Group offers help to offset electric bill during heat wave

TIFFIN, OH — Many people seem to have been running their air conditioners non-stop for the past few weeks, as temperatures and humidity have been high.

But what if you’re a low income household? A local organization is gearing up to help people in need offset their energy bill this summer.

WSOS is a private, nonprofit Community Action Agency. The core funding for CAAs comes from the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), which was created in 1981 by the Omnibus Reconciliation Act.

WSOS is one of 52 CAAs in Ohio and one of about 1,000 CAAs nationwide. WSOS provides services to income-eligible individuals and families of all ages.

The WSOS Summer Crisis program was established to help offset the energy costs for residents in Seneca, Sandusky, Ottawa, or Wood Counties.

According to WSOS’s website, to qualify, you must have a home resident over the age of 60, or have a medical condition that demands constant electrical medical equipment, and be below the Federal poverty standard.

If accepted, WSOS can pay for one full month of an electric bill. You could also apply to be awarded an air conditioning unit to be installed in your home, or have free central air conditioning repair and service.

The goal of the program is to make sure a rise in electric usage doesn’t negatively impact families’ finances or health.

Even if you don’t meet the requirements of the Summer Crisis Program, you could be eligible for another program.

If you live in one of those serviceable counties, and would like more information on the WSOS Summer Crisis program, you can call 1-888-441-4327.