New venture aims to save utility customers money

A new statewide initiative called Energizing Indiana, which aims to increase energy efficiency at homes, schools and businesses, will launch Jan. 2.

Energizing Indiana is a cooperative venture between the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission and utilities to enhance existing energy efficiency programs and build new ones, according to Energizing Indiana spokeswoman Amanda Craft.

It's Web site, with information and applications, is already up and running at www.EnergizingIndiana.com. It has information on the new Energize Indiana programs as well as those offered by NIPSCO.

"It's probably the most comprehensive thing Indiana has done because of the number of utilities participating and because it covers everyone: residents, businesses and schools," Craft said.

Some of the programs available for residential customers at NIPSCO as part of Energizing Indiana include appliance recycling and rebate programs, instant savings on energy-efficient light bulbs, free in-home energy audits, and discounts for those who sign up to cycle their air conditioning.