Vectren supports weatherization

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

EVANSVILLE -- Vectren Energy Delivery of Indiana (Vectren) will match dollar-for-dollar all public donations to its Share the Warmth program this winter, up to a total of $200,000.

Share the Warmth, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, annually allocates funds to Indiana Community Action Agencies who administer the Indiana Weatherization Assistance Program.

This initiative is designed to offer comprehensive long-term energy conservation benefits to single family homeowners that meet the state and federal guidelines for low-income.

"Many low-income families are faced with higher than average energy bills because they often reside in older, inefficient homes with out-dated furnaces and inadequate insulation," said Jeff Whiteside, Vectren's vice president of community sustainability and president of the Vectren Foundation. "If successful, this program could yield an additional $400,000 to weatherize even more Hoosier households in need."

Tax-deductible donations can be made to Share the Warmth, Inc., P.O. Box 931, Evansville, IN 47706-0931. More information and a contribution form are available at sharethewarmthinc.com

Those who qualify for the low-income weatherization program will receive a free, on-site home energy audit to determine areas in need of energy-efficiency upgrades. Energy efficiency experts from the local Community Action Agency will then implement a number of efficiency measures on an as-needed basis, which may include: adding insulation in the walls or attic, sealing ductwork and air leaks and installing high-efficiency natural gas furnaces or water heaters.

Customers needing bill payment assistance or who are interested in the weatherization program may find the Community Action Agency nearest them by calling the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority at (800) 872-0371.

Recipients of program dollars must be at or below 150 percent of federal poverty guidelines for most programs. However, additional home weatherization programs, which were recently made available to the State of Indiana through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, may also apply to customers who are at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines.

Vectren's Share the Warmth Program runs year-round. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

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