Cincinnati Utility Shutoff and Eviction Help: What to Do Before the Lights Go Out
Updated: 45 minutes ago
If Duke Energy or your gas company sent a disconnection notice, or your landlord just handed you eviction papers, the clock is already running. Cincinnati and Hamilton County still have real tools for both problems, but most of them work better if you call the same week the notice arrives.
This guide covers how to stop a utility shutoff, how to get on a percentage-of-income plan, and who to call for free eviction help. For food pantries and church-based rent help after you stabilize the crisis, use our Cincinnati church guide linked at the end.
First 24 Hours: Stop a Shutoff
Call your utility the same day. Ask for a payment arrangement and whether you can enroll in PIPP Plus or get a hold while you apply for HEAP. Have your account number ready.
Apply for Ohio energy help online at energyhelp.ohio.gov or through Cincinnati-Hamilton County Community Action Agency. You will usually need a photo ID, a list of household members, recent utility bills, and proof of income for adults in the home.
Dial 2-1-1 (United Way of Greater Cincinnati) and say you have a shutoff notice. Ask what rent or utility programs are open this month in Hamilton County.
Keep the paper trail. Save the notice, confirmation numbers, and any texts or emails from the utility.
Do not wait until the day after disconnection. Reconnection often costs more and takes longer than preventing the shutoff.
PIPP Plus: Pay a Percentage of Income Instead of the Full Bill
Ohio's Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP Plus) is for customers of PUCO-regulated electric and gas utilities, including Duke Energy Ohio. Eligible households pay a share of income instead of the full usage bill:
Electric and/or natural gas: the greater of $10 or 5% of gross monthly household income
All-electric homes: the greater of $10 or 10% of gross monthly household income
For the 2026-2027 program year, PUCO lists eligibility at or below 175% of the federal poverty guidelines. Examples of yearly income limits published by PUCO:
1 person: up to $27,930
2 people: up to $37,870
3 people: up to $47,810
4 people: up to $57,750
You need an active account in your name, and you must also apply for other energy programs you qualify for, such as HEAP. Apply year-round through your local Energy Assistance Provider or at energyhelp.ohio.gov. Bring photo ID, household member list, recent bills, and 30-day income proof for adults.
Trust signals: Rules and income tables come from the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) PIPP Plus page and the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel fact sheet.
HEAP Winter Crisis: One-Time Help During Heating Season
Ohio's HEAP Winter Crisis Program (also called Emergency HEAP) runs November 1, 2026 through March 31, 2027. It can help if you are disconnected, have a shutoff notice, need to establish or transfer service, are in PIPP Plus default, or are low on bulk fuel.
Benefits for PUCO-regulated electric and gas customers are modest (OCC lists a maximum around $175 for regulated utilities; non-regulated and bulk-fuel benefits can be higher). You typically start online, then finish with an appointment at your local CAA. In Hamilton County, Cincinnati-Hamilton County CAA is the local contact; their Winter Crisis page lists the Langdon Farm Road office and (513) 569-1840.
Call early in the season. Funding and appointment slots run out.
If You Have Eviction Papers in Hamilton County
An eviction notice is not the same as a court judgment. You still have options, but the timeline is short.
Legal Aid Society of Greater Cincinnati: Call (513) 241-9400 and ask for housing intake. Eligible tenants may get a free lawyer. Call as soon as you are served.
Hamilton County Eviction Help Center: Call (513) 946-5650 or visit room 113 of the Hamilton County Courthouse (1000 Main Street) for legal information and a free 40-minute lawyer appointment. They cannot represent you in court, but they can help you understand your options.
Freestore Foodbank CAP line: Families facing eviction or homelessness can call (513) 381-SAFE (7233) for an intake assessment and possible limited aid for rent, utilities, or deposits.
Bring your lease, the notice or complaint, rent receipts, and photos of problems in the unit. Do not move out or stop communicating until you talk to someone about your options.
Documents Worth Gathering Tonight
Photo ID and Social Security numbers for household members (as requested by each program)
Last 30 days of income (pay stubs, benefit letters, or a zero-income statement if that applies)
Most recent Duke Energy / gas / water bills and any shutoff notice
Lease, eviction complaint, and payment records
Proof of Hamilton County address
Related Guides
When the shutoff or court date is handled, these Cincinnati-area guides list ongoing food, rent, and bill help:
Closing Thoughts
Utility and eviction emergencies in Cincinnati are solvable more often than they feel, but only if you treat the notice as a deadline. Apply for PIPP Plus and Winter Crisis the same week, call Legal Aid or the Help Center if you have court papers, and use 2-1-1 for whatever rent programs are open this month. Then use the church guide for food and neighborhood referrals while the bigger applications process.
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