In anticipation of colder temperatures and higher costs over the winter, CenterPoint Energy announced Tuesday a new initiative to help customers in Indiana and Ohio with their energy bills.
The Customer Assistance Fund (CAF) will replace the Share the Warmth (STW) weatherization assistance program, and will address customers’ needs by providing direct support to eligible customers facing financial challenges. The CAF will be facilitated by the Salvation Army of Dayton, Ohio and the Salvation Army Indiana Division.
“CenterPoint is committed to supporting programs that meet the evolving needs of our customers,” Mike Roeder, CenterPoint’s senior vice president for external affairs, said. “This new fund gives our customers another option to better manage their energy bills.”
The company said the program will be available to income-qualifying customers. Customers can apply once during the calendar year between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, and reapply at the start of the next calendar year. The program expands eligibility to include customers who many not qualify for state and federal low-income assistance, officials said. Previously, under the STW program, eligibility was limited to natural gas customers who owned their home. The CAF extends support to eligible customers who rent as well.