Vectren : Winter’s late arrival brings bitter cold temperatures; Vectren reminds Indiana south customers of tools to manage bills

Feb. 26, 2015

Media contact: Natalie Hedde (812-491-5105) or nhedde@vectren.com

One Vectren Square

Evansville, IN 47708

Evansville, Ind. - A record-breaking bitter cold February could cause Vectren Energy Delivery of Indiana - South (Vectren) customers to see March natural gas bills reminiscent of this time last year. Today, the utility reminded customers that February 2015 temperatures were about 26 percent colder than normal and 9 percent colder than those experienced in February 2014.
"Given February has produced temperatures even colder than those experienced in last year's polar vortex, customers will likely see similar or slightly higher energy bills when compared to the same period last year," said Brad Ellsworth, president of Vectren Energy Delivery of Indiana - South. "Customers are likely using more gas to heat their homes and/or businesses, as the Evansville-area is on pace to have the third coldest February on record behind
1978 when the average temperature was 21 degrees."
In February of last year, the average customer paid a total of about $115 for natural gas service, which reflected weather that was nearly 20 percent colder than normal and slightly higher gas costs than those experienced this winter. In February 2015, that same customer will pay about $120. Bills vary by customer depending on the size and age of the home, number of gas appliances, number in the household, thermostat settings and levels of insulation.
Vectren has in place a number of tools to help customers manage their energy bills, all of which can be found on
Vectren.com.

 Energy efficiency resources - Vectren offers appliance rebates and energy-saving tools to help customers lower their natural gas bills.

 Payment Arrangement: Customers who are having difficulty paying bills in full can request a payment arrangement to fulfill the obligation in smaller increments over a set period of time. Eligible customers can request a payment arrangement for free by calling 1-800-227-1376.

 Energy Assistance Program (EAP): State and federal utility assistance dollars are available for income- eligible customers. Those that fall within 150 percent of federal poverty guidelines should visit their local community action agency to sign up for the EAP.

 Universal Service Program: Natural gas customers who qualify for EAP will be automatically enrolled in the Universal Service Program (USP). The USP provides a discount on natural gas bills of eligible low- income customers from December through May.

 Share the Warmth: Those wanting to help the less fortunate with their energy bills can contribute to Share the Warmth, a nonprofit organization that assists income-eligible customers with home weatherization services.

"Three days in mid-February saw record-low sub-zero temperatures, which sent energy usage and heating costs upward," added Ellsworth. "We urge customers who may find themselves challenged to pay to reach out to us before they get behind. We have a number of options to help customers manage bills, including free payment arrangements through which qualifying customers can pay their bills in smaller increments over an extended time period."
Vectren South delivers natural gas to approximately 110,000 natural gas customers in Daviess, Gibson, Knox, Martin, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Vanderburgh and Warrick counties.

Vectren Corporation (NYSE: VVC) is an energy holding company headquartered in Evansville, Ind. Vectren's energy delivery subsidiaries provide gas and/or electricity to more than 1 million customers in adjoining service territories that cover nearly two-thirds of Indiana and west central Ohio. Vectren's nonutility subsidiaries and affiliates currently offer energy-related products and services to customers throughout the U.S. These include infrastructure services and energy services. To learn more about Vectren, visit www.vectren.com.

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