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NIPSCO details expanded bill-assistance programs and answers smart-meter concerns at community forum
Summary
Cynthia Thomas of NIPSCO told a March 18 community forum that hardship grants were increased to $550, the company will apply summer electric discounts for LIHEAP-approved customers, and that AMI smart meters enable remote disconnects — an issue residents raised and Thomas said she would follow up on.
Cynthia Thomas, Senior Energy Assistance Program Manager for NIPSCO, told residents at a March 18 community forum that the utility has adjusted its customer-assistance programs to help people facing higher energy bills.
Thomas said NIPSCO will apply usage discounts to customers approved through LIHEAP/EAP and, "For the first time ever, we have help now for our electric customers," adding that NIPSCO plans to extend electric discounts in summer months to those accounts. She said the company is also applying "over a $100,000 in late payment assistance" to accounts and raised its hardship grant from $400 to $550 this year.
The changes come with a new application timetable: NIPSCO aligned its hardship application window to begin Oct. 1 to match LIHEAP/EAP, with early online access Oct. 1–Nov. 1 and in-person intake…
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