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.

2009 Federal Poverty Guidelines
Family Size 0 — 25% 26 — 50% 51 — 75% 76 — 100% 101 — 130% 131 — 150% 151 — 200%
1 0 — 2,708 2,709 — 5,415 5,416 — 8,123 8,124 — 10,830 10,831 — 14,079 14,080 — 16,245 16,246 — 21,660
2 0 — 3,643 3,644 — 7,285 7,286 — 10,928 10,929 — 14,570 14,571 — 18,941 18,942 — 21,855 21,856 — 29,140
3 0 — 4,578 4,579 — 9,155 9,156 — 13,733 13,734 — 18,310 18,311 — 23,803 23,804 — 27,465 27,466 — 36,620
4 0 — 5,513 5,514 — 11,025 11,026 — 16,538 16,539 — 22,050 22,051 — 28,665 28,666 — 33,075 33,076 — 44,100
5 0 — 6,448 6,449 — 12,895 12,896 — 19,343 19,344 — 25,790 25,791 — 33,527 33,528 — 38,685 38,686 — 51,580
6 0 — 7,383 7,384 — 14,765 14,766 — 22,148 22,149 — 29,530 29,531 — 38,389 38,390 — 44,295 44,296 — 59,060
7 0 — 8,318 8,319 — 16,635 16,636 — 24,953 24,954 — 33,270 33,271 — 43,251 43,252 — 49,905 49,906 — 66,540
8 0 — 9,253 9,254 — 18,505 18,506 — 27,758 27,759 — 37,010 37,011 — 48,113 48,114 — 55,515 55,516 — 74,020
For each additional person, add 3,740