Citizens Gas Extends Moratorium on Low-Income Disconnections
Customers Behind on Bills Urged to Call Utility –Assistance is Available

INDIANAP0LIS – Citizens Gas has decided to extend the moratorium on gas account disconnections for low-income customers through Thursday, March 30. Citizens Gas is urging all customers behind on their gas bill to call the utility at 924-3311 for information on possible energy assistance and flexible payment arrangements.

The moratorium, which prevents utility disconnections of customers who have applied for or are currently receiving state energy assistance, typically expires on March 15. Citizens Gas had previously extended the deadline through today due to colder than normal weather.

“Given recent cold temperatures and additional energy assistance funding recently allocated to Indiana by Congress, it makes sense to extend the moratorium on disconnections through March 30. Citizens Gas has been working closely with the Governor’s office and other agencies to maximize energy assistance sources so as to minimize the number of disconnections. We strongly urge all customers behind on their bill to call us to see how we can work with them to catch up on their bill and remain connected,” said Carey Lykins, President and CEO of Citizens Gas.

Customers can also receive information about energy assistance through Community Action of Greater Indianapolis, 396-1800 or through their local township trustees office. This winter alone Citizens Gas is directing nearly $6 million in energy assistance to approximately 16,000 families. Included in this assistance is the utility’s Universal Service Program (USP), which automatically provides 9-24 percent bill discounts to low-income customers who qualify for the Indiana Energy Assistance Program (EAP).

Home Heating Safety
Citizens Gas also is urging all customers to have working smoke detectors in all levels of their home and to be very careful when using space heaters or other alternative heating methods. All space heaters pose fire risks and fuel-burning space heaters can create deadly carbon monoxide in the home.

About Citizens Gas
Citizens Gas & Coke Utility is a Public Charitable Trust providing efficient and reliable energy services to more than 266,000 customers in and around Marion County. The Public Charitable Trust means the utility is managed only for the benefit of customers and the community.

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