Utility companies, Indiana offer billing assistance for winter home heating

Karl Schneider, Indianapolis Star
·4 min read

Citizens Energy Group and AES Indiana have launched a collaboration to educate Hoosiers about potential energy assistance programs as utility bills go up when the temperature drops.

The campaign, dubbed Utilities Unite for Customers, will include social media posts, mailing inserts and emails to customers outlining available federal, state and local assistance programs designed to reduce utility bills or provide other help to customers.

“We know many customers are struggling financially under the burdens of inflation, especially for essentials such as food, clothing, and gasoline,” Jeffrey Harrison, president and CEO of Citizens, said in a written statement. “That’s why we are increasing our efforts to assist customers in need and partnering with AES Indiana to maximize resources and increase awareness and utilization of assistance programs.”

Utility bills may be heating up this winter, so some Indiana companies, as well as the state, are offering assistance to those struggling to pay.
Utility bills may be heating up this winter, so some Indiana companies, as well as the state, are offering assistance to those struggling to pay.

Citizens offers its own discount program, providing 10% to 25% breaks on gas bills for customers who qualify for energy assistance programs. A Warm Heart Warm Home Foundation grant is also available to customers struggling to keep up with heating costs during the winter.

AES offers similar programs, including AES Indiana’s Power of Change, which is an emergency relief fund for qualifying customers who have received a disconnect notice.

“We really want to encourage everyone to know and understand the assistance programs offered by their utility companies and the community resources available to them," Kristina Lund, president and CEO of AES US Utilities said in a written statement. "This is a challenging time, but we will get through it, all together.”

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Where do I start?

There are federal and state funds available to assist with utility payments. Households that fall below 60% of Indiana’s median income may apply through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. For example, state data shows the yearly median income for a single-person household is $27,827. For a four-person household, the median income is $53,515.

Hoosiers who meet the financial parameters can call 1-800-872-0371 or visit EAP.ihcda.in.gov to begin the application process. Customers need to have a copy of their most recent electric, natural gas or utility bill during the process.

How do I get assistance?

Citizens customers who qualify under the program will receive a discount between 10-25%. Citizens also runs the Warm Heart Warm Home Foundation to provide financial help to those having trouble paying utility bills. The grants from the program can help customers catch up with past-due bills and sustain utility services. The company also offers a budget billing option to spread the costs throughout 12 months to keep monthly payments more manageable.

AES Indiana’s Power of Change is open to Hoosiers regardless of if they qualify for the energy assistance program or not. Head to aesindiana.com/power-change for an application. Power of Change is a one-time assistance for customers with past-due bills of at least $50 and who have received a disconnection notice. AES also offers flexible billing options and payment extensions.

The state of Indiana provides federal funds to those qualified under the assistance program.

Residents qualifying for the program will also be protected from being disconnected due to the state’s Moratorium law. Qualified customers are safe from being disconnected from Dec. 1, 2022, to March 15, 2023.

Residents interested in applying for the EAP must contact a local service provider. For Marion residents, contact the John Boner Neighborhood Centers. The organization’s website is: www.jbncenters.org, and it can be reached by phone at 317-633-8210.

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How can I take action at home?

The U.S. Department of Energy’s website lists numerous tips to reduce energy costs when heating your home. The agency suggests using a “whole-house” approach that combines proper and updated heating equipment as well as making sure windows and doors are properly sealed and thermostat settings are efficiently set.

Some of these tips include:

  • Setting the thermostat as low as is comfortable and lowering the temperature when sleeping or out of the house.

  • Make sure furnace filters are cleaned and replaced as recommended by the manufacturer.

  • Keep shades and window coverings on south-facing windows open during the day to let in sunlight but keep all window dressings closed at night.

  • Make sure no furniture is blocking heating vents.

The Utilities Unite for Customers campaign also suggests lowering water heater temperatures and installing weather-strips along windows.

Karl Schneider is an IndyStar environment reporter. You can reach him at karl.schneider@indystar.com. Follow him on Twitter @karlstartswithk

IndyStar's environmental reporting project is made possible through the generous support of the nonprofit Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana utility companies offer winter heating bill assistance