EVANSVILLE, Ind. — Jan. 12, 2026 — CenterPoint Energy Foundation will announce a new program backed by its Community Energy Improvement Fund, a $5 million commitment announced in October to support southwestern Indiana customers.
| Where: | 1317 S Linwood Avenue
Evansville, IN 47713
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| When: | Tuesday, January 13 | 9 a.m.
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December 2025 on record as fifth coldest in the southwest Indiana region history, according to National Weather Service
Assistance programs, payment options and energy-saving resources available through online Resource Hub
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Jan. 12, 2026 – After a historically cold start to winter, CenterPoint Energy is encouraging southwestern Indiana customers to take time to review available assistance programs and energy-saving resources as colder temperatures are expected to return later this month.
December 2025 opened with the region’s fifth coldest two-week period on record, according to the National Weather Service. While early January has brought temporary relief with highs near 60 degrees, forecasts indicate a return to seasonal temperatures by mid-January and continued fluctuations through February.
“December was one of the coldest on record, and during periods of extreme cold, customers may see an increase in their energy usage that is also reflected in their bills,” said Mike Roeder, President of CenterPoint Energy Indiana. “With the potential for several more weeks of winter weather, we encourage customers to utilize available assistance and resources before the next stretch of cold weather.”
Why weather matters
Energy usage increases when the gap between outdoor and indoor temperatures widens. For every 10-degree drop in outdoor temperature, home heating systems typically run 30-40% longer to maintain the same indoor comfort level.
During December’s record cold, heating systems across the region worked significantly harder than usual. That increased usage will be reflected on January bills. With more winter ahead, customers who take steps now can manage costs through February.
Resource Hub: Tools and assistance in one place
CenterPoint’s online Resource Hub brings together billing tools, assistance programs and energy-saving resources. Customers can:
· Apply for bill assistance through the Customer Assistance Fund (CAF)
· Find additional assistance programs like the Energy Assistance Program (EAP) for income-eligible households
· Sign up for Budget Billing to spread costs evenly across 12 months
· Set up a payment plan with flexible options to manage balances
· Compare monthly usage to see how weather impacts energy costs
Simple steps to help manage energy usage
There are many factors which contribute to a home’s energy consumption, and customers can take several actions to help manage energy costs this winter, including:
· Lower your thermostat a few degrees at night or when away—this can reduce heating costs by up to 10%
· Check for drafts around windows and doors while temperatures are mild
· Replace furnace filters
Additional information can be found at CenterPointEnergy.com/ResourceHub.
Monday, January 12
Spring Semester begins
The Spring Semester is officially underway! Students begin 2026 Spring courses, today, Monday, January 12.
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, January 14
Southern Indiana Dance Marathon Blood Drive
Southern Indiana Dance Marathon (SIDM) is hosting a blood drive with Versiti Blood Center of Indiana from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, January 14 in Carter Hall, located in University Center West. At this drive, Versiti will donate $10 per donor (up to $500) to SIDM to be used to host the annual Dance Maraton on February 21 for Riley Children’s Foundation.
SAVE THE DATE
Monday, January 19
USI to host annual MLK, Jr. Celebration Luncheon, featuring keynote by educator Dr. Sheila Huff
The University will host a presentation by Dr. Sheila Huff, former Director of Strategic Engagements for the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation (EVSC), honoring the memory and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as part of its annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Celebration Luncheon. The event will take place at 11 a.m. Monday, January 19 in Carter Hall, located in University Center West. Doors will open at 10:15 a.m. The presentation is open to the public, but tickets are required to attend.
USI Homecoming
January 24-31
Join the USI community for Homecoming week, happening January 24-31. The 2026 Homecoming theme is “The Quest Less Traveled,” drawing inspiration from student input and President Bridges’ remarks during his Inauguration ceremony in October 2025.
A collection of events on campus and in the community can be found on the USI Events Calendar.
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STATEHOUSE (Jan. 12, 2026) – A bill authored by State Rep. Tim O’Brien (R-Evansville) that would classify emergency medical services as essential under Indiana law recently passed out of the House Veterans Affairs and Public Safety Committee.
O’Brien said House Bill 1251 passed the committee unanimously, receiving bipartisan support.
HB 1215 formally recognizes EMS as an essential public service, like police and fire departments. O’Brien said during a committee hearing that this classification makes a clear and important statement— ambulance services are not optional or secondary, but a critical public safety mechanism.
“By formally recognizing EMS as an essential service, we are giving communities the tools they need to better support first responders, strengthen response times and ensure Hoosiers can count on help when it matters most,” O’Brien said. “I am thrilled to see so many in support of making this change and creating a more reliable emergency response system for all Hoosiers.”
O’Brien said his bill would also have county commissioners identify underserved areas and contract with providers to establish EMS services.
O’Brien authored a law in 2024 to have the Indiana Department of Homeland Security conduct a comprehensive overview of EMS services across the state. The report found significant gaps in EMS staffing levels across districts, notable variation in basic and advanced life support services across counties, including no coverage in some townships, and difficulty recruiting and retaining EMS workers in certain areas.
The Board of Commissioners of Vanderburgh County will conduct its annual Vanderburgh County Roads Hearing on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. This event will be held as part of the Board of County Room 301, located at 1 N.W. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Evansville, Indiana.
During the public forum, information regarding road projects scheduled for 2026 will be shared, offering citizens insight into the upcoming developments. Furthermore, residents are encouraged to actively
“During this busy season, recalled products can be easily overlooked,” Attorney General Todd Rokita said. “A quick review of these recalls can spare your family unnecessary worry and prevent a defective gift from causing real harm.”
The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports the following products were recalled in December:
Children’s Products:
Children’s Toys:
Electronics:
Fitness and Tools:
Furniture and Accessory:
Health and Beauty Products:
Outdoor Products and Vehicles:
