Combined Community Services will provide assistance to low-income families who cannot afford to pay their utility bills this winter.
One of the programs being offered is an energy assistance program.The program provides an option so customers cannot be disconnected from services during the winter, and is based on low-income guidelines.
For people who are disconnected or re-establishing service when a deposit is due, NIPSCO reduces the deposit needed if the household is enrolled in the program.
Appointments are now being accepted for the program by calling 574-269-6019, Ext. 21.
Another program is Winter Warmth funds, which are for customers who are already disconnected or have received a disconnect notice for existing customers transferring service who are required to pay a deposit. They also apply to a new customer who is turning on service and is required to pay a deposit to establish that service.
Winter Warmth deposit funds will only pay for the gas portion of the deposit.
To qualify for the Winter Warmth funds, the NIPSCO account must be in the name of the person receiving Winter Warmth assistance.
Eligibility for the program is determined by the agency.
Families in need who meet the guidelines may receive $450 to pay for their heat bills this winter, according to Peggi Lisenbee-Wright, CCS client assistance director.
The Winter Warmth program can only be used one time per family in a year.
NIPSCO requires a minimum $50 payment before receiving the Winter Warmth program benefits.
EAP customers will have their deposits reduced to a one-month average gas bill.
Another program is the Gift of Warmth matching funds program that begins in December.
In the program, NIPSCO matches the amount pledged on an account.
The program also is based on income and hardship, and is only allowed to be used one time per year, Lisenbee-Wright said.
Matching funds are only for utilities and only when a family has been issued a disconnect notice per NIPSCO guidelines.
CCS disperses NIPSCO's winter warmth and Gift of Warmth matching funds.
