NIPSCO and the NiSource Charitable Foundation, the charitable foundation supported by NIPSCO’s parent company NiSource Inc. (NYSE:NI), announced a commitment of $97,000 in funding from the foundation to 18 organizations across the 30 northern Indiana counties NIPSCO serves.
The contributions are intended to support the delivery of emergency services and hunger relief to local communities in need as a result of the COVID-19 public health crisis. These funds are in addition to the $400,000 donation made in March 2020 by the NiSource Charitable Foundation to the American Red Cross in Indiana.
Organizations selected to receive the COVID-19-related funding:
“As the need continues for providing vital services and critical care to those individuals and families most impacted by COVID-19, we’re pleased to partner with several local organizations to help maximize that aid across the communities we serve,” said NIPSCO vice president of communications and external affairs, Jennifer Montague. “Getting through an event of this magnitude requires all of us working together and doing all that we can to provide support.”
NIPSCO has also taken a number of actions to help customers through the COVID-19 pandemic, including suspending shutoffs for non-payment and waiving late payment fees until further notice. In addition, the company is offering its most flexible payment plans to customers impacted by or facing hardship due to COVID-19. Customers should contact NIPSCO directly for payment plan details.
Customers may also qualify for assistance from a number of community action agencies. The CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act has allocated additional funding to programs like the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program and the Community Services Block Grant. These programs can help individuals and families cover costs related to energy bills, employment, education, transportation, food, housing and more.