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

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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 Thursday, 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.

“Extremely cold temperatures in December and January led to a spike in energy bills this winter,” said Brad Ellsworth, president of Vectren Energy Delivery of Indiana – South. “As a result, we know some customers may 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 ($36,900 for a family of four), should visit their local service provider to sign up for EAP. Visit ihcda.in.gov to locate the local service provider.
  • 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 the local service provider.

 

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