Eversource Marks National Energy Assistance Day

“We want to make sure customers who need help are aware of the many programs they can take advantage of, especially now with historically high energy costs we’re seeing due to global events and demand,” said Eversource Vice President of Customer Operations & Assistance Jess Cain. “Customers who’ve never needed help before may qualify for these programs. In addition to the federal assistance that customers in Connecticut can receive through Connecticut’s Energy Assistance Program, they can also benefit from enrolling in one of our many payment plans – including the Matching Payment Program, which not only arranges affordable monthly payments for them, but also protects them from service disconnection. We’re also contributing $10 million to bolster state assistance programs and directly help customers.”

State and other assistance:

Connecticut’s Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) provides assistance for winter heating costs for thousands of Connecticut homeowners and renters who meet state income guidelines. Congress recently approved $6 billion in LIHEAP funds to help low-income families nationwide, which funds CEAP. Connecticut also provided an additional $30 million to the program. Customers can learn more and apply online at CT.gov/heatinghelp or through their local Community Action Agency (CAA). Customers can find their local agency at 211ct.org or by calling 211 or Eversource.

Operation Fuel offers year-round emergency energy and utility assistance for customers facing a financial crisis. Customers can contact Operation Fuel at 860-243-2345 or apply online at OperationFuel.org/gethelp or through a fuel bank listed on their website.

• Eversource payment plans and assistance:
  • The Matching Payment Program can lower a past due balance with monthly payments as low as $50 for electric or gas heating customers receiving public assistance benefits. For every dollar a customer pays and every dollar they receive from CEAP, Eversource will subtract a dollar from the amount owed until the balance is paid off.
  • The New Start Program can help pay off a past due balance for electric customers in as little as 12 months. With on-time monthly payments, some of what is owed will be subtracted each month. (For example, if a budget payment amount is set at $150 per month and the past due balance is $1,200, for every month a customer makes the required $150 payment towards their bill, Eversource will reduce the past-due balance by $100.)
  • Flexible Payment Plans are available to all customers, regardless of income, 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.
  • Low-Income Discount Credit is available to customers with a financial hardship status on their electric account. From January through June 2023, you will see a $25 credit on your monthly bill.
  • Eversource is hosting a noon-time webinar on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, for customers who want 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. Advanced registration is required, and customers can sign up at Eversource.com/Billhelp.
    Customers can also call Eversource at 800-286-2828 to learn more about the assistance and payment programs available or to verify their financial hardship status. Information on energy efficiency solutions can be found at Eversource.com.