Columbia Gas reminds customers about bill payment assistance
3/25/2010 6:39:07 PM
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Columbia Gas of Ohio reminds customers that, even as warmer temperatures arrive and the heating season winds down, help remains available for families still struggling to pay their winter heating bills.
A $1.8 million emergency assistance fund is still available to help customers who are having difficulty paying their heating bills, but who don’t qualify for existing energy assistance programs.
“We’re working hard to get these funds to the people who need them,” said Columbia Gas of Ohio President Jack Partridge. “They can be a real lifesaver for families struggling during these tough economic times.”
The funds are available for utility bill payment assistance to Columbia Gas of Ohio customers with incomes between 175 percent and 200 percent of federal poverty guidelines. For a family of four, the household income could be up to $44,100 per year. These customers have not been eligible for other assistance programs in the past.
The company has made available money that it received in payments from an interstate pipeline supplier in an effort to assist families harmed financially by the recession and layoffs. The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) authorized the program, which was developed jointly by the company, the Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel and PUCO staff.
Columbia customers who believe they may be eligible for this assistance should contact their local Community Action Agency directly to apply. Customers who aren’t sure which agency serves their area may call the Columbia Customer Contact Center at 1-800-344-4077 for information on where to apply.
Unlike some other assistance programs, customers do not need a disconnection notice to receive help. Customers can use these funds to pay their current bill or to restore service.
“This fund is a great opportunity for eligible customers to stay current on their bill,” Partridge said. “Customers who have never had to ask for help before need to know that assistance is available to get them through these challenging times.”
Information about other assistance programs and payment plans can be found under Assistance Programs on the Columbia Gas of Ohio website.
Columbia Gas of Ohio, with headquarters in Columbus, is one of the nine energy distribution companies of NiSource Inc. (NYSE: NI). Serving approximately 1.4 million customers in 61 of Ohio’s 88 counties, it is the largest natural gas utility in the state. NiSource distribution companies serve approximately 3.8 million gas and electric customers primarily in seven states.
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