Indiana guidance with Louisville-area examples. Check which county each service covers.

Your power or gas is about to be shut off

Act fast. Call your utility first. Then ask about Indiana's Energy Assistance Program (EAP).

1. Step 1: Call your utility today

   Tell them you cannot pay in full. Ask for a payment plan. Write down the date, the time, and the name of the person you spoke with.

   • Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority: Energy Assistance Program says: “please contact your utility provider immediately and attempt to negotiate a payment arrangement” (checked 2026-10-07)

2. Step 2: Know your notice rights

   These rules are for utilities regulated by the state. Gas and electric companies must send a notice 14 days ahead. Water and sewer companies must send one 7 days ahead. Not every utility is regulated this way, so ask yours.

   • Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor: Utility Service Disconnection says: “This summary only applies to utilities that are regulated by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission” (checked 2026-10-07)
   • Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor: Utility Service Disconnection says: “An electric or natural gas utility must give notice 14 days in advance.” (checked 2026-10-07)
   • Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor: Utility Service Disconnection says: “Regulated water and sewer utilities must give 7 days notice.” (checked 2026-10-07)

3. Step 3: Shut-offs have time limits

   A shut-off for not paying can only happen during daytime hours.

   • Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor: Utility Service Disconnection says: “only disconnect service for nonpayment between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. local time” (checked 2026-10-07)

4. Step 4: Apply for EAP

   EAP can help pay heat and electric bills, and it can help if you are already cut off. This year's application window is listed here. You can apply online, by mail, or in person.

   • Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority: Energy Assistance Program says: “application opens October 1, 2026, at 8:00 AM EST, and closes April 30, 2027” (checked 2026-10-07)
   • Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority: Energy Assistance Program says: “Applicants can apply online, by mail, or in person.” (checked 2026-10-07)

5. Step 5: Find your local office

   A Local Service Provider (LSP) takes your application. The state page has a map that shows which one serves your county.

   • Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority: Energy Assistance Program says: “which LSP serves your county click on your county via the interactive map” (checked 2026-10-07)

6. Step 6: Tell them if you were already cut off or got a notice

   If you have a shut-off notice, are almost out of fuel, or are already shut off, tell your LSP right away. In a heating crisis the LSP must take a first step within 48 hours.

   • Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority: Energy Assistance Program says: “please notify your local service provider immediately” (checked 2026-10-07)
   • Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority: Energy Assistance Program says: “LSPs must provide a mitigating action within 48 hours” (checked 2026-10-07)

7. Step 7: Winter protection

   From December 1 to March 15, a regulated utility may not shut off service for a customer who has applied for EAP and is eligible. Tell your utility you applied.

   • Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority: Energy Assistance Program says: “from December 1st through March 15th of any year” (checked 2026-10-07)
   • Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority: Energy Assistance Program says: “a regulated utility company may not turn off residential utility service” (checked 2026-10-07)

8. Step 8: Keep paying while you wait

   A decision can take up to 55 days. EAP will not cover the whole year. Keep paying what you can.

   • Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority: Energy Assistance Program says: “Local Service Providers may take 55 days to determine if you are eligible” (checked 2026-10-07)
   • Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority: Energy Assistance Program says: “you should continue to pay your bills regularly” (checked 2026-10-07)

Confirm before you go. Dates, offices, and rules can change. Check the IHCDA page or call your local office.

This guide is information, not legal advice or a promise of help. NOLO does not decide who qualifies. Rules and offices change.