MERRILLVILLE — Northern Indiana Public Service Company LLC (NIPSCO) announced Monday additional energy assistance programs are now open for enrollment to income-eligible customers struggling to pay their gas utility bills.
Available programs include NIPSCO Hardship, SERV (Supply Energy Resources to Veterans) and SILVER (Seniors in Indiana Low-Income and Vulnerable Energy Resources). Eligible customers can apply through May 31 or until funds are exhausted. Programs provide a one-time benefit of up to $400 per year to help cover NIPSCO residential gas utility bills. As the weather gets colder, customers using natural gas to heat their homes and businesses typically increase their usage from November to March compared to other seasons. Usage makes up the largest portion of the average energy bill, according to a news release from NIPSCO.
“We understand the challenges many of our customers face, especially as temperatures drop and gas heating usage increases,” said Vince Parisi, NIPSCO president and chief operating officer. “Our assistance programs are designed to provide support to our most vulnerable customers, ensuring they stay safe and warm this winter season.”
NIPSCO Hardship Program The NIPSCO Hardship Program assists customers whose income is just above the federal poverty guidelines for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This program provides gas bill assistance to households with income levels between 151% and 250% of the federal poverty level. Hardship funds are distributed through local Community Action Agencies, which also manage LIHEAP assistance. To learn more about the NIPSCO Hardship Program, visit NIPSCO.com/IncomeEligible. SILVER and SERV SERV is an income-eligible assistance program designed to support active military members and eligible veterans who need financial help with their gas utility bills. To qualify, customers must be active members of the United States Armed Forces or honorably discharged veterans with a past-due NIPSCO residential gas account. SILVER is an income-eligible program available to NIPSCO senior customers aged 60 and older who require assistance with their gas utility charges. Seniors must have an active, past-due NIPSCO residential gas account to be eligible.
The SERV and SILVER programs are available to customers who qualify for LIHEAP or Hardship assistance. To view the full eligibility requirements for these programs, customers should visit NIPSCO.com/IncomeEligible. There, they can apply by completing an online self-attestation form and uploading any required documentation. Applicants should allow up to 30 business days for processing. If they meet all program requirements, a one-time credit will be applied to their NIPSCO residential gas utility account. Customers are encouraged to check their eligibility and apply for these programs as soon as possible. They are also urged to share this information with family, neighbors and friends who may qualify.