Winter Rules Expire March 15; Vectren Customers Urged To Evaluate Billing And Payment Options

 Evansville, Ind. – As the end of the winter heating season approaches, Vectren Energy Delivery of Indiana (Vectren) wants to remind 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, will expire on Wednesday, March 15.

Customers who have received a disconnect notice or need bill payment assistance are urged to contact Vectren online at Vectren.com using the Live Chat feature or call 1-800-227-1376 to make payment arrangements and avoid potential disconnection.

“The heating season thus far – November through February – has been more than 20% warmer than normal and has helped minimize spikes in energy bills this winter,” said Brad Ellsworth, president of Vectren Energy Delivery of Indiana – South. “Regardless, we know some customers may still be experiencing financial hardship or have found themselves behind on bill payments, and we want to remind them of the programs, resources and payment options in place to help manage costs.”

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):  State and federal utility assistance dollars are still available for income-eligible customers. Those that fall below 150 percent of federal poverty guidelines (about $36,450 for a family of four), should visit their local community action agency to sign up for EAP. Visit www.incap.org or call 1-800-382-9895 to locate the local community action agency.
• Universal Service Program: Natural gas customers who qualify for EAP will be automatically enrolled in the Universal Service Program (USP). The USP provides a discount on natural gas bills of eligible low-income customers from December through May, although discounts are not applied retroactively.

• Energy Efficiency Resources: Vectren has a wide offering of energy efficiency programs for customers, which can be found at www.vectren.com/saveenergy. Customers are also encouraged to apply for all residential (home ownership or rental) weatherization programs, including programs available through community action agencies.

Budget Bill customers are also reminded to review their bill statements for the actual balance.  Because the late summer and fall months of 2016 were warmer than normal, electric air conditioning was used more, and that placed some Budget Bill customers behind.  Vectren South Budget Bills are re-calculated in May 2017, and any outstanding balance will be included in the re-calculation.  Please contact Vectren if you have any concerns about your actual balance and how that may affect your Budget Bill re-calculation this spring.