Submitted by Jamie Ratliff, Eversource
(September 30, 2025) — As Connecticut embraces the start of fall and cooler weather, it’s a reminder that heating season is just around the corner. Regardless of how you heat your home, now is the time to prepare for increased energy usage during the winter months. Electric supply rates typically increase in January due to greater demand of natural gas, which the region relies on to generate electricity.
Customers who use natural gas to heat their homes also see a significant increase in usage when the temperatures drop, driving their monthly bills higher. With these seasonal changes in mind, Eversource encourages customers to shop for a lower electric supply rate offered by third-party suppliers on EnergizeCT.com and take advantage of the various options available to help manage energy bills, including flexible payment plans, energy efficiency programs, and financial assistance. The company is hosting multiple webinars and in-person events in the coming weeks where customer care representatives will be on hand to go over these resources and connect customers with the options best for them.
“Whether it’s flicking on a light switch, watching TV, cooking, or heating your home, we understand how crucial energy is to everyone’s daily life, and the assistance we offer can make a significant difference for families struggling to make ends meet,” said Eversource Vice President of Customer Operations and Assistance Programs, Jess Cain. “We host local bill help events to meet with customers in the communities where they work and live. We also understand that people have busy schedules, so joining or viewing a virtual webinar may make the most sense for them, and customers can always call us to speak to one of our knowledgeable representatives. We’re here to help.”
The following webinars are free to attend:
- October 14: 12:00 Noon – 1:00 p.m.
- October 14: 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- November 13: 12:00 Noon – 1:00 p.m.
- November 13: 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
You can register or find out if there’s a local in-person event in your community by going to Eversource.com. In-person events are currently scheduled in Danielson, Ansonia, Danbury, and Plainfield, and the list of bill assistance events will be continuously updated as new events in additional communities are scheduled.
Help is available for customers who need it
Customers who are unable to attend an event can also visit eversource.com/billhelp for more information about the variety of programs available to help.
- Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) Customers can apply to get up to $645 towards their heating bill from CEAP and get a bigger match from the Matching Payment Program. Apply for CEAP online at CT.gov/heatinghelp or through a local Community Action Agency (CAA). Find a local CAA at 211ct.org or call 211.
- The Matching Payment Program (MPP) can lower the amount customers owe on energy bills. For every dollar they pay and every dollar they receive from the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program, we will subtract a dollar from the amount they owe. For example, if a customer owes $500 and makes their monthly MPP payment of $50 and receives $100 from CEAP that same month, they will receive a match for both payments. So, the matched amount will reduce their overdue balance by $150.
- An Electric Bill Discount is available to customers if they provide proof of qualifying household income or public assistance benefits they receive for at least one household member. Customers may be eligible for up to a 50% discount off their monthly electric bill. For example, if they qualify for the 50% discount and have a $100 monthly bill, it would be $50 less.
- Payment Plans are available to all customers to pay their past-due balance over a period of time. Residential customers with active service may be eligible for payment plans up to 18 months.
- Budget Billing Plans are also available and can help customers avoid seasonal spikes on their energy bill by paying a level amount each month based on their average annual usage.
- Winter Protection – If customers provide proof of qualifying household income or public assistance benefits they receive for at least one household member, their service cannot be shut off between November 1 and May 1. Customers should check the state’s income guidelines to see if they qualify.
- Energy Efficiency – Find energy-saving solutions to lower your energy bills.
