Summer crisis appointments open today

Eligible residents can get help with electric bills, air conditioning

Relief from the summer heat will soon be available in Lorain County.

Lorain County Community Action Agency’s Summer Crisis Program begins July 5, but residents can begin making appointment for assistance June 20, according to a news release.

The annual program provides eligible households with a one-time benefit to assist with electric bills, central air conditioning repairs and air conditioning unit and/or fan purchases.

The primary qualification for the program is a gross annual income at or below 175 percent of the Federal Poverty Line, which is $52,500 for a family of four in 2023, according to the release.

Residents at that poverty level qualify for help if they also meet at least one of the following criteria:• At least one household member is age 60 or older• A household member has a documented medical condition worsened by extreme heat• Electric service was disconnected or received a disconnect notice• Trying to establish new service• Enrolling in PIPP Plus (Percentage of Income Payment Plan) for the first time• An existing PIPP customer in default

Benefits remain at levels expanded during the coronavirus pandemic.

Customers of regulated utilities can receive up to $500 in assistance, according to the release.

Customers of unregulated utilities can receive up to $800, the release said.

Eligible clients also can receive up to $500 for central air conditioning repairs, according to the release.

Residents who have not received an air conditioner from the Community Action Agency in the last three years can request a unit.

The cost of the unit will be deducted from the amount of assistance they receive.

The remainder can be applied to their energy bill if needed.

Electric box fans also will be distributed. Residents who have received air conditioners in the past three years may be eligible for a fan.

Distribution of air conditioners and fans will be subject to availability.

Appointments are required for this emergency program.

All appointments must be made online and will be conducted over the phone, according to the release.

Make your appointment by going to https://www. lccaa.net/programs/energyservices/summer_crisis.

In-person services are being offered for seniors only in partnership with the Lorain County Office on Aging (LCOOA).

A Lorain County Community Action Agency Energy Services employee is stationed at the Office on Aging in Elyria from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Those 60 and older who are not comfortable making an online appointment may walk-in during those hours, according to the release.

Secure drop boxes are available at both the Office on Aging office at 534 Abbe Road South in Elyria and at the Community Action Agency at 936 Broadway in downtown

Lorain for required documents.

Required documentation includes:• Income information for all household members 18 years of age or older for the last 30 days• Any member reporting “no income” must complete a no income form• Proof of citizenship for all household members• Most recent electric and gas bills• Proof of medical condition if applicable (documentation signed by a licensed physician or registered nurse practitioner)

The program will run through Sept. 30.

Additional information may be required.

If you have questions during business hours, visit www.lccaa.net or call 440245-1870.