March 12, 2015
Media contact: Natalie Hedde, 812-491-5105 or [email protected]
News Release Vectren Corporation
One Vectren Square
Evansville, IN 47708
Winter heating season coming to an end;
Ohio customers urged to consider bill payment options
Dayton, Ohio - As the end of the winter heating season approaches, Vectren Energy Delivery of Ohio (Vectren) wants to remind customers who have received a disconnect notice or any customers in need of bill payment assistance to contact Vectren online using the Live Chat feature or at 1-800-227-1376 to make payment arrangements and avoid potential disconnection.
"We realize the bitter cold weather we've experienced in recent months has forced many customers to fall behind on payments," said Colleen Ryan, president of Vectren Energy Delivery of Ohio. "We have a number of programs, resources and payment options in place that can help customers who may be experiencing financial hardship or have found themselves in disconnect status, and we're urging them to contact us today and take advantage of these services."
All customers, regardless of household income, are encouraged to take advantage of the following free
Vectren billing and payment options.
Payment Arrangement: Customers who are having difficulty paying bills in full can request a payment arrangement to fulfill the obligation in smaller increments over a set period of time. Eligible customers can request a payment arrangement for free by calling 1-800-227-1376.
Winter Reconnection Order: Vectren offers a plan that allows customers to pay one-third of the total balance due each month. Customers who are disconnected or being threatened with disconnection may use this option for a maximum payment of $175. If applicable, the appropriate reconnection fee will be billed. These customers must also apply for available energy assistance programs and make a payment arrangement with Vectren for any remaining balances.
Low-income households are encouraged to contact the Ohio Development Services Agency to inquire about a number of assistance programs, including the following. Other programs may also be available.
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP): State and federal utility assistance dollars are available for income-eligible customers. Those that fall within 175 percent of federal poverty guidelines should visit their local community action agency to sign up for HEAP or contact the Ohio Development Services Agency at 1-800-282-0880.
Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program (E-HEAP): E-HEAP provides assistance once per heating season to eligible households that are disconnected or are threatened with disconnection. Those that fall within 175 percent of federal poverty guidelines should visit their local community action agency to sign up for E-HEAP or contact the Ohio Development Services Agency at 1-800-282-0880.
Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP Plus): PIPP Plus calls for a qualified household to pay the greater of $10 per month or 6 percent of its monthly income for gas service throughout the year. To be eligible for the PIPP Plus program, a customer must receive his or her primary or secondary heat source from a company regulated by the Public Utility Commission of Ohio (PUCO), must have a total household income which is at or below 150 percent of the federal
poverty level, and must apply for all energy assistance programs for which he or she is eligible. Contact the Ohio Development Services Agency at 1-800-282-0880 for more information.
Finally, all customers are encouraged to follow a number of free and low-cost energy conservation tips, as colder weather continues to linger. Many more tips can be found at www.vectren.com/saveenergy or by calling 1-866-240-8476.
Set the thermostat on 68 degrees or lower. Plus, for every 1 degree you lower the thermostat for a sustained, eight-hour period, you could see up to 3 percent in additional savings.
Open your curtains during the day to let in the sun. Using the sun's heat can save up to 2 percent in heating costs.
Consider installing a new furnace if your unit is more than 15 years old. The furnace is the number one appliance in consuming natural gas, and today's models are up to 97 percent
efficient. Vectren offers rebates toward the purchase of new, high-efficiency units.
Make sure heating/air vents are open and not blocked by curtains or furniture.
Close your fireplace damper when not in use to prevent the warm air from escaping.
Have your furnace maintained annually by a qualified technician and check your air filter regularly. Having a professional inspection of your heating system on a regular basis will help
lower your heating bills 3 to 10 percent as well as maximize the life of your furnace.
Reverse the direction of your ceiling fan. By changing the direction to clockwise in the winter, the fan will circulate the warm air.
Caulk and weatherstrip around your doors and windows to reduce air leakage and save up to 10 percent on heating costs.
Consider upgrading your attic and/or wall insulation to save up to 25 percent on heating and cooling costs. Vectren now offers rebates up to $700 for these services.
Vectren delivers natural gas to approximately 315,000 customers in all or portions of Auglaize, Butler, Champaign, Clark, Clinton, Darke, Fayette, Greene, Highland, Logan, Madison, Miami, Montgomery, Pickaway, Preble, Shelby and Warren counties.
About Vectren
Vectren Corporation (NYSE: VVC) is an energy holding company headquartered in Evansville,
Ind. Vectren's energy delivery subsidiaries provide gas and/or electricity to more than 1 million customers in adjoining service territories that cover nearly two-thirds of Indiana and west central Ohio. Vectren's nonutility subsidiaries and affiliates currently offer energy-related products and services to customers throughout the U.S. These include infrastructure services and energy services. To learn more about Vectren, visit www.vectren.com.
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