AES Indiana’s Power of Change receives $100,000 to help customers in need, including a donation of $50,000 from audiochuck

March 6, 2024

An AES Indiana program designed to help income-qualified customers with a one-time grant to assist with electric bill payments received a $100,000 boost, including a contribution of $50,000 from audiochuck, an Indianapolis-based media company known worldwide for its #1 true crime podcast, Crime Junkie. The additional $50,000 comes from an agreement from AES Indiana’s pending Rate Case Settlement to provide $50,000 in 2024 to help fund the “Power of Change” program. The Settlement also provides $50,000 to the Indiana Community Action Association to enable income qualified weatherization of homes within AES Indiana’s service area.

“We are incredibly grateful for audiochuck's generous donation and their passion for supporting Indianapolis customers in need,” said Chris Ruley, Director of Customer Care, AES Indiana. “Their support will make a significant difference in our ability to help families facing financial hardships.”

The partnership between audiochuck and AES Indiana exemplifies the power of collaboration in addressing pressing community needs. By working together, local businesses and utilities can amplify their impact and create lasting change for those most in need.

“We are deeply committed to giving back to the community that has supported us throughout the years. Having had the privilege to work with AES Indiana, I've witnessed firsthand the impact that access to reliable energy can have, especially during challenging times.” said Erik Hudak, Treasurer of audiochuck. “With energy costs rising during the winter, creating unforeseen burdens for families, if there's a way audiochuck can alleviate that for someone, that's an opportunity we always want to seize. By partnering with AES Indiana and contributing to Power of Change, we hope to make a meaningful difference in Indianapolis.”

The Power of Change Program, administered by Dollar Energy Fund, assists eligible utility customers in Indiana with their AES Indiana bills. Customers may be eligible for a grant applied directly to their utility bill. The $50,000 donation from audiochuck provides critical support to the Power of Change program, enabling it to expand its reach and assist more households struggling to pay their energy bills. AES Indiana’s customer rates will not include the cost of the $100,000 contribution pending AES Indiana’s Rate Case Settlement.

For information and to apply for a grant from AES Indiana’s Power of Change program, please visit aesindiana.com/payment-assistance. Grants are dispersed on a first come, first serve basis while funding is available to income eligible applicants.

Donations to Power of Change can be made online at dollarenergy.org/donation/aesindiana, with 100% of the donation going to those in need. AES Indiana customers can also “round up” their utility bill to the nearest dollar each month by modifying their bill.

About AES Indiana
AES Indiana, an AES Company, provides retail electric service to more than 500,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in Indianapolis, as well as portions of other Central Indiana communities surrounding Marion County. During its long history, AES Indiana has supplied its customers with some of the lowest-cost, most reliable power in the country. For more information about the company, please Connect with AES Indiana on X, Facebook and LinkedIn. For more information about how AES Indiana is accelerating the future of energy, visit aesindiana.com/hellofuture. 

About audiochuck
audiochuck, Adweek’s 2023 Podcast Network of the Year, is an Indiana-based independent media company. The industry leader produces award-winning, chart-topping podcasts fueled by content that inspires action and change. The company’s suite of 15+ podcasts, including the #1 true crime podcast, Crime Junkie, has earned over 2 Billion downloads and a worldwide audience. Founded by Ashley Flowers in 2017, audiochuck uses its platform to make a positive difference in society by supporting local communities and inspiring change in the true crime space. audiochuck consistently advocates for victims and their families, funds DNA testing to help solve cold cases, ensures the stories of marginalized communities are heard, and so much more. audiochuck employs over 50 people in the greater Indianapolis area. Visit audiochuck.com and follow audiochuck on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn and X.