There are a few programs set up to help low income customers with energy conservation and other support measures. Vectren Gas and the Ohio Department of Development are two of the main organizations that administer these programs. The goal is to help families make their homes more energy efficient so they can save money and pay their monthly natural gas bills. The following is a summary of the resources that are available:
Federal government funded programs
Customers of Vectren Gas in Ohio can apply for these options. The Home Energy Assistance Program provides assistance to low-income households in order to help them pay for energy costs. This program is available to households who meet certain income requirements. The government can give money to help people pay their heating bills. Customers can save money from the free Home Weatherization Assistance Program (HWAP). The program helps customers to make their homes more energy efficient, resulting in lower utility bills. The Weatherization Assistance Program is a federal government program that helps low-income families reduce their energy consumption and costs.
The Ohio Department of Development takes applications for these federal programs. The Department of Jobs and Family Services can help you find a job. Both resources can help you apply for aid, answer questions on HEAP or weatherization, and in general provide assistance if you need it.
Vectren Gas Special Payment Arrangements
People who may have their gas service disconnected, or who have a medical condition, can look into getting help from the gas company. There are a few different payment plans that are available for low income or needy people for certain circumstances.
If you or someone in your household has a health condition that could be made worse by not having natural gas, you may qualify for help. Vectren will require certification by a licensed physician or board of health physician for this type of medical emergency or hardship payment plan.
During the winter, Vectren will offer a payment plan that allows customers to pay one-third of their gas bill each month. This means that any bills that have not been paid yet, as well as any current costs, can be included.
The Vectren program known as TEEM offers energy efficiency and conservation. If you live in a low-income household, you may be eligible to receive free energy-saving improvements for your home. Some ways that you could make your home more energy-efficient include installing a new natural gas furnace, upgrading your insulation, adding caulking, or doing any number of other things. This is a program that helps to seal up homes so that they are more energy efficient. A team of experts who specialize in energy efficiency work on improving and updating your local Community Action Agency. This program is only available to households that make 300% or less of the poverty line.
If you are having trouble paying your bill, you can work out a payment plan with your service provider. This means that you may be able to make smaller payments on your bills, and that your service may not be disconnected. Vectren will offer extended payment plans to customers who are eligible for the PIPP Plus program or other similar programs. In order to participate in the plan, you must agree to all of its terms. Either Vectren or a local non-profit organization that helps with things such as community action or the Salvation Army, can help you apply.
The PIPP Plus program is available to customers of Vectren Ohio. This program offers financial assistance to customers whose total household income is at or below 150 percent of the Federal government poverty level. This assistance program does not reduce or waive someone’s gas bill or energy costs, but it allows individuals to make smaller payments over a longer period of time. PIPP Plus customers must pay a portion of their monthly natural gas bills based on their total household income.
PIPP Plus allows people to get a credit on an unpaid bill, which is a huge benefit. If you make all your payments on time and in full, you will receive a credit on your gas bill that can be used as an incentive or to catch up on payments. If you make 24 monthly payments, your entire outstanding balance could be paid off.
State of Ohio programs for Vectren customers
The state provides funding for, and requires that the following financial assistance programs are available.
If you are a low-income earner and meet the qualifications, you can receive financial assistance or a cash grant from the Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program (EHEAP) once per year. The program provides financial assistance to eligible households who are either disconnected or at risk of disconnection from their gas service. To schedule an appointment, call 1-800-282-0880.
The Ohio winter reconnection order is available for Vectren Gas customers as well. This program will help people either maintain or reconnect their natural gas service for a maximum payment of $175. If you would like to learn more about this plan or take advantage of it, please call Vectren at 1-800-227-1376 to protect your utility service for 30 days. If you owe more than $175, you will need to make a payment arrangement with Vectren or apply for available energy assistance programs.