Columbia Gas of Ohio is offering relief to government employees impacted by the federal shutdown.

With the country well into day 32 of the government shutdown, Columbia Gas of Ohio is extending a helping hand to customers who may be directly affected by the shutdown.

The company announced Tuesday that it will waive late payment fees and provide extended payment arrangements for affected government employees, according to a media release.

“We know this may be a challenging time for some of our customers, especially those affected by the federal government shutdown,” Dan Creekmur, President and COO of Columbia Gas, said in the release. “We would like to offer payment solutions and reduce some of the stress during this already difficult time.”

Within Muskingum County, Columbia Gas has 17,231 customers with a large majority of those customers being residential, Communications Manager Dave Rau said.

Government employees affected by the shutdown can call Columbia Gas at 1.800.344.4077 to discuss their options.

Options available to customers struggling to pay their bill include:

• Payment Plans – Plans to help make home energy costs more manageable.
• Winter Reconnect Order – A program to have service restored or maintained with a payment of $175 plus a small re-connection fee.
• Low-income energy assistance programs available through local community action agencies or Salvation Army chapters.
• Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP Plus) – Option for households at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty guideline.  
• Enroll in the Budget Payment Plan.