NIPSCO recently announced they expect winter heating bills to remain flat compared to last year... but last season's usage amounts were lower than normal due to unseasonably warmer temperatures. NIPSCO spokeswoman Kathleen Szot says payment assistance programs, some offered by the utility and others through state and local agencies, become available next month, as November first is the official start to the heating season. NIPSCO also offers a free BudgetPlan service that lets customers manage energy bills by spreading out gas costs over an entire year.

For more info, www.nipsco.com

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