Cold air is here, and heating systems are working hard. That’s why we are sharing tools, tips and assistance programs to help customers through the winter months.

“The colder the temperature outside, the more energy it takes to keep your home comfortable inside. We understand the impact higher bills can have on our customers’ budgets,” said Stephanny Smith, I&M’s director of Communications and Engagement. “I&M has valuable tools and programs to help customers stay warm while managing their energy costs.   We also offer payment assistance resources to help customers navigate the season.”

Saving Energy at Home

Customers can take simple actions to possibly save on their monthly bill including:

• Avoid using space heaters. Running a 1500-watt unit for 8 hours can add over $60 a month to your energy bill and space heaters can be significant fire hazards.
• Adjust the thermostat. You can save up to 10% on yearly heating costs by lowering your thermostat by 7-10 degrees for 8 hours a day during the winter, such as when you’re at work or school. This saves energy by not heating an empty house for a long period of time.
• Don’t close heat registers in unused rooms. Your furnace is designed to heat a specific square footage of space and can't sense a register is closed. It will continue working at the same pace.
• Use the sun. Opening curtains to use the sun’s light for up to 8 hours can naturally heat your space. Make sure to close the curtains once the sun goes down to lock in heat.

For additional energy-saving tips, head to ElectricIdeas.com/Home or ElectricIdeas.com/Work to find products, rebates and discounts.

Take Control of Your Energy Use

I&M customers with a smart meter can review their Weekly Energy Update (WEU). The report can show what times and how you use energy. To access your unique report, log into your I&M account and navigate to Account Settings. Customers can also adjust settings to be notified of a high bill alert.

Putting Customers First

When it comes to paying your monthly power bill, you have options available to support your needs. 

• Local and Federal Assistance: We continually work with local and federal organizations to help customers pay their bill. Anyone can call 211 or visit 211.org for information regarding utility, housing, healthcare and other types of assistance available. 
• Flexible Payment Options: A payment extension may be the necessary option for customers requiring a few extra days to pay a bill in full. Payment arrangements are also available to help spread payments out over a few months. Customers should reach out before their bill is due to set up either option.
• Friends and Family Direct: You can help a loved one with their monthly bill – no account number needed - through our Friends & Family Direct program. You decide the amount to give, and your loved one's account will be credited immediately upon receipt. Download and mail the Friends & Family Direct form to brighten someone's day.

Make the most of I&M’s programs within your I&M account. Don’t have an online account? Visit the account page on our website to register with an active email address along with phone number, address or account number.