COLUMBUS – Ahead of National Energy Assistance Day on Feb. 2, Columbia Gas of Ohioreminds customers worried about paying their energy bill there are assistance programs available to keep them warm and connected. — Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP): A state and federally funded program that provides one-time payment assistance to customers’ natural gas accounts. — Winter Crisis Program: Once per heating season, eligible customers who are not connected to gas service or facing potential disconnection can receive bill payment assistance. — Payment plans are also available to customers, regardless of energy assistance eligibility, who have fallen behind on their bill. For more information about energy assistance programs, visit ColumbiaGasOhio.com/EnergyAssistance.