INDIANAPOLIS — Citizens Energy will begin an outreach effort later this week via TV, social media and mail to help 50,000 customers who have an overdue water and gas bill.
Nearly 13,000 faced disconnection before the COVID-19 pandemic. Their service were kept on after Gov. Eric Holcomb signed an executive order prohibiting disconnections through June 4.
Citizens Energy communications manager Daniel Considine said the company wants to help people set up payment plans and connect customers to groups offering financial assistance.
"We'll be flexible with customers. We want them to contact us now," Considine said. "If they can get stated on a payment arrangements at the very least get information about financial sources that are available."
Customers can call 211 to determine the provider that runs the energy assistance program in their area or visit the Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority's website.
The feds awarded the state $17 million through the CARES Act to help with energy assistance. The funding is available to people not usually eligible for the program, including those laid off due to COVID-19.
