Cold air is here, and heating systems are working hard. That’s why Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) is 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.
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Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) is headquartered in Fort Wayne, and its approximately 2,000 employees serve more than 600,000 customers. More than 85% of its energy delivered in 2024 was emission-free. I&M has at its availability various sources of generation including 2,278 MW of nuclear generation in Michigan, 450 MW of purchased wind generation from Indiana, more than 22 MW of hydro generation in both states and approximately 35 MW of large-scale solar generation in both states. The company’s generation portfolio also includes 1,497 MW of coal-fueled generation.
At American Electric Power, based in Columbus, Ohio, we understand that our customers and communities depend on safe, reliable and affordable power. Our nearly 17,000 employees operate and maintain more than 40,000 miles of transmission lines, the nation's largest electric transmission system, and more than 225,000 miles of distribution lines to deliver power to 5.6 million customers in 11 states. AEP also is one of the nation's largest electricity producers with nearly 29,000 megawatts of diverse generating capacity, including approximately 6,100 megawatts of renewable energy. AEP is investing $43 billion over the next five years to make the electric grid cleaner and more reliable. We are on track to reach an 80% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions from 2005 levels by 2030 and have a goal to achieve net zero by 2045. AEP is recognized consistently for its focus on sustainability, community engagement and inclusion. AEP's family of companies includes utilities AEP Ohio, AEP Texas, Appalachian Power (in Virginia and West Virginia), AEP Appalachian Power (in Tennessee), Indiana Michigan Power, Kentucky Power, Public Service Company of Oklahoma, and Southwestern Electric Power Company (in Arkansas, Louisiana, east Texas and the Texas Panhandle). AEP also owns AEP Energy, which provides innovative competitive energy solutions nationwide. For more information, visit aep.com
MEDIA CONTACT:
Schneè Doyle
Communications Specialist Sr.
574-218-5987
smdoyle@aep.com