• Ohio Office of Consumers' Counsel provides help with complaints about utilities and avoiding disconnection, 877-742-5622, www.pickocc.com/crc.

• American Electric Power will work with customers on electric-bill payment plans or credit arrangements, 800-277-2177, www.aepohio.com.

• Columbus/Franklin County Community Action Agency administers Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) which provides money to eligible households for heating and cooling bills, 614-252-2663.

• The Breathing Association offers utility assistance year-round. The Summer Crisis Program helps qualified households pay summer cooling bills and provides window air-conditioners for the medically needy, 866-861-6399, www.breathingassociation.org.

• Columbia Gas of Ohio will refer customers to the appropriate agency, 1-800-344-4077, click here for website.

• Ohio Department of Development oversees HEAP statewide, 1-800-282-0880, www.development.ohio.gov.

Source: The Columbus Dispatch