Need help with an Energy Assistance Program application? Join Citizens Energy Group at Community Resource Day on October 3 (10 a.m. - 1 p.m.)! EAP applications may be completed online or in-person, and additional financial assistance is available to Citizens customers.
INDIANAPOLIS – The federal Energy Assistance Program (EAP) is now open to applications from Hoosiers seeking assistance with utility bills this winter. An EAP application is often the best first step for residents seeking seasonal financial assistance, as other local assistance programs may use the completed EAP application to determine eligibility. The annual EAP application period traditionally runs between October and April, and residents can apply again this year even if they have received assistance in the past.
EAP applicants should review the total of their previous three months of income to understand if they are income-qualified. Full income eligibility is available on the EAP website. While application review can take several weeks, EAP approval will mean financial assistance being applied to utility bills (natural gas and electric)—and even just a completed application (approval unnecessary) can produce temporary protection from utility disconnection for non-payment. Customers who are approved for EAP will also automatically receive a 10 to 25 percent discount on natural gas bills along with monthly credits to wastewater bills—directly from Citizens Energy Group.
Beyond EAP, other local financial assistance programs include the United Way of Central Indiana's Winter Assistance Fund (WAF). WAF is for Marion County residents who struggle with paying their utility bills but don’t qualify for EAP. The WAF application may be found at uwci.org/waf or by calling 2-1-1. The program period will be from January 1, 2027 until May 30, 2027, or when funding runs out.
For ease of access, Citizens Energy Group has compiled financial assistance information for the 2026-2027 home-heating season into a single document. Click here for more information.
This Saturday, October 3, specialists will be available to guide customers through the process of applying for financial assistance at Community Resource Day, hosted by Citizens Energy Group. Located at 2020 N Meridian Street between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., the event will feature informational resources from 60+ Central Indiana community organizations alongside free food, games, live music, and giveaways in a family-friendly, fair-style atmosphere. More information on this free event is available here.
Citizens also offers additional resources to manage utility bills, including flexible payment arrangements, budget billing, and energy efficiency programs. Click here for more information or calling 317-924-3311.
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
Ben Easley
Phone: 317-519-1515
Email: media@citizensenergygroup.com