Applications for EAP assistance may be completed online or in person at various community sites, and other financial assistance may also be available to eligible customers.
INDIANAPOLIS – Utility companies Citizens Energy Group and AES Indiana as well as the United Way of Central Indiana (UWCI) are advising Hoosier utility customers that the Indiana Energy Assistance Program (EAP) is open for applications seeking relief from utility bills this winter. Previously known as the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), an EAP application is often the best first step for many residents seeking assistance with their seasonal utility bills.
Since 2022, Citizens Energy Group—the local natural gas, water and wastewater provider—and AES Indiana—the local electricity provider—have worked to inform customers about the easiest methods of applying for the federal EAP program and other bill assistance opportunities during colder months. And while local financial aid programs may also be available to Hoosiers (including the Winter Assistance Program from UWCI), these programs often ask for the results of an EAP application.
Financial assistance information personalized for the 2023-2024 winter season--including various programs and income eligibility information--has been made available in a single document, translated into five various languages for ease of sharing with community members. Click here for more information.
Utility customers can apply for this year's EAP program until May 20, 2024. Applicants are advised to review their last three months of income, as many programs request this total income amount. Income eligibility, defined as 60 percent of the state median income for households of respective sizes, is fully detailed on the EAP program website.
While application review can take several weeks, EAP approval results in financial assistance applied to home-heating utility bills (natural gas and electric) as well as temporary protection from utility disconnection for non-payment. Even just the completed EAP application can be used to prevent utility shut-off during Indiana’s winter disconnection moratorium period (December 1, 2023 - March 15, 2024).
Customers who qualify for EAP will also automatically receive a 10 to 25 percent discount on natural gas bills and a wastewater bill credit from Citizens Energy Group.
Beyond Indiana EAP, other local financial assistance programs include the Winter Assistance Fund (WAF), championed by the United Way of Central Indiana. WAF is for Marion County residents who struggle with increased utility costs but don’t qualify for Indiana EAP. Application site information is at uwci.org/waf or by calling 2-1-1. The Winter Assistance Fund program period is from January 1, 2024 – May 30, 2024.
Both Citizens Energy Group and AES Indiana offer additional resources to manage utility bills, including flexible payment arrangements, budget billing, and energy efficiency programs.
Click here for more information on all of these financial programs and resources. Or get in touch directly by calling Citizens Energy Group (317-924-3311) or AES Indiana (317-261-8222).
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