New Programs Make it Easier for Kentucky Homeowners to Manage Unexpected Gas Line Repair Costs

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Dec. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Nobody likes to be affected by unexpected costs, especially in today's economy, yet homeowners have to save for and manage unplanned expenses many times a year. From a leaking gas line to a new blower for a central air conditioner to a malfunctioning circuit breaker or switch, unexpected utility and appliance repair costs can be a constant worry for homeowners as they can amount to thousands of dollars.

A new program available to homeowners in the Louisville area and the surrounding 16 counties helps manage unplanned gas line repair bills. Service Protection Group designed the Extra Service Protection (E.S.P.) Gas Line Plus plan, which allows homeowners to pay a small fee each month to ensure that when a gas line needs to be repaired, they are prepared.

Once the repair is needed and the gas has been turned off by the local utility, customers call a toll-free number, speak with a Service Protection Group representative who quickly assigns a local pre-qualified contractor to the repair AND Service Protection Group picks up the bill, up to $3,000 annually.

E.S.P. Gas Line Plus plan customers pay $3.99 each month and receive coverage for repairs on gas lines within the home. Without gas service, homeowners can be left without heat, hot water and the ability to cook. Should a section of pipe, a flex connector or valve need repair, the E.S.P. Gas Line Plus plan will cover up to $3,000 in parts and labor repair costs each year, as well as up to $250 in restoration reimbursement (drywall, paint, etc.).

"Service protection programs are designed to provide homeowners with peace of mind and to save them money during unexpected home repair costs like gas line repairs," said Scott MacDonald, president of Service Protection Group, part of NiSource Inc. "When a gas line needs to be repaired, homeowners need it fixed right away and these programs provide simple, quick and easy access to qualified independent contractors."

More information about all of the E.S.P. programs available in Kentucky is available at www.esp-serviceprotection.com. To enroll, homeowners can call Service Protection Group at 1-866-967-8039.

Repair Cost Examples – E.S.P. Gas Line Plus has you covered
Gas Line Plus Plan - $3.99 per month: Up to $3,000 per contract year + up to $250 restoration reimbursement for drywall, paint, etc.

Replace flexible connector and shutoff valve to an appliance: $220
With E.S.P. – COVERED – No Cost

Repair section of natural gas pipe and fittings: $435
With E.S.P. – COVERED – No Cost

About Service Protection Group
Service Protection Group provides service plans to help homeowners manage the unexpected repair costs of natural gas, electric and water line systems, as well as HVAC and kitchen and laundry appliances. Service Protection Group is an operating brand of NiSource Retail Services, a subsidiary of NiSource Inc., a Fortune 500 energy holding company with 3.8 million customers. Service Protection Group carries an A+ rating with the BBB as an accredited business. More information can be found at www.esp-serviceprotection.com.

NiSource Retail Services d/b/a Service Protection Group is a registered service contract company in the Commonwealth of Kentucky and not a contractor. It hires independent contractors to complete all repairs.

SOURCE Service Protection Group