Emergency program ends March 31
Winter Crisis Program still offering help with emergency winter heating bills

March 10, 2009 - Eligible customers have until Tuesday, March 31 to sign up for the Winter Crisis Program administered by the Community Action Partnership. The Winter Crisis Program is an emergency utility assistance program that helps eligible individuals and families pay winter heating bills.

Individuals and families may qualify if their income is at or below 175 percent of the 2008–2009 poverty income guidelines. For a family of four, household income cannot exceed $37,100.

Eligible households may receive up to $175 toward their heating bills. Winter Crisis funds can pay a customer’s initial Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) payment, PIPP default payment, reconnection fee, deposit, transfer or new service payment to Dayton Power & Light and/or Vectren. Households using bulk fuel as their primary heating source may receive up to $950 for fuel oil or kerosene and up to $750 for propane or bottled gas. The maximum benefit for coal or wood is $350.
Customers should make an appointment with Community Action Partnership to determine if they are eligible for the Winter Crisis Program. Montgomery County customers should call the automated appointment line at 1-866-504-7379. Scheduling and keeping an appointment will avoid a utility disconnection. Additional phone numbers are as follows:

• Preble County: (937) 456-7125.
• Greene County: (937) 376-7747.
• Darke County: (937) 548-8143.

A limited number of walk-in customers may be seen, but scheduled appointments will receive priority.

“We anticipate having sufficient funding to continue the Winter Crisis Program through the end of March, so we will not have to cut the program short,” said Joyce Price, Vice President & COO of the Community Action Partnership of the Greater Dayton Area. “We appreciate the opportunity to serve and look forward to doing so for the remainder of the season.”