INDIANAPOLIS — Hoosier families are struggling with skyrocketing energy bills after a recent rate hike took effect.
AES customer Bobbi Stewart said the rising rates have put a burden on her already strained wallet.
"It's outrageous and it's hurting families all over," she said.
Stewart was on medical leave for three months, suffering from long-term COVID and memory issues. During that time, she forgot to pay her bill and her electricity was temporarily cut off. After she paid that bill, AES tacked on a $320 reconnection fee, bringing the bill's total to $503.14.
"I could pay it in full, but then I have to choose between this bill and groceries," said Stewart.
That bill is going to take most - if not all - the money from Stewart's emergency fund. Now she's worried about how she will keep up when the next bill arrives.
"I get on my kids all the time and say, 'Please turn this stuff off, please', then there are times when I say, 'Don't use anything at all' because every second is charging us," said Stewart.
She said they're not using much more power compared to this time last year, but her bill has continued to skyrocket.
A representative with AES said the increase is driven by the rising market cost of fuel.
With winter and the holidays approaching, Stewart said this is the worst possible time for any kind of increase.
"You have hard-working families that are terrified. You are going to have families that are going to have to layer on clothes and blankets at night because they are going to have to turn their thermostat down," said Stewart.
'Gas is high, food is high, everything is high'
As colder nighttime temperatures arrive, many people have fired up the furnace, but some Hoosiers are thinking twice before turning up the thermostat.
Frank Edwards is one.
He worried about how he is going to pay his $580 bill from AES. The bill includes a carried-over balance and it has left him feeling overwhelmed.
"It makes me feel perplexed and stressed out," he said. "Gas is high, food is high, everything is high."
Edwards said he was left with few options and chose to get on a payment plan. Now he fears he might never catch up.
"You're going to have to choose between heating or lights, gas for your car or your light bill. That's hard," said Edwards.
Kelly Young with AES said they understand the financial hardships many of their customers may face this winter. That's why they are encouraging customers to learn about and take advantage of resources like their Power of Change grant.
"We know there are some untapped resources and dollars available. With federal and state utility assistance dollars, there's availability for income-eligible customers," said Young.
AES said making changes could make a big difference in your bill, including replacing your furnace filter, lowering your thermostat, dialing down your water heater and weather stripping windows and doors.
Edwards said some of these suggestions are not a one-size-fits-all for apartment dwellers, but he's willing to try almost anything now.
"Anything can help me," said Edwards. "I need it. Filters, new light bulbs, anything I need to do to help me with my bill,"
He hasn't given up.
"I just got to keep the faith and do what I got to do to get my bill down," Edwards said.
Resources for customers from AES
Indiana Energy and Water Assistance: Federal and state utility assistance dollars are available for income-eligible customers. Those who fall at or below 60 percent of state median income should apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Low Income Home Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP). To apply, Indiana residents should visit www.EAP.ihcda.in.gov or call 1-800-872-0371 to locate their nearest community action agency.
You will be required to supply a copy of your most recent electric, natural gas, and/or water bill. You can obtain a copy of your electric bill from AES Indiana by logging into your account to print or download a copy or calling (317) 261-8222 and pressing option #2 to have a new one mailed. You can obtain a copy of your natural gas and/or water bill from Citizens by visiting www.citizensenergygroup.com or calling (317) 924-3311.
Winter Assistance Fund: If you are denied and/or are ineligible for EAP, you can apply for the Winter Assistance Fund (WAF) by visiting www.uwci.org/waf. The program opens November 1, one month earlier than previous years, to account for anticipated demand.
Whether approved or denied for EAP, you can also apply for AES Indiana’s Power of Change by going to www.aesindiana.com/power-change. Application number of approval letter must be submitted to AES Indiana by emailing aesindianaeap@aes.com or your account will not be held from disconnection during the moratorium. The moratorium period of disconnection is from December 1, 2022 to March 15, 2023.