More Ohioans are eligible for utility assistance from the Ohio Department of Development and Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) after Governor Mike DeWine signed an executive order to expand the program.

Under the new assistance plan, Ohio's Percentage of Income Payment Plan's threshold for eligibility has increased from the current 150% to 175% of the federal poverty rate.

The assistance can be used for electric and natural gas services.

"With the rising costs of commodities, Ohioans are finding it harder to pay their utility bills," said Governor DeWine. "By expanding eligibility for utility assistance programs, more Ohioans will get the help they need to pay their bills and keep their homes cool in the summer and warm in the winter."

The new income levels are as follows:

Size of Household Total Household Income
1 Up to $23,782.50
2 Up to $32,042.50
3 Up to $40,302.50
4 Up to $48,562.50
5 Up to $56,822.50
6 Up to $65,082.50
7 Up to $73,342.50
8 Up to $81,602.50

Households with more than eight members will receive $8,260 for each additional member.