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Safety and Emergency Questions |
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Emergency Contacts
Who should I contact in case of emergency?
Natural Gas Safety FAQ's
What does natural gas smell like?
What should I do if I smell gas?
Can a gas leak occur outside my home?
Who is responsible for maintaining the gas piping in my home?
What is Carbon Monoxide?
Who should I call before I dig?
How can I keep my furnace running safely and efficiently?
Electrical Safety FAQ's
How can I protect my computers and electronics from power surges?
How can I prevent data loss on my computer during a sudden power outage?
How can I prepare for summer thunderstorms?
Should I check for damage after a bad storm?
What should I do if I see a downed or sagging power line?
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General Energy Questions |
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What can I do to lower my energy bills?
Energy reduction tips for your home
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Energy Services Questions |
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Service
How do I begin new service?
How do I avoid having my service shut off?
What should I do if I get a disconnect notice?
How much is my disconnect fee?
How do I get my service turned back on after a disconnect?
How much does it cost to reconnect after I have been disconnected?
How do I contact the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO)?
Meter Reading
When should I read my own meter?
How do I read my gas meter?
How do I read my electric meter?
What is a Kilowatt hour?
What if I make a mistake reading my meter?
When will my meter be read in 2008?
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Billing Questions |
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General Billing Questions
What is my due date on my bill?
Why was my bill estimated?
What causes my bill to increase?
When do I get my deposit back?
What is my balance?
How can I pay my bill?
When will my next bill be mailed?
Energy Assistance Programs
When are Energy Assistance Programs in effect?
How can I sign up for energy assistance?
Special Billing Programs
What is the Budget Bill Program?
How does Budget Bill work?
What happens if I want to cancel my Budget Bill plan before the recalculation month?
Online Bill Management - Auto Pay
What is Auto Pay?
How does Auto Pay work?
Can I enroll in the Auto Pay Plan if I participate in the Budget Bill Program?
What if I have a question about my bill?
What if there isn't enough money in my checking account?
How can I discontinue the Auto Pay Plan?
What happens if I move?
Online Bill Management - Make a Payment
How do I Make a Payment?
Third Party Billing
What is third party billing?
Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP)
What is the Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP)?
PIPP Eligibility Requirements
How do I apply for the PIPP?
How do I apply for the HEAP?
Payment Arrangments
What is a payment arrangement?
Why should I request a payment arrangement?
How do I qualify for a payment arrangement?
What happens if I qualify for a payment arrangement?
Payment Extensions
What is a payment extension?
How do I qualify for a payment extension?
What happens if I qualify for a payment extension?
Degree Days
How will this information help you?
What is a heating degree day?
Where did 507 come from?
What is a cooling degree day?
Where did 306 come from?
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Energy Conservation Questions |
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Summer Cycler
How does Summer Cycler program work?
Where is the Summer Cycler program Available?
How much can I save on my bill if I am on the Summer Cycler program?
Can the Summer Cycler switch harm my air conditioner, heat pump, in-ground pool pump or water heater?
How often will VECTREN cycle my appliances?
How will I know if the switch is operating?
What if my air conditioner doesn't start when it's turned on?
Will the Summer Cycler cause my home to be warm in the summer?
What if I move to a new home?
What if my air conditioner, heat pump, in-ground pool pump or water heater needs to be serviced?
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Landlord Questions |
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Vectren Energy Delivery of Ohio (VEDO)
Where can I get a Property Owner Notification Form?
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Energy Theft Questions |
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How do I report energy theft?
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Safety and Emergency Answers |
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Emergency Contacts
Who should I contact in case of emergency?
Here are the main Vectren Emergency Response numbers:
1-800-227-1376
812-464-4750 for electrical emergencies
812-464-4760 for gas emergencies
Natural Gas Safety Answers
What does natural gas smell like?
In its pure form, natural gas is odorless. We add a harmless odorizing
agent called Mercaptan that produces a distinctive smell (some are reminded
of sulfur or rotten eggs) so that you can detect even a small leak.
What should I do if I smell gas?
If ignited by a spark in the presence of oxygen, a natural gas
leak can cause an explosion. If you smell gas in your home,
leave your house immediately and call Vectren from another location,
such as a neighbor's house.
If you smell gas:
- Do not use your electric garage door opener to
leave your house. Any motorized appliance could
ignite the leaking natural gas.
- Do not use your phone to call Vectren unless you are
outside and away from your house. Using any type of telephone
could ignite the leaking gas.
- Do not turn any light switches or other electrical
switches on or off. Anything electrical, even something as
small as a thermostat, may cause a spark and ignite leaking
gas.
- Do not try to re-light a pilot light. Leave gas furnaces,
water heaters and other gas appliances alone until you are certain
that it is safe.
- Do not smoke cigarettes or light candles. Using a lighter or a
match could ignite the leaking gas.
- Do not return to your home until you have been told by a
VECTREN service professional that it is safe to do so.
Can a gas leak occur outside my home?
Yes. If you notice a patch of dead grass around the area of your gas service,
you may have a leak and you should call Vectren immediately.
Who is responsible for maintaining the gas piping in my home?
The customer is responsible for the maintenance of all gas piping from the gas meter to all gas
appliances. Buried gas piping which is not maintained, is subject to potential hazards of corrosion
and leakage. For your safety, all buried gas piping should be periodically inspected for leaks.
If the buried piping is metallic, it should also be periodically inspected for corrosion. If an unsafe
condition is found, the gas piping will need to be promptly repaired. When digging near buried gas piping,
the piping must be located in advance and digging should be done by hand. Plumbing and heating contractors
can assist in locating, inspecting and repairing customer's buried pipelines.
What is Carbon Monoxide?
Incomplete combustion of a fossil fuel (fuel oil, kerosene, natural gas, propane,
wood or coal)
can produce a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas called carbon monoxide (CO).
If undetected, CO can become dangerous because it interferes with the distribution
of oxygen to the body. Learn more about Carbon Monoxide.
Who should I call before I dig?
If you are planning any excavation or construction on or near your property, in Indiana,
please call 1-800-382-5544 between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. In Ohio please
call 1-800-362-2764 at least two full working days before you dig.
The appropriate utility companies will be contacted and asked to send
a representative to the property to locate the underground lines.
How can I keep my furnace running safely and efficiently?
Before the cold winter months arrive, it is a good idea to have your furnace serviced by
a qualified heating contractor. Make certain the filters are cleaned or replaced,
and the furnace belt is checked for wear and proper tension. Pilot lights,
switches and thermostats should also be checked to assure safe operation.
Electrical Safety Answers
How can I protect my computers and electronics from power surges?
Momentary power surges caused by lightning strikes can damage almost any electronic device connected to an outlet.
You can avoid costly damage by connecting your electronic devices, including computers,
printers, stereos, phones and fax machines to a Surge Protector. Surge protectors
are available at most electronics and home improvement stores.
How can I prevent data loss on my computer during a sudden power outage?
Sudden power outages can cause you to lose data that has not been saved to your hard-drive.
If you work on critical computer files, you should connect your power
cord to a UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply) data loss prevention device
that will supply enough uninterrupted power to save your information and
shut down properly in the event of power outage. UPS devices are available
at most computer stores. Learn more about UPS devices.
How can I prepare for summer thunderstorms?
You can be better prepared for any inconvenience caused by power
outages if you follow these simple steps:
- Keep a flashlight with extra batteries readily available.
It's a good idea to keep several flashlights in convenient
locations around the house. Avoid using candles during a
power outage.
- Stay informed of current weather bulletins and other
storm-related news with a battery-operated radio.
- Store enough fresh water to last at least 3 days.
A gallon or two per person should be enough.
- Keep a well-stocked First Aid kit and emergency
medical reference in a central location. If anyone in
your home requires special medications or supplies, be sure
to keep these in your emergency kit.
- In the event of an extended power-outage, you may want to
cook on a camp stove, charcoal or gas grill. Remember that
these appliances must be used outdoors to insure proper ventilation.
Store matches away from lighter fluid or fuel, and keep the charcoal
in a moisture proof container.
- Keep a supply of non-perishable foods and a manual can-opener on hand.
- Consult your owner's manual or ask your HVAC dealer if your
type of heating or air conditioning system requires emergency
procedures to restart.
- In the event of an outage, do not open your refrigerator or
freezer unless absolutely necessary. A fully packed freezer can
keep foods frozen for up to two days.
- If it is safe to move around the house, turn off most
lights and unplug appliances to help reduce the load when
the power returns. When power is restored, turn on your appliances
one at a time.
Should I check for damage after a bad storm?
After a particularly violent storm, it is a good idea to inspect your
property for downed or sagging power lines. DO NOT go near or
touch anything near a damaged line. Call VECTREN immediately.
What should I do if I see a downed or sagging power line?
- Call VECTREN immediately
- DO NOT attempt to move the line yourself.
- Keep all family members indoors and confine all pets.
- Do not allow children to play in water anywhere near a power line.
- Do not connect a generator directly to a breaker panel or fuse box. An improperly connected generator can back-feed power into the lines and cause severe injury or death to repair crews working on restoring the lines.
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General Energy Answers |
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What can I do to lower my energy bills?
Vectren has several programs, which vary by location, to help
you manage your energy costs including the Budget Bill Program. Vectren
has also made contributions to low-income heating assistance
programs that help customers with their bills.
Check your bill inserts for more information. Energy Saver
booklets from the Department of Energy are also available
by request.
Energy reduction tips for your home:
- Set thermostat at an energy efficient setting (within the range of 68 degrees to 72 degrees F).
- 15 percent of household energy use goes to heating water, so using less water, especially less hot water, will keep bills down.
- Use your household appliances efficiently and if you are considering buying a new appliance look for the energy efficiently labels.
- Be sure heating registers and vents are not blocked by draperies or furniture. These vents should also be cleaned regularly with a broom or vacuum.
- Weather-strip or caulk cracks around windows and doorways.
- On sunny days, open your draperies; the sun's rays will warm your house.
- Close fireplace dampers when they are not in use.
- Make sure heating units are clean and in good repair.
- Remove window air conditioners for the winter. If you cannot remove the window unit, cover it tightly with interior and exterior plastic, then weather-strip around the unit.
- Add storm windows and doors to reduce heat loss.
- Add air deflectors to floor registers. Remember that warm air travels up. Deflectors that are properly placed will direct warm air out into the room.
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Energy Services Answers |
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Service
How do I begin new service?
Customers can apply for service online by completing the Turn On Service
form, or call Vecten's Customer Care Center.
How do I avoid having my service shut off?
You have fourteen days to make your payment with Vectren. If you are unable to make a payment, please call a
Customer Service Specialist.
What should I do if I get a disconnect notice?
Before your service is disconnected for non-payment, Vectren will send you a disconnect notice in the mail.
You have fourteen days to make your payment with Vectren. If you are unable to make a payment, or if you disagree
with your bill, please call a Customer Service Specialist.
How much is my disconnect fee?
There is no fee to discontinue your utilities. When you ask to discontinue or
your utility service, we will shut off your service and take meter readings within three days. A final bill will then be sent to you.
You are responsible for all energy used until your service has been disconnected. If you're moving within the Vectren service area,
a Customer Service Specialist will be happy to make arrangements for new service.
How do I get my service turned back on after a disconnect?
Call Vectren Energy Delivery Customer Care at 1-800-227-1376 and a Customer Service Specialist will share with you the
necessary steps to have your service reconnected.
How much does it cost to reconnect after I have been disconnected?
If you've been disconnected due to non-payment, you must call to schedule a reconnection of your
utility services. Reconnection fees vary by energy service (gas or electric) and by the location
of the disconnect (the meter, the curb or the pole). Regardless, you must also provide payment
of all past due charges and a security deposit. Call Vectren at 1-800-227-1376 to determine the
costs associated with your reconnection.
How do I contact the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO)?
If your questions are not resolved after you have called Vectren Energy Delivery of Ohio, you may call the Public
Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO), toll free at 1-800-686-7826 or locally at 614-466-3292. Hearing-impaired customers with TDD's
can call the PUCO toll free at 1-800-686-1570. You may visit the PUCO website at www.puco.ohio.gov.
Meter Reading
Why should I read my own meter?
In certain circumstances, Vectren may ask you to read your own meter. A meter that is located inside a house, behind a locked security gate, or meters that are blocked by foliage or a protective family dog will require you to read your own meter. Contact Customer Care and a Customer Service Specialist will assist you in determining if you should participate in the Read Your Own Meter Plan.
How do I read my gas meter?
Your gas meter is an accurate automatic measuring instrument. It keeps track of how much gas flows through it by counting the filling and emptying of the compartments inside the meter. Since each compartment fills with just the same amount of gas every time, the measuring is very accurate. And because one compartment is emptied as another is being filled, the flow of gas to the various appliances is smooth and uninterrupted. Your gas meter records in hundred cubic feet (ccf). Here's how to read your meter.
If you are looking at your gas meter, you should see four dials straight in a row. Pay close attention to the numbers on the dial and the rotation of the pointer.
The first dial should be read counterclockwise. Record the number the pointer has just passed. For example, if the pointer is between the number 4 and the number 5, for dial one, the number would be 4 (counterclockwise dial, the number the pointer just passed).
The second dial should be read clockwise. Record the number the pointer just passed. For example, if the pointer is between the number five and the number 6, for dial number two, the number would be 5.
The third dial is read exactly like the first, counterclockwise and the number the pointer has just passed.
The fourth dial is read clockwise, but this time record the number the pointer is nearest.
To determine how much gas you have consumed this month, record your meter reading today. Then come back one month from today and record your meter reading again. Then subtract last's months reading from this month's reading to calculate how many ccf's of gas you've used.
How do I read my electric meter?
Your electric meter may have four or five dials. The dial pointers alternately turn clockwise and counterclockwise. Each number on the right hand dial represents one kilowatt-hour (kwh). Once around by the right-hand pointer means you've used 10 kwh. The second dial counts in tens; the third, in hundreds; the fourth, in thousands; the fifth, in ten-thousands. That disc just below the dials makes them move. The faster the disc is spinning, the more electricity you're using at any one time.
You read your meter from right to left, marking the figures in that order - right to left. You always write down the number a pointer has just passed, not the one coming up next. As you read each dial, write down the number. In most cases the pointer will be between two numbers on the dial. The correct number is the lower of the two. When a pointer rests directly on a number, be sure to check the next dial to the right. If that pointer has not passed zero, the number on the previous dial has not yet been reached.
To determine how much electricity you have used in a month, record your meter reading today. Then come back one month from today and record your meter reading again. Then subtract last's months reading from this month's reading to calculate how many kilowatt hours of electricity you've used.
What is a Kilowatt hour?
KWh - kilowatt hour, the basic unit of electric energy equal to one kilowatt of power supplied to or taken from an electric circuit steadily for one hour. One kilowatt hour equals 1,000 watt hours. Electricity is commonly sold by the kilowatt hour.
What if I make a mistake reading my meter?
If you send us a meter reading that is well above or below a statistical average, our billing system will detect the variance and we will contact you and request another reading. If you do not wish to, or are unable to read your own meter, we will estimate your energy usage.
When will my meter be read in 2008?
Click below to see a monthly meter read schedule in 2008 for your area.
Vectren Energy Delivery of Indiana (North) - June 2008
Vectren Energy Delivery of Indiana (South) - June 2008
Vectren Energy Delivery of Ohio - June 2008
Vectren Energy Delivery of Indiana (North) - July 2008
Vectren Energy Delivery of Indiana (South) - July 2008
Vectren Energy Delivery of Ohio - July 2008
Tentative Vectren Energy Delivery of Indiana (North) 2008 Schedule
Tentative Vectren Energy Delivery of Indiana (South) 2008 Schedule
Tentative Vectren Energy Delivery of Ohio 2008 Schedule
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Billing Answers |
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General Billing Answers
What is my due date on my bill?
The payment due date appears on the middle of your bill in a white
box with the words, "NOW DUE." The next line displays the amount
you should pay if you miss the current balance due date.
Why was my bill estimated?
Although VECTREN makes every effort to read your meter each month,
certain situations can make that difficult or impossible to do.
A meter may be inside a house, behind a locked security gate or blocked
by foliage or a protective family dog.
In these situations, we may estimate the reading based
upon your previous usage. If your bill has been estimated,
you will see an asterisk (*) next to the current reading. Any
difference between your actual usage and our estimate will be
reconciled when your next meter reading takes place.
What causes my bill to increase?
Recently, natural gas prices have hit all time highs on a nationwide basis.
High prices are a result of two main factors:
- Volatility of the Natural Gas Commodity -- Natural gas is
an unregulated commodity sold daily in the marketplace, therefore it
is subject to the pressures of supply and demand.
- Weather Factors -- This winter has been colder than normal
and as a result there is an increased demand for natural gas, resulting
in increased cost, as well as increased consumption.
Vectren and its customers have no control over the natural gas market
price, however, as a company we have established several programs that
may assist you. Learn more about our services for home
for more information about billing programs that may be available in your area.
When do I get my deposit back?
Your deposit will be returned to you after one full year of paying your bill on time.
What is my balance?
The amount of your current balance due is located in the middle of your bill.
You will see an account history of your balance and payments. If you've lost
your bill, you can call our Customer Care Center
or you may request another bill by completing the information in the Please Send Me
form.
How can I pay my bill?
There are several ways to pay your bill.
Online - The easiest way to pay your bill is online.
Register with Vectren.com to create your online account and
pay you bills online. For information on bill paying in your
area, visit Manage My Account.
By Mail - Please allow a minimum of 5 days for your payment to be received and processed
to avoid paying the late charge. Return the bottom portion of your bill along with your check
or money order and keep the upper portion of the bill for your records. The correct mailing
address is listed on your stub and utilizing the enclosed envelope helps to ensure proper mailing.
If needed the mailing addresses for payments only are as follows:
Account numbers beginning with "01" mail to:
Vectren Energy Delivery South
P.O. Box 6250
Indianapolis, IN 46206-6250
Account numbers beginning with "02" mail to:
Vectren Energy Delivery North
P.O. Box 6248
Indianapolis, IN 46206-6248
Account numbers beginning with "03" mail to:
Vectren Energy Delivery of Ohio
P.O. Box 6262
Indianapolis, IN 46206-6262
In Person - Find a Vectren Service Center near you where you can pay your bill.
When will my next bill be mailed?
Your billing cycle is based on when your meter is read and where you live.
It is generally consistent from month to month. After your meter is read,
additional days are required to compute your usage, print your bill and
send it to you.
Energy Assistance Programs
When are Energy Assistance Programs in effect?
If you have been approved to receive assistance from an Energy Assistance Program,
Vectren will reflect pledges on your account once we have confirmation from the
agency. If you have questions, our Customer Service Specialist
can inform you of your balance.
How can I sign up for energy assistance?
Vectren Energy Delivery of Indiana customers seeking energy bill assistance should contact their local
Community Action Program (CAP) agency.
CAP agencies administer the Indiana Low Income Heating Assistance Program (LIHEAP) which assists
customers with bill payments on a case by case basis. CAP agencies will begin accepting applications
in early November.
Vectren Energy Delivery of Ohio customers should enroll in the Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP)
to receive financial assistance. PIPP and the Combined Energy Assistance Application must be completed
at your local Community Action Agency or you can download it from the
Ohio Department of Development.
Special Billing Programs
What is the Budget Bill Program?
Budget Bill is a program that enables you to spread your annual
estimated energy bill over an entire year and pay the same amount
every month. This allows you to manage your budget and avoid large
fluctuations in billing. Find out more about the Budget Bill Program.
How does Budget Bill work?
Your monthly payments are based on past energy consumption over twelve months for the premise. In early summer,
your Budget Bill recalculation will take place. Through this recalculation the following will occur:
If you paid for more gas (or electric where applicable) than you used, we'll recalculate your new Budget
payment using your credit balance which may reduce your new Budget payment.
Or if your actual charges are greater than what you paid while on the Budget Bill plan, your new Budget payment
may increase.
What happens if I want to cancel my Budget Bill plan before the recalculation month?
Your account will be reconciled at that time by comparing your actual consumption to what you have paid on the
Budget Bill plan.
If you have paid for more gas (or electric where applicable) than you have used, your account will be credited
for the amount.
If you consumed more gas (or electric where applicable) than you have paid for, your next bill will reflect a
balance due.
Online Bill Management - Auto Pay
What is Auto Pay?
Auto Pay is a billing program that allows you to pay your energy bill
on time, every time, without writing checks, licking envelopes or running
to the post office. With Auto Pay, your energy bill is automatically
deducted from your checking account on its due date. Auto
Pay is a free service offered to Vectren Energy Delivery customers!
How does Auto Pay work?
You will need to provide us with your bank account information
when you enroll in Auto Pay. Then, we will debit your energy
bill amount directly from your checking account automatically
each month. Your checking or savings account is usually debited
within ten business days of billing.
Can I enroll in the Auto Pay Plan if I participate in the Budget Bill Program?
Yes. If you are participating in the Budget Bill Program,
your Budget Bill amount will be deducted from your account each month.
If you have a credit during your adjustment month, the credit will be spread
over the next 12 months.
What if I have a question about my bill?
If you have any questions about your bill, simply contact a
Customer Service Specialist
What if there isn't enough money in my checking account?
It is important that you maintain an account balance sufficient to
cover your utility bill. If there is not enough money in your checking
account to cover the amount of your bill, your bank will notify us and
it will be handled in the same manner as an insufficient funds check.
How can I discontinue the Auto Pay Plan?
You can cancel Auto Pay online by simply visiting Manage My Account and updating your Billing and Payment Options.
What happens if I move?
If you are staying in the Vectren Energy Delivery service territory,
you can keep using Auto Pay when you
Transfer Service.
If you are moving out of our service territory and establishing a new checking or savings account, we will
remove you from Auto Pay before your final bill is created. The automatic
deduction will still occur on your final bill unless specifically requested.
Online Bill Management - Make a Payment
How do I Make a Payment?
You can pay your bill online through an electronic check (Vectren eCheck) or through your credit/debit
card. Vectren eCheck is like writing a check online. Simply type in the same bank account information
that appears on your check and confirm the amount to be deducted from your bank account. Or enter your
credit/debit card information and have the amount charged to your MasterCard, Visa or Discover account.
Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP)
What is the Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP)?
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio's (PUCO) Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) calls for a
qualified household to pay 10 percent of its monthly income for gas service throughout the year.
Households on PIPP are required by the PUCO to apply for federal funds through the Home Energy
Assistance Program (HEAP).
PIPP Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the PIPP program, a customer must receive his or her primary or secondary heat
source from a company regulated by the PUCO, must have a total household income which is at or below
150% of the federal poverty level, and must apply for all energy assistance programs for which he or
she is eligible.
| Below are the qualification guidelines.
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Size of Household Annual Gross Income |
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1 person |
up to $14,700 |
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2 persons |
up to $19,800 |
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3 persons |
up to $24,900 |
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4 persons |
up to $30,000 |
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5 persons |
up to $35,100 |
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6 persons |
up to $40,200 |
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7 persons |
up to $45,300 |
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8 persons |
up to $50,400 |
For households with more than 8 members, add $5,100 for each individual
additional household member.
How do I apply for the PIPP?
When applying for PIPP all applications for gas service should be made at the local Community Action
Agencies November through March. If applying in April through October,
click here
to download the application from Vectren’s web site.
How do I apply for the HEAP?
When applying for an Emergency HEAP benefit during November through March, customers must also
enroll in PIPP or another payment plan. The Combined Energy Assistance Application must be completed
at the local agency or you can download it from the
Ohio Department of Development.
The agency staff will forward the necessary information for PIPP enrollment for your main heating
source and electric service, as appropriate.
For Additional Information:
Contact Vectren at 1-800-777-3934 (between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.) or by fax at 812-491-4476, or you
can contact HEAP toll-free at 1-800-282-0880 during regular business hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Monday through Friday. For hearing-impaired with a telecommunication device for the deaf (TTD),
call toll-free number 1-800-686-1557 or in Franklin County, call (614) 752-8808. The FAX number
is (614) 728-6832.
Payment Arrangement
What is a payment arrangement?
A payment arrangement is a special bill payment method arranged
for customers who are having financial difficulty and are unable to pay their bill in full.
Why should I request a payment arrangement?
In order to keep your service from being disconnected, you should proactively work with
Vectren to meet your financial obligations and fulfill that obligation over an extended period of time.
How do I qualify for a payment arrangement?
Payment arrangements are granted and structured on a case by case basis.
What happens if I qualify for a payment arrangement?
If granted a payment extension, you will be given detailed instructions regarding your
adapted payment schedule. At this point, you will have the option to accept or reject those terms.
Payment Extension
What is a payment extension?
A payment extension is simply an extended due date for your Energy Delivery bill.
How do I qualify for a payment extension?
Payment extensions are granted and structured on a case by case basis.
What happens if I qualify for a payment extension?
If granted a payment extension, you will be given an extended due date and will avoid
any late fees as long as Vectren receives your payment by the new date. At this point,
you will have the option to accept or reject the proposed date.
Third Party Billing
What is third party billing?
Vectren can send a duplicate gas bill and/or notice to a designated
relative or friend. Doing so could prevent a bill from accidentally
going unpaid. The third party is not responsible for paying the bill,
but may help remind someone of an overdue bill and possibly prevent a
shut-off of gas service. Find out more about
Third Party Billing.
Degree Days
How will this information help you?
Heating degree days can provide an indication of heating requirements. Degree day information, since it is
based upon outside temperature statistics, can help explain why gas consumption is high during some periods
and low during others. For example, comparing the current month’s degree days to the previous month’s can
indicate how much colder (or warmer) it was and why your natural gas consumption would have fluctuated.
What is a heating degree day?
Heating degree day is defined as a measure of the coldness of the weather experienced. Simply put,
it’s the difference between 65° F and the average of the high and low temperatures in a given day. The higher
the number, the more natural gas will be used in heating your home or building.
Example for any given day:
| High Temp = 50° F |
| Low Temp = 20° F |
Average Temperature = 50° + 20° F = 35° F
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| Degree Day = 65°F - 35° F = 30° F |
Therefore, the day was a 30° day. |
Although the degree day reading is useful, keep in mind that other factors such as sun load or excessive
infiltration due to high wind also affect the heating requirements of a building and are not taken into
account by the degree day calculation.
By taking the total Heating Degree Day figures and dividing it by the Days of Service, you arrive at
the temperature variance from 65° F.
For example:
507 Heating Degree Days
33 Days of Service = Approx. 16 |
| 65° F - 16 = 49° |
| Therefore, the average temperature for those days of service was 49° F. |
Where did 507 come from?
That figure comes from adding the heating degree day for each of the 33 days of service.
For example:
| Day 1: 20° day Day 2: 10° day Day 3: 8° day Day 4: 23° day |
| Day 5: 4° day... Day 31: 14° day Day 32: 13° day Day 33: 12° day |
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| Total for all 33 days = 507 Heating Degree Days
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What is a cooling degree day?
A cooling degree day is defined as a measure of the warmness of the weather experienced or the average number
of degrees per day above 65° Fahrenheit, totaled for the time period between the meter reads.
Example for any given day:
| High Temp = 80° F |
| Low Temp = 66° F |
Average Temperature = 80° + 66° F = 73° F
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| Degree Day = 73° F - 65° F = 8° F |
| Therefore, the day was a 8° day. |
By taking the total Cooling Degree Day figures and dividing it by the Days of Service, you arrive at the temperature
variance from 65° F.
For example:
306 Cooling Degree Days
30 Days of Service = Approx. 10
65° F + 10 = 75°
Therefore, the average temperature for those days of service was 75° F.
Where did 306 come from?
That figure comes from adding the cooling degree day for each of the 30 days of service.
For example:
| Day 1: 8° day Day 2: 10° day Day 3: 8° day Day 4: 23° day |
| Day 5: 4° day... Day 31: 14° day Day 32: 13° day Day 33: 12° day |
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| Total for all 30 days = 306 Cooling Degree Days
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Energy Conservation Answers |
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Summer Cycler
How does Summer Cycler program work?
When you sign up for Summer Cycler, Vectren has a professional contractor install a small Summer
Cycler switch on your electric central air conditioner, heat pump or electric water heater free of charge.
On days when demand reaches peak levels, we will activate the switch by sending
out a radio signal. The switch will cycle off your air conditioner
for a few minutes each half-hour.
This allows us to conserve energy and minimize unneeded energy consumption with little or no
discomfort to you. Electric water heaters are cycled in about the same way.
Where is the Summer Cycler program Available?
The Summer Cycler program is only available in Vectren Energy
Delivery of Indiana South territory.
How much can I save on my bill if I am on the Summer Cycler program?
From June through September, you will receive a bill credit that reduces the amount of your bill. We currently credit
your bill $5.00 per electric central air conditioner or heat pump and $2.00 per electric water heater.
The credit will be included on your monthly bill. Learn more about the
Summer Cycler program.
Can the Summer Cycler switch harm my air conditioner, heat pump or water heater?
No. The switch works just like your home thermostat, so there is no danger
of damage. And each switch is tested before and after installation.
If the switch requires service at any time, VECTREN will take care
of it free of charge.
How often will VECTREN cycle my appliances?
Very infrequently. For only a few hours a day and a few minutes at a
time on days of peak electric demand, usually between noon and 6 p.m. -
hours when most people are out of the house anyway. The cycling will occur
only a few days a year.
How will I know if the switch is operating?
Look at the small lights behind the glass window on the Summer Cycler switch.
Each light, when lit, tells you if the switch is performing a function.
The system is tested frequently to make sure the switches can "hear" the
radio signal. During testing, the green light will be on - this does not
mean that your appliances are being cycled.
What if my air conditioner doesn't start when it's turned on?
First, check to see if the Summer Cycler switch has cycled the operation
of your unit. This is possible on hot afternoons. Look at the window on
the Summer Cycler unit.
If the red light is "On," the switch has cycled off the
operation of your unit and it will restart in a few moments.
If the red light is "Off" when you check the switch, the problem
may be a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse in your electrical
panel. If this is the problem, you can restart your unit by simply
resetting the breaker switch or replacing the fuse.
Will the Summer Cycler cause my home to be warm in the summer?
No. The Summer Cycler is designed so that it won't interfere with your
home's temperature. Your fan will continue to circulate cool air throughout
your home so temperatures won't become uncomfortable. Water heaters are
well-insulated and will keep water hot for hours. However, you may need to
postpone tasks that require large amounts of hot water, such as washing
clothes, until the water heater is cycled back on.
What if I move to a new home?
You will be credited for each month that you were an active Summer Cycler.
If your new residence is serviced by Vectren Energy Delivery of Indiana South
and Summer Cycler is available, we would like you to continue
to participate in the program. Simply complete the
Transfer Service information.
What if my air conditioner, heat pump or water heater needs to be serviced?
We recommend that your service representative turn off the unit at the circuit breaker
before working on it. When the circuit breaker is open, the Summer Cycle switch has
no effect on the unit and work can proceed. We will also place a sticker on the Summer
Cycler units so that your service representative will know how the switch functions.
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Landlord Answers |
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Vectren Energy Delivery of Ohio (VEDO)
Where can I get a Property Owner Notification Form?
Click here
for a
Property Owner Notification Form.
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Energy Theft Answers |
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How do I report energy theft?
Click here
for a
Energy Theft Form. Please fill out and return to Vectren Energy Delivery.
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