Columbia Gas is working with the Home Energy Assistance Program to offer its low or fixed income customers a chance to keep their heat on through the winter months.

The Columbia Gas Crisis Fuel Fund provides families whose heat has been shut off or disconnected because of economic issues with assistance in paying their gas bill. To be eligible for the assistance customers must first meet certain criteria, says Tiffany Fyffe of the Ironton-Lawrence County Community Action Partnership.

“First and foremost it is for Columbia Gas customers only,” Fyffe said. “Then they have to meet federal poverty guidelines, already be under disconnect status, and already be applied for the Winter Crisis Program/Heap.”

If customers meet all the criteria, HEAP will pay up to $250 on that customer’s Columbia Gas bill, helping families to continue heating their home.

With recent temperatures dipping down into the single digits such assistance could prove vital, Fyffe said.

“Heat is a necessity this time of the year,” Fyffe said. “With utilities’ prices as high as they are, it becomes almost necessary for families with a low or fixed income to receive some kind of assistance. So the Gas Crisis Fuel Fund is very important for many of Columbia Gas’ customers.”

Funds are limited and will be allotted on a first-come first-serve basis.

For more information about the Columbia Gas Crisis Fund or HEAP visit www.columbiagasohio.com.