CenterPoint Energy Urges Customers To Evaluate Billing And Payment Options As Winter Rules Expire March 15

Evansville, Ind. – March 15, 2021 – As the end of the winter heating season approaches, CenterPoint Energy wants to remind its customers that the regulatory moratorium, which prevents energy companies from disconnecting customers who meet low-income guidelines and have received federal and state utility heating assistance, expires today. Customers who have received a disconnect notice or need bill payment assistance are urged to contact the company online or call 1-800-227-1376 to make payment arrangements and avoid potential disconnection.

“As part of our commitment to our customers, we offer several programs and payment options to help those experiencing financial hardship effectively manage costs,” said Richard Leger, Vice President of Natural Gas Distribution, Indiana and Ohio. “Those customers experiencing financial difficulty are encouraged to notify CenterPoint Energy as soon as possible to make arrangements to avoid a possible interruption in service.”

With the expiration of the moratorium, those customers currently under a disconnect order who have failed to make arrangements with the company will be subject to disconnection. Customers can choose from the following free Vectren billing and payment options, as well as energy-efficiency programs:

·         Payment Arrangement: Customers who are having difficulty paying bills in full can request a payment arrangement to fulfill the obligation in smaller increments over a set period of time. Eligible customers can request a payment arrangement by calling 1-800-227-1376.

·         Energy Assistance Program (EAP):  Contact the local Indiana Community Action Agency, which administers the Indiana Energy Assistance Program (EAP) for income-eligible customers, and can provide intake information about the application process and program requirements. EAP is available to Indiana customers with Vectren natural gas service and/or Vectren electric service.

·         Universal Service Program (USP): A program for Indiana natural gas customers, the USP provides a monthly discount on residential gas charges during the heating season. By enrolling in EAP, customers are automatically enrolled in USP. The monthly discount of 15 to 32% applies from December through May 31.

·         Energy Efficiency Resources: CenterPoint Energy has a wide offering of energy efficiency programs for customers, which can be found at www.centerpointenergy.com/smartsavings. Customers are also encouraged to apply for all residential (home ownership or rental) weatherization programs, including programs available through the local service provider. 

About CenterPoint Energy

As the only investor-owned electric and gas utility based in Texas, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is an energy delivery company with electric transmission and distribution, power generation and natural gas distribution operations that serve more than 7 million metered customers in Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma and Texas. As of December 31, 2020, the company owned approximately $33 billion in assets and also owned 53.7 percent of the common units representing limited partner interests in Enable Midstream Partners, LP, a publicly traded master limited partnership that owns, operates and develops strategically located natural gas and crude oil infrastructure assets. With approximately 9,500 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.