NIPSCO is again getting the word out about financial help with home heating bills, now that the state's moratorium on winter utility shut-offs has ended.
The state's winter moratorium on shut-offs ended March 15. It prevents utilities from shutting off utilities on any household that has qualified for the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, called LIHEAP.
People who have not yet availed themselves of LIHEAP help can still apply at local community service agency offices. A full listing is available at www.nipsco.com or by calling (800) 464-7726. Households earning up to 150 percent of the federal poverty level for their size family are eligible.
LIHEAP applications will be taken until May 31.
In addition to the LIHEAP program, there are several other programs that aid customers with home heating bills.
Any NIPSCO customer who qualifies for LIHEAP is automatically enrolled in the utility's CARE Discount Program, which provides discounts on home heating bills ranging from 11 percent to 26 percent.
Those who have incomes just above the federal poverty guidelines required for LIHEAP may qualify for NIPSCO's Hardship Program. It offers up to $200 in bill assistance for those households earning between 151 percent and 200 percent of the federal poverty level.
Township trustees in Indiana also have a limited amount of energy assistance funds available.
Please Wait…