Winter Disconnection Moratorium Begins

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Winter Disconnection Moratorium Begins

Written by Indiana 105

Saturday, December 01,2012 |10:16 am

Today marks the beginning of Indiana's Winter Disconnection Moratorium, which can help the neediest consumers stay connected to natural gas and electric services during the winter months. The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor says the moratorium runs through March 15^th, but that it only applies under certain circumstances. Indiana Consumer Counselor David Stippler says it is essential that all consumers communicate with their utilities in the event they cannot pay their bill, to work out a payment arrangement. For a moratorium fact sheet, visit http://www.in.gov/oucc/

To qualify for the moratorium, you must either:

1. Receive help from the federally funded Energy Assistance Program (EAP) through your local Community Action Agency (CAA), or

2. Qualify for EAP funds, apply for the program at a local Community Action Agency (CAA), and provide the utility with written proof of eligibility for assistance.

The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor’s (OUCC’s) “Winter Disconnection Moratorium” fact sheet is a free publication that answers the most frequently asked questions about the moratorium.

Consumers should know that:

· All consumers are responsible for paying utility bills, even if covered by the moratorium.

· If you cannot pay a utility bill on time and in full, contact the utility immediately to make payment arrangements. If you need to make payment arrangements, it is crucial that you communicate with the utility as early as possible.

· In most Indiana counties, you can learn about financial resources for utility bill assistance by dialing 211.

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