With the governor’s annual State of the State Address on Tuesday and the State of the Judiciary the following day, this was a historic week for Indiana. As the governor delivered his speech, outlining his vision for Indiana, it was clear that our state is moving in the right direction. Unemployment has fallen faster here than almost anywhere in America. We are adding jobs to the private sector, and we are on track to have more Hoosiers working than ever before. However, despite these accomplishments, there are still many Hoosiers who need our assistance, particularly during the winter months when temperatures are dangerously low.
Although session is now in full swing, many of the inquiries I have received lately have little to do with the legislative process. Rather, they are from concerned families who need just a little extra help in keeping their heat turned on this winter. Thankfully, through my responses, I have been able to deliver good news: there is help available, and today, I would like to spread that message even further.
Indiana currently has an Energy Assistance Program (EAP) which provides financial assistance to low-income households to maintain utility services during the winter heating months. This is a program that is implemented through Community Action Agencies which have outreach offices in every county. The following document will help you locate and contact the EAP provider in your county: www.in.gov/ihcda/files/EAP_Intake_Sites_by_County_2014-15.pdf.
Indiana law also provides that low income customers, who qualify and have applied for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), are protected from utility disconnect from Dec. 1 through March 15. In order to qualify, one’s household income cannot exceed 150 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, which equates to $34,575 for a household of four. In addition to other requirements, the household must already have an active account and have the utilities listed in the name of a household resident who is 18 years or older, a legal power of attorney or landlord.
The state is not the only entity that offers assistance either. As I began receiving these inquiries, I also reached out to Duke Energy Indiana. If you are a Duke Energy Customer, you may also be eligible to receive assistance through their Helping Hand Program. This program is funded by Duke Energy shareholders, employees and customers and aims to help those who are least able to cope with winter electric bills. Specifically, the Helping Hand Program can provide Hoosiers up to $300 towards their electric bill, if their local EAP agency determines they are eligible based on need and other criteria.
I am pleased to see that not only does the state offer assistance to families who need help this winter, but also that companies, like Duke Energy Indiana and others, are willing to do the same. The Duke Energy Indiana representative I spoke with also pointed out that they do not perform utility disconnects for any customers when temperatures are 25 degrees or below.
If you or someone you know needs assistance, I encourage you to visit www.in.gov/ihcda/2329.htm for more information. Stay warm, and if you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact my office at 317-234-3827.
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