Submitted by Sarah Paduano, Eversource
(November 2, 2024) — In recognition of Heating Assistance Awareness Month in Connecticut, Eversource is encouraging qualifying customers to take advantage of heating assistance available to them. The Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) – administered by the State of Connecticut – offers a benefit of up to $530 to residents, depending on household income and size, to pay their heating bill.
“The first thing income-eligible customers should do is reach out to their Community Action Agency (CAA) to access the CEAP benefit available to them because that money goes directly to help pay their heating bill,” said Eversource Vice President of Customer Operations and Assistance Programs Jess Cain. “In addition, we remind income-eligible customers to sign up for our electric bill discount rate and to take advantage of the many programs available to them. Most importantly, for customers who meet state income requirements, we will protect their household from service shut off during the coldest months each year.”
Customers who have never needed assistance previously may not realize they qualify for protection from service disconnection and may also be eligible for other programs to help pay their bills. For example, a household of four with an annual income of $87,000 dollars meets the income-eligibility requirements. Eversource encourages all customers to contact the energy company at eversource.com/billhelp or 800-286-2828 to find out if one of the programs below could be beneficial to them.
Assistance Available:
- Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) – State-provided assistance of up to $530 for winter heating costs for Connecticut homeowners and renters who meet state income guidelines. Customers can apply online or work with their local Community Action Agency (CAA) to access CEAP. Customers can find their local CAA at 211ct.org or by calling 211.
· Winter Protection – Protection for income-eligible customers from service shut-off from November 1 through May 1. Customers should check the state’s income guidelines to see if they qualify for winter protection.
· Electric Discount Rate – Gives customers with financial hardship either a 10% or 50% discount off their electric bill per month. Customers can qualify to receive the discount based on their household income or receipt of a public assistance benefit. For example, if a customer has a $100 monthly bill, it would be $10 less if they receive a 10% discount or $50 less if they receive the 50% discount.
For Customers with Past-Due Balances:
· The Matching Payment Program 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 owed.
· Flexible Payment Plans are also available to all customers, regardless of income, to help pay their past-due balance over a period of time. Residential customers with active service may be eligible for payment plans up to eighteen months.
Additionally, Eversource encourages customers who are having difficulty paying their energy bills to participate in a free customer webinar on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at 12:00 Noon to learn more about programs available to help. The webinar will include information about protection from service disconnection, programs to reduce unpaid balances with affordable monthly payments, extended payment plans and no-cost energy efficiency programs to lower energy bills. Advanced registration is required, and customers can sign up at eversource.com/billhelp. Customers can also call the energy company at 800-286-2828 to learn more about the assistance and payment programs available.
The webinar also will provide details on energy-saving programs available for customers. More information on energy efficiency solutions can be found at eversource.com/home-savings.
