Winter electric service protection order expires Monday

A winter-time protection against electric utility dis- connections, Ohio’s “Spe- cial Reconnect Order,” ends Monday.

But Dayton-area electric utility AES Ohio sent out a reminder Wednesday with resources for those who may need them.

The state order maintained electric or natural gas ser- vice from utilities regulated by the Public Utilities Com- mission of Ohio between Oct. 16, 2023, and April 15.

There are no income requirements to benefit from the order, but some house- holds may now be at risk of disconnection.

AES Ohio asks customers with this coverage “to take action quickly by making a pay agreement and/or apply- ing for financial assistance before April 15.”

The Ohio Department of Development offers pro- grams to income-eligible Ohioans for utility payment help, AES Ohio noted. To apply, visit energyhelp.ohio. gov and click on the link at the bottom of the page for local energy assistance pro- viders.

Programs on offer include:

■ Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus, an extended payment arrange- ment that requires gas and electric companies to accept payments based on a percentage of household income.

■ Summer Crisis Program provides a one-time benefit to eligible Ohioans, with cooling assistance from July 1 to Sept. 30.

Customers who need assis- tance may also visit aesohio.com/payment-billing to review payment and bill- ing options.

To find a local energy assistance provider (often community action agencies), select “find a local provider” at www.energyhelp.ohio. gov or call (800) 282-0880. Customers may also contact the PUCO at (800) 686-7826.

AES Ohio has more than 527,000 customers in West Central Ohio and serves 24 counties.