Nonprofits, small businesses and local manufacturers across southwestern Indiana will soon have new opportunities to lower their energy bills and strengthen their operations through three customer-focused programs announced today (Feb 27) by the CenterPoint Energy Foundation. The new initiatives Optimize for Good, Optimize for Local and Optimize for Growth will offer up to $25,000 in matching grant funding.
These programs are the next phase of the Foundation's $5 million Community Energy Improvement Fund (CEIF), launched in October 2025 to support energy efficiency, weatherization and economic development across the region. Today's announcement marks the next phase of that commitment.
"We are continuing our commitment to be a community partner and provide new tools for all customer types," said Mike Roeder, President of CenterPoint Energy Indiana. "These three new programs put real resources behind the local nonprofits, small businesses and small manufacturers that make southwestern Indiana what it is helping them cut energy costs so they can focus on what they do best."
Optimize for Good: Helping nonprofits reinvest in their communities
Optimize for Good will help southwestern Indiana nonprofits lower facility energy costs. Each participating organization will receive a professional facility assessment with improvement recommendations and will be eligible for up to $25,000 in matching grant funding to implement a priority project such as upgrading lighting, HVAC systems or building insulation. By reducing energy expenses, nonprofits can redirect limited dollars toward the community missions they serve.
Optimize for Local: Lowering energy usage and costs for neighborhood businesses
Optimize for Local will help locally owned independent restaurants and retailers make energy efficiency upgrades such as improved HVAC, refrigeration or lighting with up to $25,000 each in matching grant funding. The program supports the neighborhood businesses customers see and visit every day across southwestern Indiana.
Optimize for Growth: Strengthening local industry and regional growth
Optimize for Growth will help small industrial businesses including small manufacturers, processors and fabricators complete energy efficiency improvements with up to $25,000 in matching grant funding. Supporting these businesses helps strengthen the region's economic base and the ability of the businesses to scale and compete.
For all three programs, matching grant funding means the CEIF shares the cost of approved projects with participating organizations. Participants will be selected through an application process, with applications expected to open this spring. Program details, eligibility and application information will be available at CenterPointEnergy.com/Optimize. Optimize participants may also be eligible for additional rebates on qualifying equipment through CenterPoint's existing commercial energy efficiency programs. More information is available at CenterPointEnergy.com/INBusinessRebates.
Ongoing commitment to affordability
The three new programs join the CEIF's first initiative, the Home Repair & Care program, which launched in January in partnership with Community One to help homeowners make critical repairs that reduce energy waste and improve efficiency. Since its launch, Home Repair & Care is currently serving 36 households, with more on the way.
The CEIF is part of CenterPoint's broader Community Affordability Actions, a series of steps taken since October 2025 to support southwestern Indiana customers. Since then, the company has introduced additional bill management tools, expanded customer support programs and implemented additional protections as part of the Indiana Electric rate case settlement - such as annual late-fee waivers upon request, reduced reconnection fees and safeguards for medically vulnerable customers.
Residential customers looking for ways to manage energy costs can explore energy efficiency programs, bill assistance and other resources at CenterPointEnergy.com/ResourceHub.
