Hundreds drawn to energy fair

FORT WAYNE, Ind., (WANE) - As the temperature drops, your heating bills typically rise--but it doesn't have to be that way. That's what dozens learned Saturday morning during an Energy Fair at Indiana Tech, along with some smart tips for how to stay warmer this winter, for a lot less.

"Bills are pretty high, well the winter bills. Just trying to keep it to a minimum," says single parent Angeleic King who attended the fair.

King wasn't the only one out looking for an "energy bargain" Saturday morning. She and more than two hundred people turned up to learn how to keep costs low and what steps to take to make their homes more energy efficient.

And for most, the energy fair didn't disappoint. There were information tables, demonstrations, and even some freebies given out. For instance, NIPSCO provided attendees with a complimentary home weatherization kit that contained things like draft stoppers, energy efficient shower heads and plastic to cover windows.

"I'll probably use the winterizing kit, try to seal up my windows a little bit more so it'll hold the heat in," fair attendee Nick Martin told NewsChannel 15.

NIPSCO, Indiana Michigan Power and number of other agencies took part. Members educated attendees on how to manage energy bills and reduce costs. Organizers say those lessons are especially important given the tough times.

"People realize that this is really something that can be helpful for them, for any one of a number of reasons, so they're taking advantage of it," said Larry Graham, NIPSCO Public Affairs Manager. "It's not just utilities, it's not just social service agencies, it's an opportunity to educate the attendees here on all sorts of assistance that's available."

Graham says if you are having trouble, or think you won't be able to pay your heating bills this winter to contact NIPSCO.

In most cases, officials can work out a repayment plan or a budget. Workers can also point you in the direction of a number of energy assistance programs.

If you didn't make it to the fair today, there is still some good news for you.

NIPSCO predicts heating bills will be 35 percent lower this winter if temperatures stay normal.

That drop comes after a cooler than normal summer, and a decrease in demand because of the economy.