Vectren offers $200,000 in matching funds to support home weatherization programs

Vectren Energy Delivery (Vectren) will match dollar-for-dollar all public donations to its Share the Warmth program this winter, up to a total of $200,000. Share the Warmth, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, annually allocates funds to Indiana Community Action Agencies who administer the Indiana’s Weatherization Assistance Program.

This weatherization initiative is designed to offer comprehensive long-term energy conservation benefits to single family homeowners that meet the state and federal guidelines for low-income.

“Many low-income families are faced with higher than average energy bills because they often reside in older, inefficient homes with out-dated furnaces and inadequate insulation,” said Doug Karl, Vectren’s vice president of marketing and customer service. “If successful, this program could yield an additional $400,000 to weatherize even more Hoosier households in need.”

Tax-deductible donations can be made to Share the Warmth, Inc., P.O. Box 931, Evansville, IN 47706-0931. More information and a contribution form are available at www.sharethewarmthinc.com.

Those who qualify for the low-income weatherization program will receive a free, on-site home energy audit to determine areas in need of energy-efficiency upgrades. Energy efficiency experts from the local Community Action Agency will then implement a number of efficiency measures on an as-needed basis, which may include: adding insulation in the walls or attic, sealing ductwork and air leaks, and installing high-efficiency natural gas furnaces and/or water heaters.

Customers needing bill payment assistance or who are interested in the weatherization program may find the Community Action Agency nearest them at www.incap.org or by calling 1-800-872-0371. Recipients of program dollars must be at or below 150 percent of federal poverty guidelines.

Vectren’s Share the Warmth Program runs year-round. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.