We heard from some Section 8 tenants recently who said they haven’t gotten their utility assistance from the Indianapolis Housing Agency for February.
We reached out to IHA and city officials multiple times asking what tenants should know if they haven’t received their utility funds, but did not receive a response. Tenants who said they’ve tried contacting IHA said they couldn’t get answers either.
So we reached out to the utility companies for more information.
Here’s what you should know.
For your electric bill
AES Indiana is not currently shutting off electricity for people who haven’t paid their bills, company spokesperson Mallory Duncan told us. The policy is related to ongoing issues with the company’s billing system that was rolled out in November 2023.
If the utility resumes shutoffs for nonpayment, Duncan said residents will have at least 21 days after receiving notice before they are disconnected.
Residential customers can reach AES Indiana’s customer service team at 317-261-8222. The company features a list of ways to get assistance on its website.
For your gas/water/sewer bill
Citizens Energy Group customers who are at risk of missing utility payments should reach out to the company through this help form or by calling 317-924-3311.
Spokesperson Laura O’Brien said Citizens will work with customers to see what assistance they might qualify for, including payment arrangements.
Customers can also apply for the state’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which prevents utility companies from disconnecting service during the winter moratorium. The moratorium ends March 15.
Other questions about IHA?
If you have other questions about IHA, we’ve found the most reliable ways to contact the agency are by going to a walk-in session or monthly board meeting. Walk-in sessions are only meant for Section 8 voucher holders and landlords. The next one is March 5.
We began reporting on IHA last year. And in November we published an investigation detailing how the agency has mismanaged its Section 8 program and harmed renters.
You can read all of our IHA coverage here.
You can contact reporters Tyler Fenwick or Emily Hopkins using the information below.
Mirror Indy reporter Tyler Fenwick covers housing and labor. Contact him at 317-766-1406 or tyler.fenwick@mirrorindy.org. Follow him on X @ty_fenwick and Bluesky @tyfenwick.bsky.social.
Emily Hopkins is a Mirror Indy reporter focused on data and accountability. You can reach them on phone or Signal at 317-790-5268 or by email at emily.hopkins@mirrorindy.org. Follow them on most social media @indyemapolis or on Bluesky @emilyhopkins.bsky.social.
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