County Executive Russell M. Pry's Office was recently approved to serve as a distributing agent of the Ohio Fuel Fund Grant Program, an initiative that provides financial assistance to low-income First Energy electrical consumers residing in central, northeastern and northwestern Ohio.
The newly established grant program is being sponsored by the following First Energy electric utility operating companies: the Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, the Ohio Edison Company and the Toledo Edison Company.
As a grant distributing agent, the County of Summit has been allocated $563,750: a figure that represents 15 percent of the total grant allocation. Through the allocation, county officials approximate distributing 1,780 grants; all in the form of billing credits to low-income, First Energy electrical consumers in need.
The maximum amount grant credits allowed per family is $300; however, in cases of extreme hardship $500 in grant credits may be obtained. Credits may only be used for electrical usage and cannot exceed the amount due on the bill.
"My administration will do it's best to encourage eligible Summit County citizens, as well as individuals throughout the region, to take advantage of this energy assistance cost-saving opportunity," stated County Executive Russell M. Pry.
To qualify for the Ohio Fuel Fund Grant Program, applicants must have:
An active residential service account with First Energy (in the name of an adult resident)
A pattern of "good faith" customer payments within the past 90 days
Previously applied for Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) and Emergency - HEAP
A total household income that is at or below 200 percent of Federal Poverty Income Guideline. EXAMPLE: $44,100 per a household of four.
The County of Summit is scheduled to begin dispersing grants in early 2010 or sooner.
Grant applications must be submitted in person to the Summit County Department of Community and Economic Development, located on the 2nd floor of the Ohio Building, 175 South Main Street in downtown Akron. To schedule an appointment, call 330-643-8527. Proof of identification, household income and an electric bill must be presented during the application process.
Applications may be taken over the telephone for citizens who are homebound, would have to take unpaid time-off work, or who do not have readily available transportation to physically visit with a distributing agent staff member.
For more information contact County Executive Russell M. Pry's Department of Community and Economic Development at 330-643-8527.
Akron, Ohio —
