AES Indiana, a subsidiary of The AES Corporation (NYSE: AES), and Citizens Energy Group are joining to educate Central Indiana residents about energy assistance programs and resources available to customers in preparation for winter-heating bills. Both utilities understand higher bills can be a financial challenge and are collaborating on a campaign to benefit the community. Utilities Unite for Customers will include social media posts, media coverage, and customer communications through bill inserts and emails to raise awareness of the resources available through each utility, federal and state programs, and local community organizations.
“AES Indiana and Citizens recognize the financial hardships many of our customers may face this winter and we are here to help,” said Kristina Lund, President & CEO, AES US Utilities. “We really want to encourage everyone to know and understand the assistance programs offered by their utility companies and the community resources available to them. This is a challenging time, but we will get through it, all together.”
“We know many customers are struggling financially under the burdens of inflation, especially for essentials such as food, clothing, and gasoline,” said Jeffrey Harrison, Citizens President & CEO. “That’s why we are increasing our efforts to assist customers in need and partnering with AES Indiana to maximize resources and increase awareness and utilization of assistance programs.”
Where can I find energy assistance and how do I apply?
- Indiana Energy and Water Assistance: Federal and state utility assistance dollars are available for income-eligible customers. Those who fall at or below 60 percent of state median income should apply for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Low Income Home Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP). To apply, Indiana residents should visit www.EAP.ihcda.in.gov or call 1-800-872-0371 to locate their nearest community action agency. You will be required to supply a copy of your most recent electric, natural gas, and/or water bill. You can obtain a copy of your electric bill from AES Indiana by logging into your account to print or download a copy or calling (317) 261-8222 and pressing option #2 to have a new one mailed. You can obtain a copy of your natural gas and/or water bill from Citizens by visiting www.citizensenergygroup.com or calling (317) 924-3311.
- Winter Assistance Fund: If you are denied and / or are ineligible for EAP, you can apply for the Winter Assistance Fund (WAF) by visiting www.uwci.org/waf. The program opens November 1, one month earlier than previous years, to account for anticipated demand.
What assistance programs does AES Indiana offer its customers?
- Whether approved or denied for EAP, you can also apply for AES Indiana’s Power of Change by going to www.aesindiana.com/power-change. Application number of approval letter must be submitted to AES Indiana by emailing aesindianaeap@aes.com or your account will not be held from disconnection during the moratorium. The moratorium period of disconnection is from December 1, 2022 to March 15, 2023.
- AES Indiana’s emergency relief fund, Power of Change, provides one-time assistance for income-qualified customers who have an outstanding balance of at least $50 and have received a disconnection notice.
- Customers who meet income requirements can receive FREE in-home energy assessments and home upgrades that can help decrease your energy bills and increase your comfort.
- AES Indiana also offers its customers flexible payment options, such as budget billing, payment extensions and preferred bill date.
What assistance programs does Citizens offer its customers?
- Through the Citizens Universal Service Program (USP), customers who qualify for EAP will automatically receive a discount on their gas bill ranging from 10-25 percent. EAP-eligible customers can also qualify for the utility’s Low Income Customer Assistance Program (LICAP) that helps lower wastewater bills.
- Citizens’ Warm Heart Warm Home Foundation™ provides financial assistance to customers having difficulty paying their utility bills. When combined with other forms of assistance, Warm Heart Warm Home grants can help customers sustain their utility services and catch up on past-due bills.
- Customers who are having trouble paying their bill should visit www.citizensenergygroup.com/Help or call Citizens at (317) 924-3311 to learn more about available assistance options, including the USP, Warm Heart Warm Home, and flexible payment arrangements.
- Citizens also recommends that customers enroll in budget billing to help manage utility costs and spread payments over 12 months. To inquire about eligibility or request a budget billing quote, visit www.citizensenergygroup.com/Budget or call (317) 924-3311.
Four easy tips customers can use to reduce their utility bill and conserve energy:
- Replace your furnace filter: Changing your furnace filter once per month can help your furnace work more efficiently.
- Lower your thermostat: A 10-degree reduction for an 8-hour period each day can reduce your heating bill 10 percent.
- Dialing down your water heater: A 10-degree reduction in water temperature can save 5 percent on energy costs.
- Weather-strip your windows and doors: Between 7-12 percent of your home’s heating and cooling loss occurs around windows and doors. Installing foam-backed tape around windows and doors is an easy and inexpensive way to keep chilly temperatures outside.
______________
About AES Indiana
AES Indiana, an AES Company, provides retail electric service to more than 500,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in Indianapolis, as well as portions of other Central Indiana communities surrounding Marion County. During its long history, AES Indiana has supplied its customers with some of the lowest-cost, most reliable power in the country. For more information about the company, please Connect with AES Indiana on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. For more information about how AES Indiana is accelerating the future of energy, visit aesindiana.com/hellofuture.
About Citizens Energy Group
Citizens Energy Group provides safe and reliable utility services to about 900,000 people in the Indianapolis area. Citizens operates its utilities for the benefit of customers and the community. Additional information is available online at www.CitizensEnergyGroup.com, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.