Summer Crisis Has More ACs and Fans

posted 8/14/21 -- Lorain County Community Action Agency’s Summer Crisis Program can help qualifying residents pay their electric bills as they keep cool in the summer heat. Air conditioners, fans and limited help with central air conditioning repairs are also available.

To date, the program has distributed more than $36,000 in benefits as well as 94 air conditioners and 87 fans. Additional air conditioners and fans were added to the program as the original supply began to run out, said Planning and Community Services Director Bobby Taylor.

As always, the primary qualification for the program is a gross annual income at or below 175 percent of the Federal Poverty Line ($46,375 for a family of four in 2021). Residents at that poverty level qualify for help if they also meet at least one of the following criteria:

  • They are age 60 or over. 
  • They have a documented medical condition worsened by extreme heat. 
  • Their electric service has been disconnected or they have received a disconnect notice. 
  • They are trying to establish new service. 
  • They have been diagnosed with coronavirus in 2020. They are enrolling in PIPP Plus for the first time. 
  • They are an existing PIPP customer in default.

Appointments are required for the emergency program and are only available to residents who meet one of the criteria. Appointments can only be made at the agency’s website: https://www.lccaa.net/programs/energyservices/summer_crisis_2021. All appointments are being conducted over the phone.

In person services are being offered for seniors only in partnership with the Lorain County Office on Aging. An LCCAA Energy Services employee is stationed at the LCOA office in Elyria from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Those 60 and over who are not comfortable making an online appointment may walk in during those hours.

Customers with questions about the program can call 440-204-1870 during regular business hours. LCCAA also allows a limited number of people in its lobby during regular business hours to ask questions at the service window. Customers can also use the Contact Us form found at https://www.lccaa.net/about_us/contact_us.

For a list of required documents and other details, please visit the agency’s website. The program will run through Sept. 30 this year.