CENTERPOINT ENERGY FOCUES ON SAFETY, ENCOURAGES ENERGY EFFICIENCY AS TEMPERATURES RISE

The Evansville region is anticipating temperatures in the upper 90s to near 100 degrees this week, with heat indexes reaching 100 to 115 degrees. CenterPoint Energy has a long-standing policy of halting disconnections for customers with past due balances during extreme weather situations. 

“For the safety of our customers, CenterPoint Energy will monitor the weather and adjust our disconnects of Indiana electric customers with outstanding balances in accordance with our long-standing policy,” said Richard Leger, Senior Vice President, Indiana Electric.

Customers with past due balances are encouraged to contact CenterPoint Energy at 800-277-1376 to discuss payment options and resources available to avoid service disruption. Extended payment arrangements will continue to be offered to customers needing assistance.

CenterPoint Energy urges customers to stay safe and consider ways to conserve energy to help manage summer energy bills. Extreme temperatures cause higher usage and can also put a strain on customers’ cooling units. CenterPoint Energy is encouraging customers to be mindful of their usage and offers the following energy efficiency tips to reduce bills: · Set thermostats two to three degrees higher; set programmable thermostats to higher temperatures when no one is home. 

· Turn off non-essential electric appliances, equipment and lights.  

· Minimize use of major appliances, such as stoves, dishwashers, washers and dryers, if you must use them, choose the late evening.

· Avoid opening refrigerators or freezers more than necessary.  

· Use microwaves for cooking instead of an electric range or oven. 

· Close your blinds or curtains to keep sunlight out. The sun's rays will warm your home and cause additional air conditioning use.  

· Set the direction of your ceiling fan to counterclockwise in the summer so that it will circulate cool air. With this cooling effect, you can raise the thermostat three to four degrees and feel just as comfortable.

CenterPoint Energy continues to monitor temperatures and adjust disconnections for non-payment of electric service once temperatures moderate. Disconnects for natural gas customers with past due balances will continue as scheduled.