Vectren extends call center hours

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," Doug Petitt, Vectren vice president of information technology and customer service, said. "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 Indiana 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 $35,775 for a family of four.

All eligible natural gas heating 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 all residential weatherization programs. Customers who are at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, which would be about $47,000 for a family of four, may qualify for these weatherization programs.

Community action agencies will begin taking applications for all energy assistance programs on Nov. 1.

For more information or to access Vectren's self-service options, including billing and payment options, rebates on energy efficient appliances, energy conservation tips and account information, visit www.vectren.com.

Headquartered in Evansville, Vectren's energy delivery subsidiaries provide gas and/or electricity to more than one million customers in service territories covering nearly two-thirds of Indiana and west-central Ohio.