Temperatures are falling, and so are the balances in many bank accounts.
This holiday season many families trying to survive in the struggling economy are finding it difficult to meet expenses, including those for basic needs such as utilities.
As a result, some people are literally sitting in the cold or at best, using potentially dangerous space heaters to keep themselves warm.
Two of the primary local providers of electricity and natural gas, Indianapolis Power and Light (IPL) and Citizens Energy Group have projected higher bills for consumers.
IPL is predicting a four percent increase in bill costs this winter over last winter, and Citizens Energy Group, which includes Citizens Gas, is expecting the average bill to jump by 15 percent, or about $32.
“There is no doubt this will be a difficult winter for many of our customers,” said Carey Lykins, president and CEO of Citizens Energy Group.
IPL maintains that their basic rates are stable, but bills could still go up because of fuel costs and increased demand over the winter.
“We know that with these economic times, and as it gets colder, customer bills could increase because of increased usage,” said Crystal Livers-Powers, spokeswoman for IPL.
Citizens Gas says its rates will also go up due to increased demand for its clean-burning fuel, as well as lower natural gas production levels and increased federal restrictions on energy development.
Both IPL and Citizens Gas are taking measures to ensure that customers who have difficulty paying bills don’t have to place themselves in danger caused by freezing temperatures or fires caused by alternative sources of heating.
IPL recently sent out pamphlets to customers describing opportunities that can be used to help them save money and manage bills. Among the new features is a program called Budget Billing, which allows customers to arrange a set monthly amount with a due date of their choice. The set monthly payment amount is based on the past average cost of a consumer’s bills.
“This is very convenient because our customers will know how much they need to pay each month with a date that is convenient for their cash flow,” said Livers-Powers.
As a last resort during emergency circumstances, IPL customers may also request an extension of their upcoming payment due date. They are encouraged to not wait until the due date, and call (317) 261-8222 for an extension as soon as it appears they are unable to make their payment on time.
Emergency assistance is also available for IPL customers who have limited incomes, especially senior citizens, to help stay warm during the winter months. They may call the Community Action appointment line at 1-866-565-0197.
Citizens Gas is also offering packages and specials to help customers save on their bills and prevent having their natural gas shut off.
“We want to make every effort to help them lower their costs and conserve energy while staying comfortable and safe,” Lykins said.
Lykins is available online each Tuesday from 6-7 p.m. to answer customer questions directly at CitizensGasChat.com. He noted that the majority of the questions he has received lately have been related to reducing the costs of winter bills.
Lykins offers practical cost-saving advice to customers such as turning down the thermostat and water heater, and making sure furnace filters are changed consistently.
“If you turn your thermostat down 10 degrees while you are sleeping or away from home for eight hours, that will knock roughly 10 percent off your gas bill alone,” said Lykins.
Citizens Gas recently launched its Citizens Energy Savers initiative, which offers tools to help consumers conserve energy and save money. The tools include cash rebates for customers who purchase energy efficient heating equipment for their house, the Home Energy Advisor that provides suggestions and a bill analyzer.
Citizens Gas has also been teaming up with organizations such as the Citizens Action Coalition and the Indiana Community Action Association to provide cost-saving weatherization improvements on hundreds of low-income homes, as well as energy-saving education kits that sixth-graders can take home to share with their families.
Overall, Citizens Gas has provided more than $2.5 million in various incentive and education programs encouraging the conservation of energy.
Livers-Powers and Lykins however, agree that it is important for customers to take the lead in using cost-saving tips and reducing their monthly payments.
“We’re asking customers to really be aware of their bills and contact us immediately if they have difficulty paying.”
Lykins is hopeful that Citizens Gas customers will take advantage of their many opportunities to stay warm.
“This winter might be hard for many people due to the economic uncertainty and high energy prices,” Lykins said. “But consumers can really control their bill to a significant extent.”
