Heating bills for January 2014 are likely to give residents sticker shock — between rate increases, and record cold, homeowners could be looking at a 30 percent jump in their bill from the same period last year. In addition, rural residents who rely on propane have seen shortages and price increases of up to 50 percent, if they can get a shipment of propane at all.
January weather didn’t help the issue any. According to the National Weather Service in Indianapolis, January 2014 was the second snowiest month on record, and the 11th coldest. The average temperature was about 20 degrees, which is 8 degrees below normal. Temperatures of 15 below were recorded on January 6.
Citizens Gas has been urging people to call and make arrangements to make payments on their January bills if they can’t pay them in full. Customers are asked to call at 924-3311 if they are having difficulty making their payment or are behind on their account. Customers may also qualify for flexible payments arrangements or assistance through their Warm Heart Warm Home Foundation. They also announced the typical February gas bill for residential heating customers in Marion County is expected to be higher than February 2013, assuming normal temperatures. In addition to higher gas prices, residents who use electric furnaces are likely to see an increase in bills. To seek assistance in paying an electric bill, call 261-8222 or 888-261-8222.
During the last snow storm, Connect2Help 2-1-1 answered calls for help from more than 1,000 people. Many people called for help in getting temporary shelter, to get transportation for endangered persons. The 2-1-1 number can be called by residents in need of information and resources.
In light of the already difficult economy for many Hoosiers, and the additional bills just to keep warm this winter, many people are thinking about what they can do to save energy without sacrificing comfort now and in the future. Energizing Indiana is a united effort by the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC), participating utilities and consumer organizations to offer comprehensive statewide energy efficiency programs. Thanks to Energizing Indiana’s energy efficiency programs and education efforts, Indiana has already saved more than 800 million kWh of energy since January 2012 — enough energy to power more than 64,000 homes for a year — but they want even more homeowners, businesses and schools to reap the benefits.
“Indiana residents are stepping up and making a difference, but energy efficiency is something we can all contribute to and we look forward to helping even more people use energy wisely this year,” said Bob Nuss, managing director for Energizing Indiana. “Getting a home energy assessment is a good place to start, and there are many low-cost or no-cost measures that you can implement right away.”
More than 100,000 homeowners have received home energy assessments from Energizing Indiana, giving them the tools needed to start saving by decreasing energy usage and raising the home’s performance. Hoosiers have also purchased more than 6 million energy-efficient light bulbs through Energizing Indiana’s deep discounts at local retailers, and Indiana businesses have received more than $25 million in incentives for energy-efficient upgrades to lighting and equipment.
Energizing Indiana also has programs for commercial and industrial customers to help reduce their energy usage. Energizing Indiana also has programs for teachers and schools.
Energizing Indiana’s programs promote energy efficiency in diverse and comprehensive ways, to reach as many Hoosiers as possible. Energizing Indiana partners with local utilities to make programs available to electric customers of Duke Energy, Indiana Michigan Power (I&M), Indianapolis Power & Light Company (IPL), NIPSCO and Vectren.
To sign up for a Residential Home Energy Assessment and learn about other Energizing Indiana programs, visit energizingindiana.com or call 1.888.446.7750. Energizing Indiana is also on Twitter (@Energizing_IN) and Facebook (Energizing Indiana).
