Frye: Help With Winter Energy Costs Available

Indiana 211 is a great resource to connect residents with assistance programs close to home.

INDIANAPOLIS - With the winter season quickly approaching, many Hoosiers are switching on their furnaces. The lower temperatures mean an increase in heating and energy costs, and Indiana offers low-income households financial assistance to keep everyone warm through its Energy Assistance Program.

Funded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the program provides a one-time annual benefit to residents who need help paying for utility costs associated with electricity and their primary heating source. Applications are available online at in.gov/ihcda and remain open through May 16, 2022.

It's important to note this assistance will not cover all winter energy costs, and there's a process to determine eligibility for each applicant, so Hoosiers should continue paying what they can on utility bills. Indiana law prohibits utility companies from disconnecting residential services from Dec. 1 to March 15 every year for customers who are eligible for assistance and have applied. Residents should always contact their utility provider to discuss payment options to avoid service disconnection.

Indiana 211 is a great resource to connect residents with assistance programs close to home. Simply call 211 any hour of the day or night, seven days a week, to speak confidentially with someone who can find an appropriate resource. The service goes beyond utility assistance to include help for everything from food and clothing to mental health. Learn more online at in211.communityos.org.

All Hoosiers deserve to be warm this winter, and anyone struggling to make ends meet should reach out for help. For more information, contact your local energy provider and ask about energy assistance or conservation programs. An additional list of energy-saving tips and other resources can be found at incap.org.