EVANSVILLE — CenterPoint said it will halt electric disconnections this week while the area is in the grip of an early season heat wave.
"We will halt those electric disconnections," said Alyssia Oshodi, communications manager for CenterPoint.
The company previously announced Monday as the date it would end its moratorium on electricity and natural gas disconnections in Southwestern Indiana.
While gas disconnections will continue, Oshodi said electric shutoffs will pause during the heat. However, she could not give a definitive point when they would resume.
The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory, forecasting record high temperatures and humidity today and Tuesday and near-record heat Wednesday.
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A statement from the utility said "CenterPoint Energy has a longstanding policy of halting disconnections for customers with outstanding balances during extreme weather situations."
The utility acknowledged temperatures in the upper 90s to near 100 degrees with heat indexes that could reach 100 to 115 degrees forecasted this week.
“For the safety of our customers, CenterPoint Energy will monitor the weather and adjust our disconnects of Indiana electric customers with outstanding balances in accordance with our long-standing policy,” Richard Leger, Senior Vice President, Indiana Electric, said in a written statement.
The utility said it "continues to monitor temperatures and adjust disconnections for non-payment of electric service once temperatures moderate."
Because extreme temperatures cause higher usage and can strain air conditioning units, CenterPoint offered tips to save energy and reduce bills:
- • Set thermostats two to three degrees higher; set programmable thermostats to higher temperatures when no one is home.
- • Turn off non-essential electric appliances, equipment and lights.
- • Minimize use of major appliances, such as stoves, dishwashers, washers and dryers, if you must use them, choose the late evening.
- • Avoid opening refrigerators or freezers more than necessary.
- • Use microwaves for cooking instead of an electric range or oven.
- • Close your blinds or curtains to keep sunlight out that will warm your home and cause additional air conditioning use.
- • Set the direction of your ceiling fan to counterclockwise in the summer so that it will circulate cool air. With this cooling effect, you can raise the thermostat three to four degrees and feel just as comfortable.
Customers can call CenterPoint customer service at 1-800-227-1376 to avoid service disruptions and discuss payment options. Extended payment arrangements will be offered to customers needing assistance.