True to its mission of putting customers first, NIPSCO provides multiple ways throughout the winter to support customers with rising heating costs.
“At NIPSCO, we care about our customers, and it's important they are able to access the energy they need every day,” said Joshauna Nash, NIPSCO communication manager.
Throughout the year as well as in the cold winter months, NIPSCO offers several programs to ensure customers have access to safe, reliable energy.
“We strive to assist our low to moderate-income and most vulnerable customers,” said Nash. “We do this by bringing awareness to them and the community about energy assistance programs.”
One main program is the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
“LIHEAP is available to households that are at or below 60% of the state median income,” said Nash.
LIHEAP benefits are available for low-income households that also have high energy costs as well as other factors.
“LIHEAP benefits households with low income, a high home energy burden, and/or have members who are elderly, disabled, and/or have a young child,” said Nash.
Customers who qualify for LIHEAP can also benefit from NIPSCO’s Customer Assistance for Residential Energy (CARE) program.
“CARE is designed to provide further bill reductions to LIHEAP-approved customers,” said Nash. “Once enrolled in LIHEAP, customers are automatically enrolled in the program.”
CARE can provide an additional 11-26% reduction in cost for NIPSCO customers.
In addition to LIHEAP and CARE, NIPSCO offers free winterization consultations for eligible clients.
“Eligible customers can utilize energy assistance and participate in energy efficiency programs,” said Nash. “This includes a no-cost weatherization program.”
To qualify for the weatherization program, NIPSCO customers must meet several criteria. First, they should receive LIHEAP, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Next, the total household income must be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.
“Qualifying customers will receive a weatherization that includes an analysis of the home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system for operating efficiency,” said Nash. “It also includes an inspection of insulation levels and on-the-spot installation of low-cost, energy-saving products.”
Striving to support all customers, NIPSCO also provides additional payment and budgeting options regardless of income level.
“NIPSCO offers its most flexible payment plans to customers that need financial support, including three, six, and 12-month options,” said Nash.
Complementing the payment plans, NIPSCO customers can utilize its budget planning service. This is free to all NIPSCO customers and works to help manage monthly energy bills by spreading out gas costs over an entire year.
A full list of programs, rebates, and tips available to NIPSCO customers can be found at NIPSCO.com/SaveEnergy.
Customers can learn more and find out if they qualify for LIHEAP at eap.ihcda.in.govor by calling 2-1-1. Applications are taken through May 20, 2024, at 5 p.m. EST.
Customers can also visit NIPSCO.com/assistance to learn about all the assistance options NIPSCO offers.