Published: October 08, 2008 10:39 am      

Enrollment begins for energy assistance program

MERRILLVILLE — Northern Indiana Public Service Co. has announced its Winter Warmth program is open for enrollment to eligible natural gas customers.

“In preparation for higher natural gas prices this winter, we are pleased that enrollment for the Winter Warmth program is opening earlier this year,” Cynthia Jackson, energy assistance and weatherization program manager for NIPSCO, said in a news release. “The Winter Warmth program will continue to be a vital tool in assisting customers with their winter heating bills, and enabling families to stay safe and warm during the winter.”

The program is designed to supplement existing state and federal energy assistance programs.

Since the program’s inception in 2004, Winter Warmth has provided nearly $19.6 million in bill and deposit assistance to 48,733 customers.

Qualifying customers will be eligible to receive up to $450 in annual energy assistance, and eligible customers include those with up to 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, which translates to $20,800 for an individual or $42,400 for a family of four.

This year, NIPSCO will increase its contribution amount toward the program to 18 percent of total dollars collected from customers for the 2008-2009 winter heating season. The average residential customer will contribute about 63 cents a month toward the program.

Qualifying customers may begin applying for the program and state and federal energy assistance by visiting one of the 31 existing energy assistance agency sites located across NIPSCO’s northern Indiana service area.



Where to go

• In Carroll County: Area IV Agency, 901 Prince William Road, Delphi, (765) 564-6466

• In Cass County: Area Five Agency on Aging & Community Services, 1801 Smith St., Logansport, (574) 722-4451

• In Fulton County: United Ministries Outreach Program, 625 Pontiac St., Rochester, (574) 223-4802

• In Miami County: Miami County Helping Hands, 65 S. Miami St., Peru, (765) 472-1875

• In Pulaski County: Pulaski County Human Services, 115 W. Pearl St., Winamac, (574) 946-6500

• In White County: Area IV Agency, 116 E. Marion, Monticello, (574) 583-6048