WARREN — The novel coronavirus pandemic has brought changes to some of Ohio’s utility laws that affect those facing financial hardship, according to a staff attorney with Ohio Legal Services.

In March, the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio extended its annual Winter Reconnect Order until May 1. This order helps those in financial trouble reconnect or maintain electric and natural gas service with regulated utilities in the state.

This means customers of a regulated electric or natural-gas company can avoid disconnection or get reconnected for $175 regardless of how much is owed. This service is available one time per winter season.

Those who owe more than $175 may be required to commit to an extended payment plan.

Ohio residents with income no more than 175 percent of federal poverty guidelines, through June 1, can have the $175 be paid via the Home Energy Assistance Program Winter Crisis program, a federally funded program that helps eligible Ohioans with their energy bills. Applications for HEAP Winter Crisis assistance are handled mainly through local county Community Action agency offices.

On March 24, Ohio’s electric cooperatives — a statewide organization of 24 Ohio-based electric cooperatives — announced that they would be temporarily suspending all disconnections based on nonpayment. Those cooperative customers whose electric was previously disconnected should contact the cooperative to review the options for reconnection.

Those cooperative customers who have children should contact the local Ohio Department of Job and Family Services office to find eligibility for any assistance or benefits on past-due bills.

For water customers who get service through their city or other municipality, House Bill 197 (passed March 27) forbids disconnection due to nonpayment during the state of emergency. The new law also requires reconnection without fee in cases where water shutoff occurred on or after Jan. 1, 2020, due to nonpayment.

Those who had their water disconnected should contact the municipality or company to get the reconnection processes started. Water customers, under the law, are required to pay their bills.

According to Peggy Lee, senior staff attorney with Southeastern Ohio Legal Services, those utility customers who don’t fall in any of the previous categories should still check with their utility company about changes they have made in light of the pandemic.

“If you’re facing disconnection, or if you need reconnection, contact your utility company as soon as possible to discuss hardship options,” Lee said. “If you are in a family with children, contact your local DJFS office about emergency assistance.”

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