Feb. 26, 2015
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media contact: Natalie Hedde (812-491-5105) or [email protected]
News Release Vectren Corporation
One Vectren Square
Evansville, IN 47708
Winter's late arrival brings bitter cold temperatures; Vectren reminds customers of tools to manage bills
Dayton, OH - Today, Vectren Energy Delivery of Ohio (Vectren) reminded customers that February 2015 temperatures are about 23 percent colder than normal and nearly 10 percent colder than those experienced in February 2014 which will drive March bills.
"Given February has produced temperatures even colder than those experienced in last year's polar vortex, as Dayton saw four days this month hit subzero temperatures, customers are likely using more gas to heat their homes and/or businesses," said Colleen Ryan, president of Vectren Energy Delivery of Ohio.
In February of last year, the average natural gas customer paid around $125 for natural gas service, which reflected weather about 16 percent colder than normal. In February 2015, that same customer will pay around $100 thanks to much lower natural gas prices this winter. Bills vary by customer depending on the size and age of the home, number of gas appliances, number in the household, thermostat settings and levels of insulation. Bill amounts may also differ based on the customer arrangement with their natural gas supplier.
Vectren has in place a number of tools to help customers manage their energy bills, including appliance rebates, energy assistance and budget bill. Details for these programs can be found on Vectren.com.
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.
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP): State and federal utility assistance dollars are available for income-eligible customers. Those that fall within 200 percent of federal poverty guidelines should visit their local community action agency to sign up for HEAP or contact the Ohio Department of Development 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 200 percent of federal poverty guidelines should visit their local community action agency to sign up for E-HEAP or contact the Ohio Department of Development at 1-800-282-0880.
"We urge customers who may find themselves challenged to pay to reach out to us before they get behind. We have a number of options to help customers manage bills, including free payment arrangements through which qualifying customers can pay their bills in smaller increments over an extended time period," added Ryan.
Vectren Energy Delivery of Ohio 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.