I&M launches program allowing customers to help other customers with energy bills

FORT WAYNE, Ind.—Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) launched the Neighbor to Neighbor Program on Thursday to allow customers to help fellow customers pay for their energy bills.

I&M is kicking off the fund with $50,000 and is offering Indiana customers wanting to participate an easy way to give to others.

The option to participate in Neighbor to Neighbor with a monetary contribution will now appear on Indiana customers’ bills.

Customers can check the box and specify the amount they want to contribute above their bill amount.

The contribution is tax-deductible.

All money contributed to the program will go directly to paying utility bills of customers who qualify.

To qualify to receive assistance from the Neighbor to Neighbor Program, customers must meet the guidelines of the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LiHEAP) and additional eligibility standards.

I&M will announce further details in coming months and customers can look for updates on I&M’s website on how to apply or additional way to contribute.

The launch follows I&M’s recent start of the Energy Share program that gave $275,000 to area Community Action Programs including Brightpoint and REAL Services to assist qualifying customers with paying bills and weatherizing their homes.