By DENISE RODRIGUEZ
NIPSCO Communications

MERRILLVILLE — Northern Indiana Public Service Company, state agencies and other local organizations are partnering once again to help connect families who are struggling to pay their heating bills this winter with available assistance funds. Enrollment for the federal low income energy assistance program begins today, Monday, Nov. 2.

While NIPSCO has among the lowest residential gas bills in Indiana and has projected lower gas costs than last winter’s, payment assistance programs help give a greater sense of security to customers experiencing financial difficulties.

““Living in the Midwest, we know that winter temperatures are unpredictable, so we want to ensure our customers are aware of available assistance programs during those chilly winter months,”” NIPSCO EAP and Low Income Programs Manager Kimberly Ferrell said. “”Energy assistance programs are essential to families in need, and we strongly encourage them to reach out to us for help.””

Assistance programs include:

• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, available to households falling within 150 percent of federal poverty guidelines. Between Dec. 1, and March 15, Indiana utilities do not disconnect service to customers enrolled in LIHEAP who are behind on their bills.
• NIPSCO Customer Assistance for Residential Energy, designed to provide further gas bill reductions to LIHEAP-eligible customers. Once enrolled in LIHEAP, customers are automatically enrolled in this program.
• NIPSCO Hardship Program for customers just outside the federal poverty guidelines for LIHEAP offers up to $400 in gas bill assistance to households between 151 and 200 percent of the federal poverty level.

NIPSCO customer care agents trained to help connect customers with available funds are available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at (800) 464-7726.

Eligibility is based on income and family size. More information and a listing of agencies that help administer assistance programs can be found at NIPSCO’s website.

The following information is usually required when applying for LIHEAP at an agency. However, be sure to contact the agency for the complete list of documentation you will need to provide:

• Indiana picture ID
• Social Security cards for all household members
• NIPSCO bill
• Proof of residency
• Proof of income
• Energy- and Money-Saving Programs

Improving a home’s energy efficiency can also make a big difference on utility bills. All NIPSCO customers have access to a wide range of programs designed to help manage energy usage, and in turn bills. A full list of programs and tips to help manage energy use can be found here.