or the purchase of air conditioners. Click here for eligibility guidelines.

Winter Crisis Program provides assistance once per heating season to eligible households that are disconnected, threatened with disconnection, or have less than a ten day supply bulk fuel. Click here for eligibility guidelines.

Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) protects households from disconnection by allowing eligible customers to pay a portion of their household income each month to maintain utility service. PIPP sign-up is provided year-round. Click here for eligibility guidelines.

Additional Help

In partnership with Columbia Gas, LEADS has funding available through the Columbia Gas Fuel Fund for Licking County residents who need assistance in paying their gas bill due to the state of the economy. Customers must fall between 175% and 200% of the federal poverty income guidelines. There is a one-time benefit for Columbia Gas customers up to $250.

2012Federal Poverty Guidelines
Family Size 0 — 25% 26 — 50% 51 — 75% 76 — 100% 101 — 130% 131 — 150% 151 — 200%
1 0 — 2,793 2,794 — 5,585 5,586 — 8,378 8,379 — 11,170 11,171 — 14,521 14,522 — 16,775 16,776 — 22,340
2 0 — 3,783 3,784– 7,565 7,566 — 11,348 11,349 — 15,130 15,131 — 19,669 24,818 — 28,365 22,696 — 30,260
3 0  - 4,773 4,774 — 9,545 9,546 — 14,318 14,319 — 19,090 19,091 — 24,817 24,818 — 28,365 28,366 — 38,180
4 0 — 5,763 5,764 — 11,525 11,526 — 17,288 17,289 — 23,050 23,051 — 29,965 29,966 — 34,575 34,576 — 46,100
5 0 — 6,753 6,754 — 13,505 13,506 — 20,258 20,259 — 27,010 27,011 — 35,113 35,114 — 40,515 40,516 — 54,020
6 0 — 7,743 7,744 — 15,485 15,486 — 23,228 23,199 — 30,970 30,971 — 40,261 40,262 — 46,455 46,456 — 61,940
7 0 — 8,733 8,734 — 17,465 17,466– 26,198 26,199 — 34,930 34,931 — 45,409 45,410 — 52,395 52,396 — 69,860
8 0 — 9,723 9,724 — 19,445 19,446 — 29,168 29,169 - 38,890 38,891 — 50,557 50,558 — 58,335 58,336 — 77,780
For each additional person, add 3,960