Questions & Answers
Q. What service does the program provide?
A. The Home Energy Solutions Weatherization Program assists qualifying NIPSCO residential natural gas customers in making energy efficiency improvements to their homes. Qualifying homeowners will receive a home energy assessment at no cost. Depending on the results of the assessment, your home may receive one or more of the following energy efficiency improvements at no cost: replacing an inefficient furnace or water heater with a more efficient appliance; adding insulation, air sealing, and/or installing energy-saving devices such as water-saving faucet aerators and shower heads. These improvements are completed by local energy efficiency professionals at no cost to the homeowner and will make your home more comfortable, safe and energy efficient.
Q. What will the service cost me?
A. The assessment and subsequent improvements will be performed at no cost to you.
Q. Am I eligible?
A. To qualify, you must meet ALL of the following criteria:
- Be an active NIPSCO residential natural gas customer.
- Own and occupy your single family home or duplex.
- Have resided in the home or owner-occupied duplex for at least 12 months.
- Household income may not exceed the amount listed in the table below.
How many in your household |
Monthly Income |
Annual Income |
|---|---|---|
1 |
$1,300-$1,733 |
$15,600-$20,800 |
2 |
$1,750-$2,333 |
$21,000-$28,000 |
3 |
$2,200-$2,933 |
$26,400-$35,200 |
4 |
$2,775-$3,700 |
$33,300-$44,400 |
5 |
$3,100-$4,133 |
$37,200-$49,600 |
Each additional person, add |
$450-$600 |
$5,400-$7,200 |
Q. What if my income does not meet the guidelines?
A. You may qualify for other weatherization services in your county if your income is less than the household guidelines listed. To find low-income weatherization services for your county visit www.incap.org and click on CAP Agencies or call 1-800-872-0371.
Q. How do I sign up?
A. The response to the Home Energy Solutions Weatherization Program has been overwhelming, and we have accepted all applications that will be considered at this time. Please check this website often for additional program details as they become available.
Q. What happens after I submit my application?
A. Your application will be processed and you will receive a letter within 30 days of receipt informing you that your application has either been approved or denied because you did not meet the eligibility requirements. If approved, your application will be forwarded to a local energy service provider who will contact you to schedule the assessment and explain the process for implementing improvements.
Q. Can I choose the energy service provider who does the work?
A. No. All work will be done by the Indiana Community Action Association (IN-CAA) and its partner agencies. IN-CAA is a not-for-profit company that has been involved in home energy efficiency work for 30 years. IN-CAA is licensed and insured as both a general contractor and a heating contractor.
Q. Can I choose the appliances installed through the program?
A. No. However, IN-CAA will secure your approval to install the appliances selected. You are required to allow all measures recommended through the assessment to be installed if you choose to implement improvements. All appliances will be properly sized to meet your needs and meet minimum energy efficiency standards.
Q. How long will the program be available?
A. The program will be available through April 1, 2008, or while funds last. Services will be provided on a first come, first served basis.
Q. How can I learn more about the program or check the status of my application?
A. Call (800) 721-7385 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CST Monday through Friday.