MERRIVILLE — Beginning December 1, income-eligible customers, seniors, active military and veterans experiencing financial difficulty paying their gas utility bill may apply for additional NIPSCO energy assistance programs.

Available programs include NIPSCO Hardship, SERV (Supply Energy
Resources to Veterans) and SILVER (Seniors in Indiana Low-Income and Vulnerable Energy Resource) that will allow customers to receive a one-time benefit of up to $400 per year if they qualify.

The programs are open now through May 31, 2024.

“We recognize that NIPSCO natural gas residential customers may see an estimated 24 percent decline in their winter heating bills this season in contrast to last year due to lower market prices,” said Mike Hooper, NIPSCO President.

“While this will be a help to many, we understand that some may still have
trouble paying their bills. We’re making these programs available to provide further energy assistance to our most vulnerable customers this winter season.”

SERV is an income-eligible assistance program available for active military and eligible veteran NIPSCO customers who need financial assistance with gas residential utility charges.

To participate, customers must be an active member of the United States Armed Forces or a former member honorably discharged, with an active NIPSCO residential gas utility account that is past due.

SILVER is an income-eligible assistance program available for NIPSCO’s senior citizen customers 60 years of age or older who need financial assistance with gas residential utility charges.

Eligible senior citizens must have an active NIPSCO residential gas utility account that is past due.

The SERV and SILVER programs are earmarked for those who qualify for LIHEAP or Hardship assistance.

To see the full list of requirements for SERV and SILVER, customers should visit LINKA.