Umair Gaines
Indiana has a winter moratorium in place, which means that electric and natural gas utilities may not disconnect customers between December 1 and March 15. This applies to customers who are receiving help from the federally funded Energy Assistance Program (EAP), have qualified for EAP funds, or have applied for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). While disconnection is prohibited under these conditions, customers are still responsible for any charges incurred during this time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Period | December 1 through March 15 |
| Eligibility | Customers receiving help or qualified for EAP funds, or those who have applied for LIHEAP |
| Conditions | Customers are responsible for charges incurred during the moratorium |
| Notice | Written notice 14 days in advance for electric or natural gas utilities |
| Exceptions | Emergency, fraudulent use of services, meter tampering, or consumer request |
| Recommendations | Continue to pay heating bills, even if partially |
| Contact | Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority (IHCDA) at 1-800-872-0371 |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Indiana's Energy Assistance Program (EAP)
The EAP provides a one-time annual benefit to eligible households, which can be used to assist with the high cost of home energy. The program is designed to help those who are disconnected or at risk of disconnection from their utility services. Indiana law, specifically Indiana Code 8-1-2-121, prohibits utility companies from disconnecting customers who are receiving or have applied for EAP assistance between December 1 and March 15 of any year. This period is known as the moratorium protection period.
To be eligible for the EAP, households must meet certain income requirements. Indiana households that earn 60% of the state median income (60 SMI) or less may qualify for benefits. The income eligibility is based on the most recent three months of income. The application process for the EAP typically involves completing an application form and providing supporting documentation. Local Service Providers (LSPs) across Indiana partner with IHCDA to assist individuals in completing the application process and determining eligibility.
It's important to note that even if an application for the EAP is denied, individuals can still apply for other assistance programs, such as the Winter Assistance Fund (WAF) or AES Indiana's Power of Change program. These programs provide additional support for those struggling with utility costs who may not qualify for the EAP.
Mounting Quantum Electric Wheelchair Controls: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Moratorium qualifications
Indiana's Energy Assistance Program (EAP) provides protection from service disconnection during the winter heating season for those who qualify. This protection, known as the winter moratorium, is in place from December 1 through March 15.
To qualify for the moratorium, individuals must meet specific criteria. Firstly, they must be receiving assistance or qualify for funds through the federally funded Energy Assistance Program (EAP). This program is designed to help low-income Hoosiers with their natural gas and electric bills. Individuals can apply for this program at their local EAP intake office, providing written proof of their qualification. Additionally, those who have applied for benefits through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) are also covered by the moratorium.
It is important to note that qualification for the moratorium does not relieve individuals of their financial responsibilities. Customers are still responsible for charges incurred during the moratorium period. While disconnection is prohibited during the winter months for those who qualify, it is strongly recommended that they continue to make payments, even if partial, to demonstrate a good-faith effort to manage their energy bills.
In certain circumstances, utilities retain the right to disconnect services, even for those covered by the moratorium. This includes emergencies, fraudulent use of services, meter tampering, or if the consumer specifically requests disconnection. Furthermore, while utilities are not required to collect payments on the spot to prevent disconnection, they may choose not to disconnect if the customer contacts them to discuss the reasons for falling behind in payments and meets certain conditions, such as paying a reasonable portion of the bill.
Stearman Aircraft Electrical System: What's the Deal?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Utility communication
Effective communication with utilities is crucial for customers covered by the moratorium. While disconnection is prohibited during the winter months, customers are still responsible for charges incurred. It is recommended to make at least partial payments to demonstrate a good-faith effort to manage energy bills. Communicating with the utility company to discuss outstanding bills and payment arrangements is essential to avoid disconnection once the moratorium period ends.
Additionally, customers facing disconnection for non-payment have certain rights and protections. Utilities are required to provide advance written notice, specifying the date, reason, and relevant consumer rights information. Customers receiving such notices should immediately contact their utility provider to discuss their options and potentially avoid disconnection. Utilities may decide not to disconnect service if customers initiate communication and demonstrate a willingness to address payment issues.
In cases where disconnection would pose a serious threat to the health or safety of household members, customers can request a 10-day postponement by providing a medical statement from a licensed physician or public health official. This communication between customers and utilities is vital to ensure the well-being of those affected.
Overall, Indiana residents facing electricity disconnection during the winter must actively engage in utility communication. By understanding their rights, staying in contact with their utility provider, and seeking assistance through available programs, customers can minimize the risk of disconnection and maintain access to essential energy services during the winter months.
Crafting Electric Tea Kettles: A Manufacturing Overview
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$12.74 $15.99
$11.99 $14.99
Disconnection rules
Indiana has a winter moratorium in place, which means that between December 1 and March 15, utilities may not disconnect customers who are receiving help or have qualified for and applied for the federally funded Energy Assistance Program (EAP). This rule applies to electric and natural gas utilities and is outlined in Indiana Code 8-1-2-121.
The EAP is designed to help low-income Hoosiers with natural gas and electric bills. While customers are protected from service disconnection during most of the winter heating season, they are still responsible for any charges incurred. It is important to note that service disconnection rules vary by type of utility and that Indiana law allows certain utilities to be exempt from Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) regulation.
To qualify for protection under the winter moratorium, customers must either be receiving assistance through the EAP or another energy assistance program, or they must have formally applied for such a program and provided the utility with written proof of their application. In the case of EAP specifically, customers must apply at their local EAP intake office.
Even if a customer is covered by the moratorium, it is strongly recommended that they continue to pay their heating bills through the winter, even if it is only a partial payment. This demonstrates a good-faith effort to keep their energy bill under control. Additionally, if a customer contacts the utility to discuss the reason for falling behind in payments, the utility may decide not to disconnect service even if it has the legal right to do so. To avoid disconnection, the customer must pay a reasonable portion of the bill and not have violated any similar payment agreements in the last 12 months.
Electric Light Orchestra's Don't Walk Away: A Song Analysis
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$14.39 $17.99
Winter moratorium dates
Indiana's Energy Assistance Program (EAP) helps low-income Hoosiers with natural gas and electric bills. Those who qualify are protected from service disconnection during most of the winter heating season, which runs from December 1 to March 15. This protection applies to investor-owned and municipal utilities, as well as rural electric membership cooperatives (REMCs).
To qualify for the winter moratorium, customers must be receiving help from or have applied for the federally funded Energy Assistance Program (EAP). They must also have provided the utility with written proof of their application or qualification for the program. It is important to note that customers are still responsible for charges incurred during the winter moratorium period.
The OUCC strongly urges consumers who are covered by the moratorium to continue to pay their heating bills through the winter, even if they can only make a partial payment. A partial payment shows the utility that the consumer is making a good-faith effort to keep their energy bill under control. If a customer is facing disconnection, they should contact their utility to discuss the reason for falling behind in payments. By doing so, they may be able to avoid disconnection, even if the utility has the legal right to disconnect service.
Additionally, if a disconnection will cause a serious and immediate threat to the health or safety of a person in the household, the utility must postpone the disconnection for 10 days if the customer provides a medical statement from a licensed physician or a public health official.
Electric Cooperatives: Powering Communities, Changing Lives
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Indiana has a winter moratorium in place from December 1 to March 15, during which utilities are prohibited from disconnecting customers who are receiving help or have qualified and applied for the Energy Assistance Program (EAP).
The EAP is a program that helps low-income Hoosiers with natural gas and electric bills. Those who qualify are protected from service disconnection during the winter heating season but are still responsible for the charges incurred.
It is important to communicate with your utility provider and make arrangements to discuss what can be done to keep your service on.
You can contact a Community Action Agency (CAA) near you to apply for energy assistance. CAAs are responsible for administering the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and determining eligibility.
![Captain America: The Winter Soldier [4K UHD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71pX9sZ5xTL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
