Citizens Gas Bill Continues to Be Among the Lowest in the State
INDIANAPOLIS – Citizens Energy Group today projects that monthly natural gas heating bills will decrease over the five-month winter heating season. Assuming temperatures are normal, Citizens estimates that the total average natural gas bill for the November through March heating season will be about $440, compared to $445 last winter.
Citizens average residential natural gas bill consistently ranks among the lowest of the 19 regulated natural gas utilities operating in the state, according to monthly surveys done by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission. While costs for many goods and services have increased in recent years, Citizens average residential natural gas bill continues to be stable. In addition to passing on the cost of natural gas to customers with no markup, Citizens employs several measures to keep costs down.
Citizens President & CEO Jeffrey Harrison said, “With approximately 35 percent of households in Central Indiana facing financial challenges, it is more important than ever for Citizens Energy Group to remain committed to delivering affordable utility service. By leveraging lower natural gas prices and our long-term approach to purchasing and storing natural gas for future use, we are able to provide safe, reliable service while helping minimize costs for the customers we serve. However, we are not just here to provide utility services; we are also committed to connecting customers to the resources they need to thrive, and that includes utility assistance.”
Help Is Available
Customers in need of financial assistance should check their eligibility for the Indiana Energy Assistance Program (EAP), which opened on October 1. Through Citizens Universal Service Program, customers who qualify for EAP automatically receive a discount on their gas bill ranging from 10 to 25 percent. EAP-qualified customers also receive assistance through Citizens Low-Income Customer Assistance Program (LICAP) that helps lower wastewater bills by $14 to $37 per month.
Customers who need help keeping up with their utility bills are urged to visit www.citizensenergygroup.com/Help or call Citizens at (317) 924-3311. In addition to grants from the Warm Heart Warm Home Foundation™, they may be eligible to establish flexible payment arrangements to assist them in catching up on past-due bills. In addition, the United Way of Central Indiana’s Winter Assistance Fund (WAF), which opens on January 1, may be available for customers whose incomes disqualify them for EAP but who still demonstrate need.
One of the best ways to reduce the cost of utility bills is by conserving energy, which you can do by taking the following steps:
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Change or clean your furnace filter once per month, or as recommended by the manufacturer, during the home-heating season. Furnaces consume less energy if they “breathe” more easily. Use receipt of your natural gas bill as a reminder.
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Take advantage of sunshine. Open draperies and blinds to let the sun's warmth in. Close them at night to insulate against the cold air outside.
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Reduce air leaks. This can cut as much as 10 percent from an average household's monthly energy bill. Seal leaks around doors, windows, and other openings such as pipes or ducts, with caulk or weather-stripping.
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Make your thermostat work for you. Turn down thermostats automatically without sacrificing comfort by installing an automatic setback or programmable thermostat.
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Replace old, outdated appliances with high-efficiency natural gas models. When buying new appliances, compare energy efficiency ratings and annual operating costs.
About Citizens Energy Group
Citizens Energy Group provides safe and reliable utility services to about 900,000 people in the Indianapolis area. Citizens operates its utilities for the benefit of customers and the community.
Media Contact Information
Laura O'Brien
Phone: 317-519-1515
Email: media@citizensenergygroup.com