Prevention, Retention And Contingency (PRC) - Utilities | Portage County Department Of Job And Family Services
449 South Meridian Street, 2nd Floor, Portage County Administration Building, Ravenna, OH 44266
Barrier Free Restrooms|Wheelchair Accessible Building (ramps & main entrance doors).
Eligibility
- Serves Portage County households with at least one (1) child age 18 and under (or through 19 if the child is still in high school), pregnant women (from conception to delivery), and (in certain cases) the non-custodial father or mother.
- Family must have income which is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guideline Level.
- At least one (1) member of the family must be a United States citizen or qualified alien.
- Must have a disconnection notice, or be at least thirty (30) days past due.
- With the exception of water, applicants must apply for HEAP assistance during the HEAP season (normally November through March).
- Eligible for services twice in a 24 month period (but cannot go over the $600 maximum).
Required documents
- Completed PRC application.
- Original utility bill in the name of the applicant, spouse, or parent of child in the PRC assistance group. If utility is in the landlord's name, verification that the utility is the applicant’s responsibility is required.
- Will also need verification that client has attempted to pay.
- If needed, Agency will help clients pay for any required documentation that the client does not already have.
Hours
Same as site hours.
Water: Available year round.
Electric, gas, and heating fuel: Program runs from April 1st through October 31st each year, depending on funding.
(330) 297-3750
Voice·
voice | Customer Service Center
(800) 876-9544
Voice·
voice | Customer Service Center
Languages
None.
Application process
Complete PRC application. Applications can be downloaded from the website or mailed. Call the office for more information.
Fees
No fee.
Service area
Portage County, Ohio
Provides a maximum of $600 in assistance for electric, natural gas, fuel oil, propane, and water for eligible applicants. Pays the minimum amount necessary to restore service to regulated utilities. May include a reconnect fee that is required if service has been shut off at the same address. Can help with more than one (1) utility.
- NOTE: All customers of regulated electric and gas utilities will be forwarded for enrollment in the PIPP Plus (Percentage of Income Payment Plan) or another utility sponsored payment plan. May be used for reconnect or to maintain PIPP Plus program enrollment and could include PIPP Plus default amounts and/or PIPP Plus monthly payment requirements. All applicants will be referred to budget counseling services.
Last assured
11/24/2025
Providing organization
Portage County Department Of Job And Family Services
A local government agency providing public assistance, workforce development, and other social service programs to qualified applicants of Portage County, Ohio.