LISBON – Community Action Agency’s HEAP Winter Crisis Program (WCP) runs through March 31. Appointments for the HEAP Winter Crisis will begin Nov. 1 and may be made by calling the automated phone service at 330-892-8880. Scheduled appointments will be Monday through Thursday. The client must wait for a confirmation code at the end of the call to secure the appointment. The client will have a face-to-face interview for the appointment, at the agency, for the date and time scheduled. The client will be required to provide the required documents to the agency to complete the application. If all required documents are not provided, the application will not be completed. The client will need to schedule a return. Customers that work during our normal business hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. can call 330-424-4013 to set up an after-hours appointment.

Fridays will be same-day walk-in appointments only, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. for the duration of the program. Friday walk-in appointments will start, Friday, Nov. 1. All appointments will be at the agency. Walk-in applicants will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis.

Assistance is provided once during the season to low income households that have a disconnect notice, have been shut off, are trying to establish new electric service, transfer of service, utility security deposits, have PIPP default, or heat with bulk fuel and have less than 25 percent of their capacity. The program can also assist with home heating fuel, propane, wood, coal, regulated utilities, and unregulated utilities.

Making an appointment may not stop a pending disconnection. Appointment holds take up to three business days to go into effect. A no-show appointment may result in the utilities being shut off. The utility companies will only allow one disconnection-delaying appointment hold for the season. The hold for the pending disconnection cannot be extended.

Applications for State HEAP can be completed through May 31. Applications are available at post offices, libraries, and utility companies throughout Columbiana County. These applications must be mailed directly to the address listed on the application. Additional information also can be found at www.energyhelp.ohio.gov or by calling toll-free at 800-282-0880.

Applications for PIPP reverifications and HEAP can be filled out online at www.energyhelp.ohio.gov. Applicants will need to set up an account to complete the online application. Applicants need to ensure required documents are available to upload during the application process. Those wishing to enroll on the PIPP+ payment plan for the first time must apply in person.

Winter Crisis applications can be started but cannot be completed online. All Winter Crisis applicants must have a face-to-face interview with an adult household member, 18 years of age or older. For information, call 330-424-4013.