Thousands of low-income Hoosiers will continue to see reductions in their winter heating bills that could range from 15 up to 32 percent, after the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission this week reinstated its low-income assistance program.
“The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor [OUCC] strongly supported the reinstatement of the Universal Service and Winter Warmth programs, and we are very pleased with the Commission’s decision this afternoon,” said OUCC Counselor David Stippler, in a press release this week.
The extension of the program through Oct. 2012 will help mitigate the cost of heating bills for more than 56,000 Indiana residents, totaling about $5 million annually.
“Even though natural gas bills are projected to be lower this winter, many Hoosiers are dealing with financial hardships given the state of the economy,” said Vectren Vice President of Marketing and Conservation Doug Petitt, in a press release. “The bill discount component of the USP will provide those low-income customers an opportunity to make affordable payments toward maintaining their natural gas service.”
However, there are requirements that need to be met in order to qualify for the assistance programs.
Customers must apply for the state’s Energy Assistance Program — EAP — through local community action agencies and will automatically be enrolled in the universal service program, according to the press release.
In addition, the customer must reside in Indiana, have a residential account and they must meet federal poverty standards — at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level, the release said.
Customers are also encouraged to apply for all residential weatherization programs.
The universal service and winter warmth programs are offered by Citizens Gas, Vectren Energy Delivery and Northern Indiana Public Service Company.
— Staff reports
SO YOU KNOW
• To apply for the EAP, customers should call 1-800-872-0371 to locate their nearest community action agency.
ON THE WEB
• www.vectren.com
• www.in.gov/oucc
Clark County
Heating assistance program reinstated for Hoosiers
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