Ohio Winter Reconnect Order 2026–27: How Cincinnati Households Keep Duke Energy On for $175
If Duke Energy has shut off your gas or electric, or you have a disconnection notice on the counter, Ohio's winter rules give you a real way out this season. From October 12, 2026 through April 16, 2027, the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio's Special Reconnect Order (still widely called the "Winter Reconnect Order") lets you keep or restore service by paying no more than $175, even if you owe far more.
This guide explains exactly how the $175 rule works for Cincinnati and Hamilton County households, how to get someone else to pay that $175, and which Duke Energy hardship funds can clear the rest of the balance.
The $175 Rule in Plain English
The Special Reconnect Order applies to residential customers of PUCO-regulated electric and natural gas utilities. In Cincinnati, that means Duke Energy Ohio for both gas and electric. Here is what it does, according to PUCO and the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC):
You pay up to $175 to stop a pending shutoff or to get service turned back on, no matter how large the past-due balance is.
The reconnection fee is capped at $36 upfront. If Duke's actual fee is higher, the rest can go on your next bill.
There is no income limit. Anyone with a PUCO-regulated utility can use it.
You can use it once per utility during the season.
Gas and electric together: if both are off or about to be shut off, the $175 can be split between them when both are being handled at the same time.
New service counts too. If you are moving and Duke wants a large security deposit, you can pay $175 and the rest of the deposit goes on the next bill.
The rest of the balance doesn't disappear. Duke must set up a payment plan for whatever you still owe after the $175.
The order runs October 12, 2026 through April 16, 2027. Don't wait until spring to use it.
Step by Step: Using the Order With Duke Energy
Call Duke Energy at 1-800-544-6900. Say you want to use the Special Reconnect Order. Use those exact words so the representative applies the right program.
Ask for the payment plan details in writing, including the monthly amount. A plan you can't keep is how people end up disconnected again in March.
Ask about PIPP Plus. If your household income is at or below 175% of the federal poverty guidelines, you may qualify for Ohio's Percentage of Income Payment Plan. For PIPP Plus customers, anything over $175 is added to the PIPP arrearage instead of being due right away.
Pay the $175 (or have an agency pay it) and get a confirmation number.
If service was off, ask when it will be restored. Under OCC guidance, once the required payment is made, service must be restored by the end of the next business day. Same-day reconnection may be possible if you pay and notify the utility by 12:30 p.m., though after-hours work can cost extra.
If you hit a wall, call the PUCO consumer hotline at 1-800-686-7826.
How to Get the $175 Paid for You
You don't have to come up with the $175 yourself if your income qualifies.
HEAP Winter Crisis Program (November 1 – March 31)
Ohio's Winter Crisis Program can pay the $175 for households at or below 175% of the federal poverty guidelines. Based on OCC's 2026 income chart, that's up to $27,930 a year for one person, $37,870 for two, $47,810 for three, and $57,750 for four.
The key protection is this: once you book a Winter Crisis appointment with your local Energy Assistance Provider, PUCO-regulated utilities must delay disconnection for 30 days after the appointment date. You can use that 30-day hold once a year.
In Hamilton County, the Energy Assistance Provider is the Cincinnati-Hamilton County Community Action Agency (CAA) at (513) 569-1840. You can also start at energyhelp.ohio.gov. Book early in November, because appointment slots fill quickly.
Before November 1
The Winter Crisis Program doesn't open until November 1. If you're facing a shutoff in October, OCC notes that a pending PIPP Plus or HEAP application can delay disconnection for 30 days in months when no crisis program is running. Apply now, then use the Special Reconnect Order once it starts on October 12.
Duke Energy Hardship Funds for the Rest of the Balance
The $175 rule stops the shutoff. These programs can shrink what's left.
Share the Light Fund
Duke Energy's Share the Light Fund is run by The Salvation Army in southwest Ohio. OCC lists the benefit at up to $1,500. To qualify:
You live in Adams, Brown, Butler, Clermont, Clinton, Hamilton, Highland or Warren County
You heat with Duke Energy and the account is in your name
You have a past-due balance, an unpaid deposit or an unpaid reconnection charge
You haven't received it in the past two years (customers can apply every other year)
PIPP Plus customers can't apply until after March 31, and only if funds remain. The 2026 round opened January 19, 2026 and runs until the money is gone, so call to ask whether funds remain and when the next round opens. Hamilton County residents can apply online at sahelp.me or call the Share the Light hotline at (513) 762-5636 and leave a voicemail. Duke says you should get a call back within 72 hours. Residents of the other six counties should contact their local Salvation Army (1-800-725-2769).
Ohio Utility Assistance Program (Dollar Energy Fund)
This program helps households that earn too much for HEAP but are still struggling. It's for incomes between 175% and 250% of the poverty guidelines ($54,100 a year for a family of two, $82,500 for four). It pays up to $300 per utility, or $600 if you have both Duke gas and electric. Service must be disconnected or at risk of disconnection. You must also apply for federal programs when they're open, and PIPP Plus customers aren't eligible. The program year runs October through September, first come, first served. Check dollarenergy.org to see whether the 2026–27 round has opened.
If Someone in Your Home Is Sick
A 30-day medical certificate can stop a shutoff, or restore service that has been off for no more than 21 days. It applies if losing utilities would be especially dangerous to someone's health, or would stop needed medical equipment from working. A licensed medical professional signs the form, which you can get from Duke or PUCO. It lasts 30 days and can be renewed twice, for up to 90 days in a 12-month period. There's no income limit. You still owe the bill and must agree to a payment plan.
What the Order Does Not Cover
Water. Greater Cincinnati Water Works is city-owned, and municipal utilities and rural co-ops are not required to follow the Special Reconnect Order.
Duke Energy Kentucky customers in Northern Kentucky. The order is an Ohio rule.
A second use with the same utility in the same season.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Program rules and funding change, so confirm details with Duke Energy or your local agency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Winter Reconnect Order the same as the Special Reconnect Order?
Yes. PUCO now calls it the Special Reconnect Order. For 2026–27 it runs October 12, 2026 through April 16, 2027.
Do I need to be low-income to use the $175 rule?
No. There's no income limit to use the order itself. Income limits only apply if you want the Winter Crisis Program to pay the $175 for you.
What happens to the rest of what I owe?
Duke sets up a payment plan for the remaining balance. If you're on PIPP Plus, the amount over $175 is added to your PIPP arrearage.
Can I use it if I'm moving into a new apartment?
Yes. You can pay $175 toward the security deposit for new Duke service, and the rest goes on your next bill.
Related Guides
Need help asking your landlord or utility for more time? Our $9 Behind on Rent Action Kit has fill-in letters and checklists. Free help is always available at 211.
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