[Southsider2k12]

http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?Sectio...amp;TM=31596.78

NIPSCO Will Continue Winter Warmth

From Staff Reports

MERRILLVILLE - Northern Indiana Public Service Co. on Friday announced that its Winter Warmth Program has been approved for two more years, until May 31, 2009.

The energy assistance program designed to help low-income NIPSCO natural gas customers with the payment of utility bills and natural gas deposits has provided about $14.5 million in assistance to 35,216 customers.

Under the program extension, approved by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, enhancements have been made to the Winter Warmth program guidelines. Qualifying customers will be eligible to receive up to $450 in annual energy assistance, and NIPSCO has expanded the qualifying eligibility requirements to include those customers up to 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, in addition to those who have a financial hardship situation as determined by an administering Winter Warmth agency.

NIPSCO will increase its contribution toward the program from previous years. For the 2007-08 winter heating season, NIPSCO will contribute 17 percent of total dollars collected from customers, and 18 percent for the 2008-09 winter heating season. The average residential customer will contribute approximately 63 cents per month toward the program.

Qualifying customers may begin applying for the Winter Warmth program on Monday, Nov. 19, by visiting one of the 32 existing energy assistance agency sites located across NIPSCO's northern Indiana service area.

In La Porte County, customers can visit the La Porte County Salvation Army, 209 State St. La Porte or call (219) 326-5342, or the Salvation Army, 1201 S. Franklin St., Michigan City, or call 874-6885.

[Roger Kaputnik]

While there may be some folks in real need, I object to NIPSCo using our payments to pay the bills of people who instead of paying their own bills, use their money for cigarettes, cable tv, internet connections, and fast food.