Columbia Gas Of Pennsylvania Urges Customers To Use Available Bill Payment Assistance Programs
Jan. 19, 2012
CANONSBURG, PA – Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania is urging customers to prepare for winter heating bills and use the many payment assistance programs that are available.
Columbia Gas offers payment options to customers with limited or low income, customers who are facing special circumstances, or those who need to re-establish their gas service.
“We strongly urge customers who may be experiencing or anticipating difficulty in paying their winter heating bills to contact Columbia Gas before they get behind on their payments,” said Deb Davis, Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania Manager of Universal Services. “Our goal is to maintain or restore service to income-eligible customers, but customers need to contact us in order to participate in the available assistance programs.”
Columbia reminds its customers that the largest portion of their monthly bill is the cost of natural gas, which Columbia passes directly to customers on a dollar-for-dollar basis, with no mark up or profit. The greatest opportunity for customers to reduce their monthly bill is through weatherization and energy efficiency.
Programs available to Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania customers include:
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Columbia Gas serves as a link to federal energy assistance funds which provide help with residential heating costs. These energy grants do not have to be repaid by the customer. Enrollment guidelines, which are revised each new heating season, are based on household size and income. LIHEAP applications will be accepted through March 2012, however customers are encouraged to apply before funds run out. For more information or to apply for LIHEAP, call the LIHEAP Hotline at 1-800-272-2714.
Customer Assistance Program (CAP)
Columbia Gas’ Customer Assistance Program offers affordable payment plans for residential customers with low incomes and long-term bill payment difficulties. Columbia’s CAP features reduced monthly payments for current bills for income-eligible customers, as well as debt forgiveness for prior balances. For more information or to apply for CAP, call Columbia Gas at 1-800-537-7431.
Customer Assistance, Referral & Evaluation Services (CARES)
Columbia Gas’ CARES program helps customers who have a true inability to pay their utility bills and are facing additional challenges. CARES representatives provide referrals to agencies that may be able to assist the customer as well as provide information on fuel assistance programs. For more information on CARES, call Columbia Gas at 1-800-537-7431.
Dollar Energy Fund
The Dollar Energy Fund is an independent, non-profit organization that provides assistance to people who are on low or fixed incomes. The fund receives donations from utility customers that are matched by the utilities. For more information or to apply for the Dollar Energy Fund, call Columbia Gas at 1-800-537-7431.
WarmWise: Low Income Usage Reduction Program
Columbia Gas’ Low Income Usage Reduction Program (LIURP) provides income-eligible customers with a no-charge home weatherization assistance to help reduce annual heating costs. LIURP identifies improved home weatherization opportunities in the home and then installs the most cost effective measures to reduce consumption. A clean and tune-up of existing heating equipment is also included with this program. For more information about LIURP, call Columbia Gas at 1-800-537-7431.
WarmWise: Audits and Rebates
Audits and Rebates is a FREE program available to qualifying Columbia Gas customers. Audits and Rebates offers a free, comprehensive in-home energy audit identifying and recommending energy saving improvements throughout the home. Customers can also choose to take advantage of rebates for energy saving improvements. To get started and schedule your free home energy audit, call Columbia Gas at 1-866-956-0308.
Crisis – Emergency Energy Assistance
A component of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Crisis
Emergency Energy Assistance provides funds for customers in emergency situations and in danger of losing their heat. Emergency situations include being without heat, imminent utility service termination, and the need for repair of broken heating equipment or leaking lines. For more information on Crisis funds, call Columbia Gas at 1-800-272-2714.
Budget Payment Plan
Available to all Columbia Gas customers, the Budget Payment Plan allows customers to spread annual gas costs evenly across the year instead of paying account balances each month, helping to eliminate high winter bills. The budget year begins in May, but customers can enroll any time during the year. For more information on Budget Payment Plans or to apply, call Columbia Gas at 1-888-460-4332.
In addition to these programs, Columbia Gas makes paying utility bills easy by providing online, over the telephone, automatic debit, and traditional mail-in payment options.
Media Contact: Rachel Ford
724-416-6356
RFord@NiSource.com
About Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania