CenterPoint Energy Inc.

12/10/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 12/10/2024 11:21

CenterPoint Energy introduces Customer Assistance Fund to help Indiana customers manage energy costs

CenterPoint Energy introduces Customer Assistance Fund to help Indiana customers manage energy costs

The Salvation Army Indiana Division to assist in program facilitation

Tuesday-December-10-2024

Evansville, Ind. - Dec. 10, 2024 - CenterPoint Energy is introducing the Customer Assistance Fund (CAF), a new initiative focused on providing bill assistance to eligible customers in Indiana, to benefit customers in need.

The new fund replaces the Share the Warmth (STW) weatherization assistance program. With other weatherization programs now widely available, the CAF will address customers' needs by offering direct support to those facing financial challenges.

"CenterPoint is committed to supporting programs that meet the evolving needs of our customers," said Mike Roeder, CenterPoint's Senior Vice President for External Affairs. "This new fund gives our customers another option to better manage their energy bills."

The program is available to income-qualifying CenterPoint customers. Customers can apply once during the calendar year (January 1 to December 31) and may reapply at the start of each new calendar year.

The CAF expands eligibility to include customers who may not qualify for state and federal low-income assistance programs but still face difficulties managing their energy costs. Previously, under the STW program, eligibility was limited to natural gas customers who owned their residences; the CAF now extends support to eligible electric customers in southwestern Indiana, as well as those who rent their residences.

Customers eligible for state and federal low-income assistance programs are encouraged to apply for those resources first before seeking assistance from the CAF. The fund complements existing CenterPoint tools, tips and programs available to help customers manage their bills and save energy.

The Salvation Army to assist with program facilitation in Indiana

Administered in partnership with The Salvation Army Indiana Division, the program offers an easy and accessible application process. Customers can apply online at tsautilities.org.

The CAF will be supported by CenterPoint shareholder contributions, employee donations and voluntary customer contributions.

The launch of the CAF is part of CenterPoint's ongoing effort to enhance communications and strengthen relationships with customers. Building on the recently announced Customer Experience Collaborative in southwestern Indiana, the company remains focused on incorporating customer feedback to shape its programs and services. ​

For more information about the CAF, including detailed eligibility requirements and how to apply, customers are encouraged to visit CenterPointEnergy.com/CAF or visit tsautilities.org.

Energy Efficiency Resources

CenterPoint offers energy efficiency programs, tips, appliance rebates and energy-saving tools to help customers lower their energy bills. This includes the Neighborhood Weatherization Program, which offers no-cost weatherization services to income-qualified customers. Visit CenterPointEnergy.com/SmartSavings for more information.

About CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
As the only investor-owned electric and gas utility based in Texas, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is an energy delivery company with electric transmission and distribution, power generation and natural gas distribution operations that serve more than 7 million metered customers in Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio and Texas. With approximately 9,000 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.