The Winter Crisis Program through Great Lakes Community Action Partnership (GLCAP) helped 1,349 households in northwest Ohio with heating needs this winter.

The program, which ran Nov. 1, 2024-March 31, 2025, assisted Ottawa, Sandusky, Seneca, and Wood County residents with emergency utility payments to prevent shut-offs or restore utilities, or helped by replenishing propane, kerosene, or other heating supplies. 

While Winter Crisis Program assistance has ended, GLCAP still provides year-round support through the Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) Plus program. PIPP Plus provides fixed monthly payments based on household income for customers on regulated utilities.

PIPP Plus provides support to families with fixed incomes by establishing consistent monthly utility payments, explained GLCAP Energy Assistance Specialist Cortney Sturgill. "Moreover, the program offers a remarkable benefit: it can eliminate utility debt for participants who consistently make their payments on time."

PIPP Plus through GLCAP is available to Ottawa, Sandusky, Seneca, and Wood County households at or below 175% of federal poverty guidelines (e.g. $26,355/household of one, $54,600/household of four) and for household sizes of 8 or more that are 60% of state median income. Details are available at www.glcap.org/pipp or by calling 419-273-4212 to set up an appointment.