Hoosiers deal with a utility bill crisis during heatwave

MISHAWAKA, Ind - Hoosiers are dealing with a utility bill crisis just as the hot weather bears down on Michiana.

As of March, of this year, Indiana residents owed more than 45 million dollars to the state's big five utility companies.

186,000 Hoosier accounts were at least two months behind on their utility bills---that's more accounts than there are people living in south bend and Elkhart combined.

Those backup bills, some of which are quite small, are forcing folks who had their power shut off to deal with dangerous heat without a/c.

“They shut me off for 30 dollars and 71 cents,” said Miryan Zent, a resident of Mishawaka. 

Miryan Zent tensely watched the thermometer, nervous about dealing with temperatures soaring all the way up to the 90s without air conditioning. 

“It's just too hot, you really can't shut people off like that, especially people who have kids, what are we supposed to do about that, were trying to keep cool as best we can like shutting the curtains and keeping it cool in there and drinking lots of water, but today is just too hot, it's one of the hottest days I think,” said Zent. 

And Miryan's misery is being shared by many across the Hoosier state.

Indiana Michigan Power addressed the overdue bills crisis saying, “I&M is committed to working with our customers one-on-one and providing options for paying their bill. Options include extensions, setting up payment plans and partnering with community organizations that provide financial assistance to income-qualified customers.” 

A spoke person for Nipsco said they do have protocol for hot weather. 

“Nipsco has a policy where it will not disconnect a customer for nonpayment when the temperatures are 90 degrees or above,” said Tara McElmurry.