PIPP Plus (Percentage of Income Payment Plan)
Last updated August 2026
PIPP turns unpayable Ohio energy bills into a fixed slice of income. Gas-heated homes pay 5 percent of gross monthly income toward gas, plus 5 percent toward electric. All-electric homes pay 10 percent to electric. The minimum payment is $10, and the state covers the rest. Older articles say 6 percent; the current split is 5.
The quiet superpower is debt forgiveness. Every on-time, in-full monthly payment shrinks your old balance. And 24 on-time payments erase the whole thing. Pay the small number faithfully for two years, and the mountain disappears.
Two gates. Income at or below 175 percent of poverty, the same table as HEAP: $27,930 a year for one person, $57,750 for four. And your utility must be PUCO-regulated. City-owned utilities and co-ops sit outside the program.
Enroll with the same application as HEAP. Use the OHID Energy Assistance Portal, your local provider, or mailed form JFS 00330. Allow the same 12 weeks.
Staying on takes discipline. Reverify income every year by your anniversary date. Be caught up on payments by then. Report household changes. Missing payments or the yearly reverification can drop you, and the debt credits are what you would lose.
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Household income at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, and service from a gas or electric utility regulated by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio
- You pay 5 percent of gross monthly income for gas and 5 percent for electric (10 percent if you heat with electric); 24 on-time, in-full payments clear your past-due balance
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Check the two gates: income at or below 175 percent of poverty, and a PUCO-regulated gas or electric utility.
- 2
Enroll via the OHID Energy Assistance Portal, your local Energy Assistance Provider, or form JFS 00330 by mail.
- 3
Bring 30 days of income proof for everyone (12 months preferred) and your utility account details.
- 4
Pay the fixed amount on time, in full, every month; each payment shrinks your old balance, and 24 wipe it entirely.
- 5
Reverify income every year by your anniversary date, caught up on payments.
- 6
Report income and household changes promptly; missed payments or reverification can end enrollment.
What the application looks like
Common questions
How much do I pay on PIPP?
5 percent of gross monthly income to gas plus 5 percent to electric for gas-heated homes, or 10 percent to electric for all-electric homes, minimum $10 a month. The old 6-percent figures are outdated.
What happens to my old utility debt?
Every on-time, in-full payment reduces it, and 24 on-time payments eliminate the entire arrearage with your utility.
Who qualifies for PIPP?
Households at or below 175 percent of poverty ($27,930 a year for one person, $57,750 for four) served by a PUCO-regulated electric or gas utility. Municipal utilities and co-ops do not participate.
How do I enroll?
With the same application as HEAP: the OHID Energy Assistance Portal online, a local Energy Assistance Provider, or mailed form JFS 00330. Allow up to 12 weeks.
How do I stay on PIPP?
Reverify income every year by your anniversary date, stay current on payments by then, and report household changes. Missing payments or reverification can drop you.
Not sure this is the right program for your situation?
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