LIHEAP Households Served (Estimate for FY 2011 Heating)
Heating: 168,548
Cooling: 165,978
LIHEAP Program Dates
Heating: November 1 – May 15
Cooling: June 4 – August 31
Crisis: November 1 – May 15
State/Local
Legislation, since 1894, requires Indiana's 1,008 towns and townships to provide "poor relief" that can include housing, utility, food, and medical assistance. Townships are local governmental units within counties and cities, with elected boards and trustees. Property taxes fund "poor relief"; each local entity establishes spending guidelines for the funds. Contact: township offices
Universal Service Program
Beginning January 1, 2005, eligible customers of Citizens Gas and Vectren, who have applied for the state's LIHEAP through local community action agencies, will automatically be enrolled in the new USP and will receive bill reductions in addition to LIHEAP. Monthly bill reductions will range from 9 percent to 32 percent of the total bill (not including LIHEAP benefits), depending on the consumer's income level and utility provider. The pilot USP will also provide additional funding to both utilities' weatherization programs.
Utility
Low-Income Rate Assistance
Northern Indiana Public Service Co. (NIPSCO)
Winter Warmth Program
Qualifying customers will be eligible to receive up to $450 in annual energy assistance. Eligibility requirements include those customers up to 200% of the federal poverty guidelines, in addition to those who have a financial hardship situation as determined by an administering Winter Warmth agency. Contact the Winter Warmth energy assistance agency in your county :
Crown Point,
219-663-0627
Hammond,
219-932-4800
Gary,
219-886-3155
Valparaiso,
219-464-9736 www.directlinkeservices.com/ni/pdf_files/ni_winterwarmthagencies.pdf.
Low-Income Energy Efficiency
Vectren
Share the Warmth
Vectren matches all public donations, up to an annual total of $200,000. Funds are distributed annually to the Indiana Low Income Weatherization Assistance Program. Weatherization services vary with each home, depending on home construction and condition. Recipients must be at or below 150% of federal poverty guidelines and can apply by visiting their local Community Action Agency. www.sharethewarmthinc.com/
Emergency Charitable Assistance
Please note these charitable funds are last resort emergency funds with limited resources and limited times of operation.
Winter Assistance Fund
This fund, administered by the United Way, provides financial assistance to families who are not eligible for other energy assistance programs. To apply for help through the Winter Assistance Fund, individuals should go to their nearest community center or township trustee or call 317-923-1466 or 211 to find out which center serves their neighborhood. www.uwci.org/index.asp?p=165
Central Indiana Power
Operation Roundup
Customer donations are used to assist people with medical care or equipment, food, clothing, housing, etc. No funds will be used to pay electric bills. A thirteen member board of trustees administers the funds.
477-2200 or 800-336-7362 www.ninestarconnect.com/?page_id=83
Citizens Gas
Warm Heart, Warm Home Foundation
Assists families and individuals who are faced with financial hardships. Citizens Gas matches customer donations up to $50,000.
317-924-3311 www.citizensgas.com/HPrograms.aspx
Decatur County REMC
Operation Roundup
Customer donations provide charitable assistance to individuals, families and organizations. Funds will not be used for utility bill payments. Applications are available on the utility's website.
812-663-3391 dcremc.com/Roundup.html
Duke Energy
Helping Hand
Low-income customers who are at least 60 years old or disabled and who meet certain income guidelines may receive a one-time $100 payment. Duke Energy has partnered with the Indiana Community Action Association Energy Assistance Program (EAP) to distribute the program dollars. The EAP agencies will notify recipients if they are eligible for the $100 credit. www.duke-energy.com/community/programs/helping-hand.asp
Northern Indiana Public Service Company
Gift of Warmth
A fund created to assist NIPSCO customers who typically don't qualify for energy assistance under Indiana's LIHEAP guidelines. The fund focuses on customers who have received a disconnect notice and who are within 175 to 250% of state poverty guidelines. Salvation Army offices administer the funds.
1-800-464-7726
Indiana Michigan Power
Energy Share
Provides assistance with electric bills for eligible low-income customers. Apply for Energy Share by setting up an appointment with a local
nonprofit organization.
In Elkhart, LaPorte, St. Joseph, Marshall and Fulton counties, call REAL Services at 574-232-6501 or 800-225-3367.
Parke County REMC
Operation Roundup
Customer donations are placed in a trust fund and administered by an independent Board of Directors. Typically, the funding is used to address crucial needs such as food, clothing, shelter, medical care and education, but it is not limited to these categories. Applications are available on the website.
765-569-3133 or 800-537-3913 www.parkecountyremc.com/oroundup.aspx
South Central Indiana REMC
Operation Roundup®
Customer donations are placed in a trust fund and administered by the Board of Directors of the SCI Membership Community Fund, Inc. Funds are distributed to non-profit organizations and individuals in need. To receive an Operation RoundUp® application for a not-for-profit organization or individual, call 1-800-264-7362.
