Vectren offers new program to help Indiana customers

Customers of Vectren Energy Delivery of Indiana, whose service was disconnected last year due to nonpayment, are being offered a chance to regain service for the 2008-2009 winter heating season.

Vectren is implementing a new program to allow customers who do not qualify for other state and/or federal energy assistance programs have service reconnected by paying 50 percent of the outstanding balance, rather than 100 percent.

The remaining balance would be made in installments over the following six months with current bills. Qualifying customers may be required to pay a deposit and reconnection fee.

The program started Tuesday and will continue until Dec. 22.

"We certainly understand that given the condition of our economy, this is a difficult time for thousands of Hoosiers," said Doug Pettit, vice president of Vectren's marketing and conservation department. "We're hopeful this program can help many struggling families, whose household income prevents them from qualifying for state and federal assistance, reconnect service as we come into the coldest months of the year."

For more information, Indiana customers should call Vectren at 1-800-227-1376 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Customers must have been without Vectren service for a minimum of 30 days to qualify.

Putnam County residence who do not qualify for the program are encouraged to contact the Energy Assistance Office at 653-4017 for state and/or federal aid.