­­­CenterPoint Energy introduces Customer Assistance Fund to help Indiana customers manage energy costs 

­­­CenterPoint Energy introduces Customer Assistance Fund to help Indiana customers manage energy costs The Salvation Army Indiana Division to assist in program facilitation     Evansville, Ind. – Dec. 10, 2024 – CenterPoint Energy is introducing the Customer Assistance Fund (CAF), a new initiative focused on providing bill assistance to eligible customers in Indiana, to benefit customers in need. The new fund replaces the Share the Warmth (STW) weatherization assistance program. With other weatherization programs now widely available, the CAF will address customers’ needs by offering direct support to those facing financial challenges. “CenterPoint is committed to supporting programs that meet the evolving needs of our customers,” said Mike Roeder, CenterPoint’s Senior Vice President for External Affairs. “This new fund gives our customers another option to better manage their energy bills.” The program is available to income-qualifying CenterPoint customers. Customers can apply once during the calendar year (January 1 to December 31) and may reapply at the start of each new calendar year. The CAF expands eligibility to include customers who may not qualify for state and federal low-income assistance programs but still face difficulties managing their energy costs. Previously, under the STW program, eligibility was limited to natural gas customers who owned their residences; the CAF now extends support to eligible electric customers in southwestern Indiana, as well as those who rent their residences. Customers eligible for state and federal low-income assistance programs are encouraged to apply for those resources first before seeking assistance from the CAF. The fund complements existing CenterPoint tools, tips and programs available to help customers manage their bills and save energy. The Salvation Army to assist with program facilitation in Indiana Administered in partnership with The Salvation Army Indiana Division, the program offers an easy and accessible application process. Customers can apply online at tsautilities.org. The CAF will be supported by CenterPoint shareholder contributions, employee donations and voluntary customer contributions. The launch of the CAF is part of CenterPoint’s ongoing effort to enhance communications and strengthen relationships with customers. Building on the recently announced Customer Experience Collaborative in southwestern Indiana, the company remains focused on incorporating customer feedback to shape its programs and services.