Low-Income Energy Programs
Federal| State | Utility | Charitable
Federal
LIHEAP Contact:
Public Inquiries: 317-232-7777
LIHEAP@ihcda.in.gov
Website
Online Application
https://ihcda.rhsconnect.com/portal/
LIHEAP Administering Agency Contacts
Local Administering Agency Contacts
Weatherization Assistance Program
Website and list of Local Administering Agency Contacts
LIHEAP FY 2024 Funding
$83,442,077
*including additional $2,223,287 from Infrastructure and Jobs Act (IIJA), (Pub. L. 117-58)
LIHEAP Income Eligibility Level
60 % State Median Income
LIHEAP FY 2024 Benefit
Heating: $250 minimum, $800 maximum
Cooling: Cooling offered if additional funds left over after the winter heating season.
Crisis: Winter $1,000
LIHEAP Households Served in FY 2023
Heating: 122,210
Winter Crisis: 40,897
Weatherization: 673
LIHEAP Program Dates
Heating: October 2 - May 20
Crisis: October 2 - May 20
Weatherization: Year-round
State/Local
Legislation, since 1894, requires Indiana's 1,008 towns and townships to provide "poor relief" that can include housing, utility, food, and medical assistance. Townships are local governmental units within counties and cities, with elected boards and trustees. Property taxes fund "poor relief"; each local entity establishes spending guidelines for the funds. Contact: township offices.
Utility
Low-Income Rate Assistance
Northern Indiana Public Service Co. (NIPSCO)
CARE
Provides bill reductions in addition to LIHEAP for customers falling within 150 percent of federal poverty guidelines. Once they are approved for LIHEAP, customers are automatically enrolled in the program and reductions range from 11 to 26 percent, depending on the same criteria used by the state in determining the level of assistance through LIHEAP. The monthly discount will be applied starting with December bills and will continue through May 31. If you apply for LIHEAP after December, the discount will be applied on the first bill after program enrollment. Contact an agency in your area that can assist you with applying for energy assistance.
www.nipsco.com/en/billingpayment/payment-assistance/nipsco_care.aspx
Vectren
Universal Service Program
Eligible customers, who have applied for the state's LIHEAP through local community action agencies, will automatically be enrolled in the USP and will receive bill reductions in addition to LIHEAP. Monthly bill reductions will range from 9 percent to 32 percent of the total bill (not including LIHEAP benefits), depending on the consumer's income level and utility provider. The monthly discounts begin with December bills or, if application for EAP is after December, with the first bill after program enrollment, and continues through May 31. To qualify for the program:
- Your total gross household income is at or below 150% of Federal poverty level.
- Your account is designated as residential gas heating.
- You reside at the service address.
- You have one active service in your name.
- You must re-apply for LIHEAP each heating season.
Low-Income Energy Efficiency
Duke Energy
Residential Neighborhood
Provides energy-efficiency and weatherization improvements for income-qualified customers. For more information call Duke Energy at 1-800-521-2232.
Vectren
Share the Warmth
Vectren matches all public donations, up to an annual total of $200,000. Funds are distributed annually to the Indiana Low Income Weatherization Assistance Program. Weatherization services vary with each home, depending on home construction and condition. Recipients must be at or below 150% of federal poverty guidelines and can apply by visiting their local Community Action Agency.
www.sharethewarmthinc.com/
Emergency Charitable Assistance
Please note these charitable funds are last resort emergency funds with limited resources and limited times of operation.
Citizens Energy Group
- Warm Heart, Warm Home Foundation Assists families and individuals who are faced with financial hardships. Citizens Energy Group matches customer donations up to $50,000.
317-924-3311
http://www.citizensenergygroup.com/My-Home/Utility-Services/Warm-Heart-Warm-Home - Winter Assistance Fund
This fund, administered by the United Way, is for Marion county residents and provides financial assistance to families who are not eligible for other energy assistance programs. The program runs from January through May. To apply for help through the Winter Assistance Fund, individuals should go to their nearest community center or township trustee or call 211 to find out which center serves their neighborhood.
www.uwci.org/index.asp?p=165
Decatur County REMC
Operation Roundup
Customer donations provide charitable assistance to individuals, families and organizations. Funds will not be used for utility bill payments.
Applications are available on the utility's website.
812-663-3391
dcremc.com/Roundup.html
Duke Energy
Helping Hand
Low-income customers who are at least 60 years old or disabled and who meet certain income guidelines may receive a one-time $100 payment. Duke Energy has partnered with the Indiana Community Action Association Energy Assistance Program (EAP) to distribute the program dollars. The EAP agencies will notify recipients if they are eligible for the $100 credit.
www.duke-energy.com/community/programs/helping-hand.asp
Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO)
Hardship Program
NIPSCO provides energy assistance funds for those customers who fall between 151-200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level and have received a Disconnect Notice. Eligible households can receive up to $200 in gas bill assistance between December 1, 2013 and May 31, 2014. Hardship funds are available through many of the same local Community Action Agencies where LIHEAP funds are distributed. Please note, Disconnect Notice must be presented with application.
Contact a NIPSCO Hardship agency.
Indiana Michigan Power
Energy Share
Provides assistance with electric bills for eligible low-income customers of Indiana Michigan Power. Apply for Energy Share by setting up an appointment with a local nonprofit organization. For assistance in Indiana contact the Indiana Community Action Association to find an agency in your county. In Michigan, call one of the following agencies in your county:
- Berrien County 800-334-7670,
- Cass County 269-445-0231,
- Van Buren County 800-968-3905.
Indianapolis Power & Light
Winter Assistance Fund
This fund, administered by the United Way, is for Marion county residents and provides financial assistance to families who are not eligible for other energy assistance programs. The program runs from January through May. To apply for help through the Winter Assistance Fund, individuals should go to their nearest community center or township trustee or call 317-923-1466 or 211 to find out which center serves their neighborhood.
www.uwci.org/index.asp?p=165
Kankakee Valley Electric REMC
Operation Round Up
Funds may be available for emergency energy assistance. Applications are available at the Kankakee Valley REMC office. Interested parties can contact the Corporation office at 219-733-2511 or 800-552-2622 for information regarding the Round Up Program or to receive an application. The application may also be downloaded from the website. The completed application must be submitted to the Operation Round Up Trust Board for consideration at their next scheduled meeting.
www.kvremc.com/programsAndServices/oproundup.aspx
NineStar Connect
Operation RoundUp
The purpose of the Operation Round-Up Program and the Central Indiana Power Community Trust is to accumulate and distribute funds for charitable purposes to individuals, families, groups and organizations located within the perimeter boundaries of NineStar Connect's power and communication service areas. This roughly includes Hancock and parts of Hamilton, Henry, Madison, Marion, Rush and Shelby Counties. Questions concerning the application should be directed to Brad Henderson at NineStar Connect, 317-323-2714.
http://www.ninestarconnect.com/community/operation-round/
Northeastern REMC
Operation RoundUp
Those eligible to apply for funds include all individuals in our service territory, and organizations with financial need. For the most part, funds will be provided to meet the needs of applicants which aren't being met through other sources. Applications for individuals or families are available on the website. Applications for funds are reviewed by the trustee board three times a year.
For more information, call Northeastern at 244-6111 or 625-3700
http://nremc.coopwebbuilder.com/content/operation-roundup
Parke County REMC
Operation Roundup
Customer donations are placed in a trust fund and administered by an independent Board of Directors. Typically, the funding is used to address crucial needs such as food, clothing, shelter, medical care and education, but it is not limited to these categories. Applications are available on the website.
765-569-3133 or 800-537-3913
http://www.pcremc.com/content/operation-round-up%C2%AE
South Central Indiana REMC
Operation Roundup®
Customer donations are placed in a trust fund and administered by the Board of Directors of the SCI Membership Community Fund, Inc. Funds are distributed to non-profit organizations and individuals in need.
To receive an Operation RoundUp® application for a not-for-profit organization or individual, call 1-800-264-7362.
