Fort Wayne-based Indiana Michigan Power is providing $450,000 to a statewide nonprofit group in an effort to help residents pay their energy bills. The utility says the funding awarded to the Indiana Community Action Association will also help customers weatherize their homes to be more energy-efficient.

The IN-CAA is comprised of 22 Indiana Community Action agencies throughout the state. I&M is giving $125,000 for the Energy Share program to help qualified residents pay their seasonal bills, and will give an additional $125,000 next year.

The utility is also providing $150,000 to IN-CAA to the weatherization effort for income-qualified customers.

"Given that the heating season is setting in early this fall, the money from I&M will help many households with limited incomes to be safer and more comfortable this winter," said Ed Geradot, executive director of the IN-CAA. "The network of Community Action Agencies nationwide works very hard to reduce the energy burden on our more vulnerable citizens. Funding such as this is highly valued."

I&M says the assistance is part of its rate increase approved earlier this year by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission. The utility encourages customers who wish to apply for assistance to contact the Community Action agency that serves their area, which can be found by clicking here.