Utility Bill Assistance

Utility Bill Assistance
The Village of Yellow Springs understands that unexpected financial hardships can make it difficult to keep up with monthly utility bills. If you are experiencing difficulty paying your bill, assistance may be available through local and regional programs, as well as through Village programs.

Need Help Paying Your Utility Bill?
Contact the Utility Billing Office at 937-701-7352. Staff can help explain available options, answer questions about your account, and provide information about assistance programs.

Community Assistance Programs
The following organizations may be able to provide financial assistance or support for utility bills:

Utility Round-Up Program
The Village’s Utility Round-Up Program provides assistance to Yellow Springs residents who are at risk of having their utility services disconnected. The program is funded entirely through voluntary citizen donations and provides assistance to eligible customers based on available funding.

Applications are reviewed monthly and funds are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

To qualify:

• The applicant must be at risk of utility disconnection.
• Assistance may be provided once per calendar year.
• Eligible customers may receive up to $400 in assistance.
• Any past-due balance above the approved assistance amount must be paid before funds are distributed.
• Customers approved for assistance must enroll in a payment plan for any remaining balance, unless documentation is provided showing a landlord prohibits payment plans.
• Applications must be submitted by noon on the 20th day of each month to be considered.

How to apply:
Complete the Utility Round-Up Application and submit it to the Utility Billing Office by email or in person at the Utility Billing customer service window.
         

Payment Agreements
Customers experiencing financial hardship may request a payment agreement to help bring their utility account current. A payment agreement allows eligible customers to pay an outstanding balance over an agreed-upon period while continuing to pay current monthly charges.

To request a payment agreement:

1. Complete the Request for Payment Agreement form.
2. Submit the form along with a written request explaining your hardship.
3. Work with the Utility Billing Office to establish an agreement before any scheduled disconnection date.

If approved, the outstanding balance will generally be divided into equal payments over a mutually agreed-upon period not to exceed six months, unless otherwise approved by the Finance Director. Customers will receive a revised bill showing the amount due under the payment agreement.

Customers may enter into one payment agreement per year. Additional agreements require approval by the Finance Director.
     

Maintaining a Payment Agreement
Customers who enter into a payment agreement are expected to make the agreed-upon payments in addition to their current monthly utility bill. Customers who live in rental properties should be aware that property owners may be notified of tenant accounts with past-due balances.

If a customer does not meet the terms of a payment agreement, a disconnection notice may be issued. If payment is not received within the required timeframe, utility service may be disconnected.

To restore service after disconnection, the account balance must be paid in full, including any applicable reconnection fees. Accepted payment methods for restoration of service are cash, money order, or credit card. Checks are not accepted for reconnection payments.