Vectren to offer matching funds for home weatherization

Vectren Energy Delivery of Indiana will match dollar-for-dollar all public donations to its Share the Warmth Inc. 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's Weatherization Assistance Program.

This weatherization 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. Through generous donations, Share the Warmth has weatherized more than 170 homes since 2007, making homes more comfortable and utility bills more manageable for those in need.

"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 vice president of community sustainability and president of the Vectren Foundation. "If fully utilized, this program could yield an additional $400,000 to weatherize even more 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 www.sharethewarmthinc.com. Indiana electric customers can also donate by signing up for a free Energizing Indiana home energy audit and choosing Share the Warmth to be the recipient of a $25 donation after the energy audit is complete.

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 and/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 1-800-872-0371.

Recipients of program dollars must be at or below 200 percent of federal poverty guidelines to qualify for Share the Warmth weatherization assistance. Vectren's Share the Warmth Program runs year-round. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Vectren also has a number of additional tools to help customers manage their energy bills. For information on these programs, persons may call 1-800-227-1376 or visit www.vectren.com.