CenterPoint Energy offers savings tips ahead of likely price increases

DAYTON, Ohio ( WDTN ) — Costs of heating homes are likely to go up as temperatures drop.

CenterPoint Energy is encouraging customers in its Ohio territory to prepare for an increase in their bills. Last year, CenterPoint Energy said customers benefitted from lower wholesale natural gas prices due to a less volatile market. This year, however, will be different.

The company says commodity costs are projected to increase over last year’s heating season, with demand expected to continue to grow. As a result, bills are likely to be higher.

“With natural gas prices projected to increase this winter, we encourage customers to explore all available resources as soon as they can,” said Ashley Babcock, CenterPoint’s Vice President, Indiana and Ohio Gas

The customer’s natural gas supplier (CenterPoint is not one) can influence bill amounts. Customers may have the option to select a fixed price that won’t fluctuate and now could be the time to explore supplier pricing options.

Tools CenterPoint recommends customers explore include:

• Choice Program : Comparison shop online for a list of suppliers and up-to-date prices.
• Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) : Assistance is available for households at or below 175 percent of federal poverty guidelines. Visit development.ohio.gov or call (800) 282-0880 to learn more.
• HEAP Winter Crisis Program : Those who are disconnected or threatened with disconnection can get one-time assistance; must fall at or below 175 percent of federal poverty guidelines to qualify.
• Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP Plus) : Eligible households can pay 5 percent of their monthly income for gas throughout the year through this program. To qualify, household income must be at or below 175 percent of federal poverty guidelines.
• Due date extension and payment arrangements : These free offerings are available to customers in need of special arrangements to keep their services connected.
• Energy efficiency resources : Appliance rebates are available (must be submitted by Nov. 1), efficiency tips and more can be found online or by calling 1-800-227-1376.
• Budget billing : Through this program, customers’ gas service costs are estimated and distributed throughout the year, spreading higher months’ costs into lower month’s bills. Enroll for free at CenterPointEnergy.com or by calling 1-800-227-1376.
• Home weatherization : Households falling within 300 percent of federal poverty guidelines can qualify for CenterPoint’s home weatherization program. Apply online .

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