LIHEAP Households Served (Estimate for FY 2007)
Heating: 143,000
LIHEAP Program Dates
Heating: October 9 – May 15
Cooling: June 1 – August 31
Crisis: October 9 - 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
LIHEAP eligible customers or customers with a financial hardship can receive up to $400 that can be applied to both the payment of delinquent utility bills and natural gas deposits. Additionally, NIPSCO will limit natural gas deposit payments for LIHEAP eligible customers to $150 and $300 for other non-LIHEAP eligible customers determined to have a financial hardship.
Contact Community Action Agencies www.nipsco.nisource.com/news/2004/12-16-04.htm
Low-Income Energy Efficiency
Duke Energy
Low-Income Weatherization Program
Offered through a partnership with the state of Indiana, the program is designed to provide energy-saving installations and energy education at no cost to our customers who qualify for the weatherization or heating bill assistance as part of the state or federal programs. Contact Indiana’s local Community Action Agencies for more information or call Duke Energy at 1-800-521-2232. www.duke-energy.com/indiana/savings/home-weatherization.asp
Northern Indiana Public Service Company ( NIPSCO) Home Energy Solutions Weatherization Program
Qualifying homeowners will receive a home energy assessment at no cost. Depending on the results of the assessment, your home may receive one or more of the following energy efficiency improvements at no cost: replacing an inefficient furnace or water heater with a more efficient appliance; adding insulation, air sealing, and/or installing energy-saving devices such as water-saving faucet aerators and shower heads. The program will be available through April 1, 2008, or while funds last.
1-800-721-7385 www.nipsco.com/energyprograms/hes/index.html
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.cipower.com/documents/library/ORU_Guidelines.pdf
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/for homes/assistanceprograms.html
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 $60 payment. Beginning February 1, eligible customers may apply for Helping Hand by
printing out an application on the Duke Energy Web site or by calling
1-800-521-2232. An application will be mailed to you.
1-800-521-2232 www.duke-energy.com/community/programs/helping-hand.asp
Indiana Michigan Power
Energy Share
Energy assistance for low-income customers who may be having trouble paying their electricity bills.
Applications must be filed with The Salvation Army, which will determine eligibility and the amount to be distributed to each recipient. For information on how to apply, customers can call their local Salvation Army. www.indianamichiganpower.com/news/
Northeastern REMC
Operation Roundup
Customer donations are placed in a trust fund and administered by the board of trustees of Northeastern REMC Community Trust, Inc. Funds are used to support not-for-profit organizations and individuals with critical needs. Application is available on the website.
244-6111 or 625-3700 www.nremc.com/ps_operation_roundup.shtml
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
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.
