COLUMBUS, OHIO (Sept. 19, 2024) — The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) has issued its Special Reconnect Order for the upcoming heating season, designed to help residents maintain their electric and natural gas service during the winter months. This order will be in effect from October 14, 2024, to April 18, 2025.
The Special Reconnect Order allows any residential customer of a PUCO-regulated utility to reconnect or maintain service once per heating season. Last year, over 214,000 Ohioans utilized this program to stay connected to essential heating sources during the winter.
“The PUCO’s special reconnect order is crucial for those struggling to keep their heating on throughout the colder months,” said PUCO Chair Jenifer French.
Under the provisions of the order, customers are required to pay no more than $175 to their utility, plus any applicable reconnection charge, which cannot exceed $36. If the reconnection fee exceeds this amount, the additional balance will be billed on the customer’s next monthly statement.
The order also extends to new customers looking to establish electric or natural gas service with PUCO-regulated utilities. These customers can pay up to $175 as a security deposit, with any excess charged to their next bill.
While there are no income eligibility requirements to take advantage of the Special Reconnect Order, customers at or below 175% of the federal poverty guidelines may qualify for assistance through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) winter crisis program to cover the $175 payment.
Residents can contact their electric or natural gas utility between October 14, 2024, and April 18, 2025, to apply the Special Reconnect Order to their account. Utility representatives will provide guidance on the order and help set up payment plans for any remaining balances.
For more details on energy assistance programs and tips for saving on heating costs this winter, visit the PUCO website. Customers with questions can reach PUCO at (800) 686-PUCO (7826) or visit www.PUCO.ohio.gov.
To view the official finding and order regarding the Special Reconnect Order, visit the PUCO website and navigate to the Docketing Information System (DIS) under Documents and Rules, searching case 24-807-GE-UNC.
