Utility customers are being encouraged to be cautious and alert for scams this holiday season.

Hoosiers struggling to pay their water and energy bills can now apply for help from the state.

The utility that provides electricity for much of northern Indiana is seeking a 16.5% rate increase, saying the rate hike would help it modernize its electrical grid and make other improvements.

Lower-income residents who struggle with utility bills were more likely to take on debt, go without food or medicine, or keep warm by opening their ovens and running space heaters at night which could be dangerous.

Tenants have been notified that utilities will be shut off at apartments where landlords refuse to pay water and energy bills.

Recent data from the Energy Information Administration shows 40 percent of Hoosiers surveyed had two or more refrigerators. Only four states ranked higher in the percentage of households with multiple fridges.

Indiana households have more energy insecurity than all but seven states in the country. Thats according to a survey released this week by the Energy Information Administration.

The Speedway Town Council has approved an increase to water and wastewater rates to fund capital improvements to its aging water and wastewater infrastructure.

Consumer advocates want Gov. Eric Holcomb to extend the winter moratorium on utility disconnects for three months -- giving local nonprofits time to address a backlog of applications for assistance.

As colder temperatures drive up utility bills, many people unemployed because of COVID-19 are still having trouble paying them.