CenterPoint Energy to offer payment assistance options and tips on how to keep bills low this winter

CenterPoint Energy is offering a variety of payment assistance options and energy-saving resources as market prices for energy continue to rise, according to a press release from CenterPoint Energy’s spokesperson.

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People will likely see an increase in their natural gas bills compared to last winter due to the price increase, the spokesperson said.

CenterPoint Energy has several options to help people manage their energy bills such as:

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• Choice program: People can choose a natural gas supplier that is right for them. Other suppliers have more pricing options, allowing customers to shop around to find the best price. A list of suppliers and prices is available on CenterPoints website.
• Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP): People who meet the income requirement are eligible for State and federal utility assistance, the release said. Households have to fall at or below 175% of federal poverty guidelines. For more information call (800) 282-0880 or visit the Ohio Department of Development website.
• HEAP Winter Crisis Program: Provides assistance one time per heating season to households that are disconnected or threatened with disconnection. The household must fall at or below federal poverty guidelines.
• Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP Plus): Allows for a household to pay 5% of its monthly income for gas service throughout the year, the spokesperson said. To be eligible, customers need to receive their primary or secondary heat source from a company regulated by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio. The total household income must be at or below the federal poverty level. The customer must apply for all energy assistance programs that they are eligible for, according to the press release.
• Due Date Extension and Payment Arrangement: Two free offerings available to customers in need of a special payment plan to keep service connected on a temporary basis.
• Energy efficiency resources: Tips, appliance rebates and tools to help customers lower their gas bills. All customers are eligible and can call 1-800-227-1376 or visit their website, the release said.
• Budget Bill: This billing plan allows for a customer’s estimated costs for a year of gas service to be spread in equal monthly bill amounts for the year, the spokesperson said. This will alleviate the stress during the winter months when gas bills are higher than non-heating months, the spokesperson said. Amounts are adjusted each summer. Customers can enroll for free on their website or by calling 1-800-227-1376.
• Home weatherization: This program helps qualifying customers to make energy saving improvements to their homes at no cost. Households must fall within the 300% of federal poverty guidelines, the release said. For more information visit Miami Valley Community Action Partnership website.

During the 2021-2022 heating season, CenterPoint Energy customers paid on average $135 each month for natural gas service, the release said. Ohio gas customers who heated their homes with natural gas last year saved more money than those who heated with propane or electric.

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“We recognize the financial hardships our customers may be facing this heating season, and we want to encourage them to contact us for options to assist in managing costs prior to their first high bill of the heating season,” Vice President, Indiana and Ohio Gas, Ashley Babcock said. “Additionally, customers needing further financial assistance can apply for programs available through our local community action agencies and local non-profits.”

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