Vectren extends call center hours, offers assistance programs

Saturday, October 6, 2012

In preparation for the upcoming heating season, Vectren is extending its call center support hours for the month of October.

October is traditionally an active month for natural gas customers who are preparing for colder temperatures by reconnecting gas service or inquiring about energy assistance programs.

Currently, customers can call 1-800-227-1376 and speak to a customer service specialist Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. In addition to the regular service hours, customer service specialists will be available Saturdays in October from 8 a.m. until noon.

"It is important to increase our flexibility during this busy season," said Brad Ellsworth, president of Vectren Energy Delivery North. "As we prepare to enter the heating season, we often see higher than normal call volumes during regular business hours and are offering the seasonal Saturday hours as a benefit to our customers."

Additionally, income-qualified customers are encouraged to call 1-800-872-0371 to locate their nearest community action agency and apply for financial assistance through the state's Energy Assistance Program (EAP).

To qualify, the customer's gross household income must be at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level, which would be about $34,000 for a family of four. All eligible natural gas customers who enroll in the state's EAP through local community action agencies will automatically be enrolled in the Universal Service Program, (USP) which provides additional gas bill reductions from December through May.

Customers are also encouraged to apply for residential weatherization programs. Customers who are at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, which would be about $46,000 for a family of four, may qualify for weatherization efforts. Community action agencies will begin taking applications for energy assistance programs on Nov. 1.

Energizing Indiana also has an income-qualified weatherization program for those at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. Contact Energizing Indiana at 1-888-446-7750 or visit www.energizingindiana.com to apply or learn more.

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