INDIANAPOLIS – On Saturday, October 21, Citizens Energy Group will host a Community Resource Day featuring more than 25 community organizations, local businesses, healthcare providers, and educational institutions, all with the goal of connecting our Central Indiana neighbors to the resources they need to thrive. This fair-style event will include free food, family activities, and appearances from the Indianapolis Colts mascot and cheer squad. It will also give Central Indiana’s organizations a chance to engage with residents regarding the important wellness, financial assistance, and safety resources for the coming colder months.
WHAT: Community Resource Day, hosted by Citizens Energy Group
WHO: Open to the public, with translators available for Spanish-, Burmese-, Chin-, and Creole-speaking attendees
WHEN: October 21, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
WHERE: 2020 N. Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202
Some parking is available on site or in the adjacent neighborhood. Transit access is available via the IndyGo Red Line and bus routes 39 or 18/28.
Current event info – including a list of participating community partners – can be found at citizensenergygroup.com/CRD. Translators will be on site to assist participants courtesy of LUNA Language Services, powered by Globo. Click here for a shareable event flyer.
"We are looking forward to hosting more than two dozen of our valuable community partners on Saturday," said Kenya McMillin, Community Stakeholder & Engagement Manager at Citizens. "Our friends at United Way of Central Indiana, Coburn Place, HVAF, Diaper Bank, CICOA, AES Indiana, and so many more organizations will have helpful information on hand and tools to share as we prepare for winter."
While Citizens projects that this winter's average monthly natural gas bills will decrease when compared to last winter, the home-heating season is a period in which customers may experience additional challenges with paying their utility bills.
Community members who attend the event can learn how to check their eligibility for the Energy Assistance Program (EAP) as well as how to apply. Through Citizens’ Universal Service Program, customers who qualify for EAP also will automatically receive a discount on their gas bill ranging from 10-25 percent. EAP-eligible customers also qualify for the Citizens’ Low-Income Customer Assistance Program (LICAP) credit that helps lower wastewater bills between $6 and $15 a month.
Other organizations represented at Community Resource Day include Trinity Haven Indy, Catholic Charities, Overdose Lifeline, Damien Center, the Marion County Public Health Department, Care Source, SNAP, Community Action of Greater Indianapolis (CAGI), Latinas Welding Guild, Edna Martin Christian Center, Concord Center, Westminster Neighborhood Services, Near North Development, Indy Hygiene Hub, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Flanner House.
Assistance Is Available for Customers In Need
If customers are falling behind on their bill, they are urged to 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.
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:
- 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.
- Set your water heater temperature at 120 degrees. A family of four, each showering for five minutes per day, uses 350 gallons of water each week. By lowering the thermostat on the water heater to 120 degrees, families can reduce water heating bills without sacrificing comfort.
- 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.
- 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
Ben Easley
Phone: 317-519-1515
Email: media@citizensenergygroup.com