DAYTON — In preparation for the upcoming heating season, Vectren Energy Delivery has extended its call center support hours for the month of October.

Currently, customers can call 1-800-227-1376 and speak to a customer service specialist Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. In addition to the regular service hours, customer service specialists will be available Saturdays in October from 8 a.m. until noon. Customers also have the option of utilizing live web chat for customer service assistance.

Beginning Nov.1, income-qualified households are also encouraged to contact their local community action agency or the Ohio Development Services Agency at 800-282-0880 to inquire about a number of assistance programs, including the following:

Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP): State and federal utility assistance dollars are available for income-eligible customers. Households must fall within 175 percent of federal poverty guidelines, which would be about $42,437.50 for a family of four, to apply. Applications began July 1 and continue to June 30, 2016.

Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program (E-HEAP): E-HEAP provides assistance once per heating season to eligible households that are disconnected or are threatened with disconnection. Households must fall within 175 percent of federal poverty guidelines to apply.

Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP Plus): PIPP Plus calls for a qualified household to pay 6 percent of its monthly income for gas service throughout the year. To be eligible for the PIPP Plus program, a customer must receive his or her primary or secondary heat source from a company regulated by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO), must have a total household income which is at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty, which would be about $36,375 for a family of four, and must apply for all energy assistance programs for which he or she is eligible.

Project TEEM: Vectren’s Project TEEM (Teaching Energy Efficiency Measures) helps qualifying Ohio customers implement energy efficiency improvements to their homes at no cost. Households must fall within 300 percent of federal poverty guidelines, which would be about $72,750 for a family of four, to apply. Call 1-800-617-2673 to learn more or visit www.cap-dayton.org.

For more information or to access Vectren’s self-service options, including billing and payment options, rebates on energy efficient appliances, energy conservation tips and account information, visit www.vectren.com.