Business briefs: New patent, AEP Ohio assistance, Firelands Electric Biggest Fan Contest
Bellville inventor awarded patent
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Two inventors, Donald C. Perry of Bellville and Reed H. Carpenter of Raleigh, North Carolina, have been awarded a patent for "chiller system with direct-drive switched reluctance motor."
AEP Ohio Neighbor to Neighbor program accepting applications for winter heating assistance
GAHANNA — The AEP Ohio Neighbor to Neighbor Program is accepting applications for electric bill assistance grants for the 2023-2024 winter heating season.
Through a partnership between AEP Ohio, an American Electric Power company, and Dollar Energy Fund, the Neighbor to Neighbor Program supports families in need with a grant applied directly to their AEP Ohio account to prevent disconnection of, or to restore their electric service. Heating assistance is available once per year on a first-come, first-served basis. Eligible account holders may apply through March 29, 2024, while funds are available.
Since AEP Ohio and Dollar Energy Fund launched the Neighbor to Neighbor Program in May 2009, more than $17.8 million in assistance has been granted to more than 80,000 Ohio households.
To apply, customers may contact one of the AEP Ohio Neighbor to Neighbor Program's network of more than 120 Ohio community-based organizations, or apply online using the link available at Neighbor to Neighbor (aepohio.com). To qualify, an applicant’s total gross household income must be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines.
For example, a family of four earning up to $60,000 per year is income-eligible for the program. Households must have an outstanding balance on their bill of at least $50 and behind on bill payment 30 days or more.
Firelands Electric members invited to enter Biggest Fan Contest
NEW LONDON — October is National Co-op Month and Firelands Electric is celebrating with a special drawing for their members.
Firelands Electric invites all of the cooperative’s members to enter for a chance to win one of several prizes. One lucky member will be randomly selected to win a special grand prize tailgating package, which will include an electric tabletop grill. Five additional members will each receive a $50 bill credit.
Winners’ names and/or photos will be published in an upcoming issue of Ohio Cooperative Living magazine and shared on Firelands’ social media pages.
Complete rules for the contest and the online entry form are available at firelandsec.com/contests. Entries are due by Nov. 1 and are limited to one per co-op member.
As an added bonus, co-op members who include a photo that shows off their team spirit with their entry will earn three additional entries in the prize drawing. The photo should include the member, their family, and/or their pets dressed in their biggest fan gear for their favorite high school, college, or professional sports team. Photos may be attached to the online entry form, emailed to members@firelandsec.com, or mailed to Biggest Fan Contest, c/o Firelands Electric, P.O Box 32, New London, OH 44851.
Questions regarding the Biggest Fan Contest should be directed to Firelands’ Member Services Department at members@firelandsec.com or by calling 1-800-533-8658.
Mansfield News Journal
This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Bellville inventor, AEP Ohio program, Firelands Electric contest
