New Programs Make it Easier for Eastern Pennsylvania Homeowners to Manage Unexpected Home Repair Costs

New Programs Make it Easier for Eastern Pennsylvania Homeowners to Manage Unexpected Home Repair Costs

Service Protection plans ensure quick access to local, pre-qualified contractors for repairs - and picks up the bill

SCRANTON and ALLENTOWN, Pa., May 17, 2012 /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 Scranton/Allentown area and the surrounding counties helps manage unplanned gas line repair bills. Service Protection Group designed the Extra Service Protection (E.S.P.) Total Gas Line Protection program, which allows homeowners to pay a small fee each month to ensure that when a gas line needs to be repaired, they are prepared. Service Protection Group quickly assigns a local pre-qualified and insured contractor to the repair AND 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. 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.).  Similar programs are available for electric line and appliance repairs, and can be found at http://www.serviceprotection.com. 

"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 local, qualified independent contractors."

More information about all of the E.S.P. programs available in Pennsylvania is available at http://www.esp-serviceprotection.com. To enroll, homeowners can call the Service Protection Group at 1-866-967-8039. Contractors looking to pre-qualify to participate in these programs can contact 1-866-717-7715 or visit the company website. 

Repair Cost Examples - E.S.P. 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 a subsidiary of NiSource Inc. a Fortune 500 energy holding company with 3.8 million customers. Service Protection Group also carried an A+ rating with the BBB as an accredited business. More information can be found at http://www.esp-serviceprotection.com.

SOURCE  Service Protection Group

Service Protection Group

CONTACT: Media, Mike Banas, +1-219-647-5581, mbanas@nisource.com

Web Site: http://www.serviceprotection.com