As temperatures rise and long-range forecasts point to above-normal heat across southwestern Indiana, CenterPoint Energy is reminding customers of the tools, tips and programs available to help manage energy use and summer bills. New energy efficiency offerings now available include in-store discounts on energy-efficient products and no-cost home energy assessments with on-the-spot upgrades.
According to the National Weather Service's Climate Prediction Center, above-normal temperatures are expected across southwestern Indiana throughout the July-September period. With higher temperatures likely, customers may see increased energy use to keep their homes cool.
"At CenterPoint, we have several resources available to help customers save energy and manage their bills through the summer months and beyond. These new and existing offerings are designed to make saving energy easier, and the Customer Assistance Fund offers additional support for customers who may be facing financial challenges," said Tony Gardner, Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer.
Expanded energy efficiency programs
CenterPoint offers a range of new and existing programs to help residential customers reduce energy use and lower their bills this summer:
New offerings
- In-Store Discounts: Customers can receive instant rebates at checkout on eligible energy-efficient products at participating Lowe's, Home Depot and Habitat for Humanity ReStore locations in the Evansville area. No paperwork or application is required. Discounted items may include dehumidifiers, advanced power strips, air filters, ENERGY STAR® room A/Cs, pipe wrap and more.
- Home Energy Assessment: Available to all households, this no-cost assessment includes on-the-spot upgrades such as weatherstripping, aerators, pipe insulation and a smart thermostat. Customers also receive a personalized home energy report with tailored recommendations.
Other programs
- Energy Efficiency Store and Thermostat Promotion: Customers can shop CenterPoint's online Energy Efficiency Store to purchase discounted energy-saving products, delivered directly to your home. Through July 18, while supplies last, customers can also take advantage of a special promotion: save an additional $30 on the Google Nest Thermostat® or $40 on the Google Nest Learning Thermostat®.
- Smart Cycle: Enrolled customers can receive bill credits during peak summer usage months by allowing CenterPoint to briefly adjust their smart thermostats by up to four degrees to help manage energy use. Before each event, homes are pre-cooled to maintain comfort and customers can override adjustments anytime. Customers can enroll online at CenterPointEnergy.com/SmartCycle.
- Neighborhood Weatherization Program: Income-qualified customers can access no-cost home assessments and on-the-spot upgrades, similar to those offered through the Home Energy Assessment. Participants in this program may be eligible for additional improvements, such as insulation and furnace tune-ups, at no extra cost.
Summer bill payment assistance now available through the Customer Assistance Fund
The Customer Assistance Fund (CAF) provides direct bill support to eligible southwestern Indiana customers who may be facing financial challenges. Summer assistance is now available to support customers who use electricity to cool their homes.
Customers may apply once during the calendar year. Those customers who already received assistance in 2025 are ineligible until the new funding year begins in 2026 as funding is only allotted once per calendar year.
Administered in partnership with The Salvation Army Indiana Division, the CAF features an easy and accessible application process. More information is available at CenterPointEnergy.com/CAF.
Additional tips, tools and resources for customers for energy and cost savings
Customers can do the following to stay comfortable while saving energy and money:
- Turn up the thermostat when leaving home: Raise the temperature a few degrees when away from home for energy savings. With a smart or programmable thermostat, a cooling system can work around a customer's schedule.
- Change or clean filters in HVAC systems: Air conditioning represents approximately 50 percent of a home's energy use when it's warm out. Regular maintenance can extend the life of a home's system, so change or clean filters to keep the system running efficiently.
- Slay energy vampires: Energy drainers - also known as "energy vampires"- are electronic devices and appliances that suck up electricity by hovering in standby or ready mode without fully powering off. Save energy by turning off non-essential electric appliances, equipment and lights when not in use.
- Use ceiling fans to circulate cool air: Setting ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise helps circulate cool air and keep rooms at a comfortable temperature.
- Keep warm air out: Use weatherstripping or caulk areas in and around a home where cooled air may escape, such as around windows and doors or anywhere else warm air might enter.
- Block the sun's rays: When temperatures increase outside, keep window coverings closed when the sun is shining brightest to maintain a more comfortable indoor temperature.
- Upgrade appliances and equipment: When replacing appliances and equipment, choose models with increased energy efficiency ratings for long-term cost savings. Rebates may be available for qualifying appliances.
Customers can learn more about tips and programs that can help them prepare for the longer and warmer days at CenterPointEnergy.com/SavingsTips.
About CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is a multi-state electric and natural gas delivery company serving approximately 7 million metered customers across Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio, and Texas. The company is headquartered in Houston and is the only Texas-domiciled investor-owned utility. As of March 31, 2025, the company had approximately $44 billion in assets. With approximately 8,300 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been serving customers for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.
