CenterPoint Energy : urges Ohio customers to review payment options as winter heating season ends

CenterPoint Energy urges Ohio customers to review payment options as winter heating season ends

Qualified customers encouraged to utilize payment assistance options

Friday-March-29-2024

​Dayton, Ohio. - March 29, 2024 - As the winter heating season draws to a close, CenterPoint Energy wants to remind its customers who may receive a disconnect notice, or who still may need bill payment assistance, to contact the companyonline or call 1-800-227-1376 to make payment arrangements and avoid potential disconnection. or call 1-800-227-1376 to make payment arrangements and avoid potential disconnection.

"As the winter heating season comes to an end, we are encouraging customers who may be behind on their bills to contact us," said Ashley Babcock, Vice President of Gas Operations, Indiana and Ohio. "Customers concerned about potential service disconnection or in need of bill payment assistance are encouraged to contact CenterPoint Energy immediately to explore additional support options that are available."

Payment assistance options offered by CenterPoint Energy and other agencies include:

• Payment Arrangement: Customers having difficulty paying bills in full can request a payment arrangement to fulfill the obligation in smaller increments over a set period of time. Eligible customers can request a payment arrangement by calling 1-800-227-1376.
  

• Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)/ Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program (E-HEAP): Ohio customers seeking energy bill assistance should contact the Ohio Development Services Agency (ODSA). This agency administers the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) for income-eligible customers. To qualify for HEAP, your annual household income cannot exceed 175% of the poverty guidelines. During the winter, the ODSA also offers a program called Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program (E-HEAP) that provides assistance once per heating season to eligible households that are disconnected or threatened with disconnection. For HEAP or E-HEAP information, call the ODSA at 1-800- 282-0880
  

• Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP Plus): PIPP Plus is an extended payment arrangement for eligible Ohio customers that requires regulated gas companies to accept payments based on a percentage of the household income. To qualify for PIPP Plus, annual household income cannot exceed 175% of the federal poverty guidelines. Contact the ODSA at 1-800-282-0880 for more information.
  

• Home Weatherization Assistance Program (HWAP): HWAP provides eligible customers with energy efficiency improvements. Eligibility is determined by a household income at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. Customers who received assistance from the HEAP program within the last 12 months are automatically eligible. HWAP can assist with services including furnace replacement/repair, insulation, air sealing and hot water tank replacement/repair. For more information about HWAP, please call the Miami Valley Community Action Partnership at 937-341-5000.​
  

• Energy Efficiency Resources: CenterPoint Energy has a wide offering of additional energy efficiency programs for customers, which can be found at www.centerpointenergy.com/smartsavings. Customers are also encouraged to apply for all residential (home ownership or rental) weatherization programs, including programs available through the local service provider.
  

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