A systems benefits charge (SBC) imposed on customers of the state's two investor-owned utilities — Connecticut Light & Power and United Illuminating — pays for some low-income programs. SBC-funded arrearage, uncollectibles, and hardship programs for both utilities amounted to about $7.2 million in 2004.
All gas public service companies are required by statute to operate an arrearage forgiveness program for gas heating customers. Arrearages are forgiven if customer makes regular payments. Eligibility criteria include: arrears of $100 or more that are 60+ days overdue, income of less than 200% FPG, and have had at least $25 paid toward bill by LIHEAP (or other assistance program). Electric utilities have voluntary arrearage forgiveness as part of budget programs.
NUSTART
Customers can reduce or eliminate their past-due balance if they pay an agreed-upon budgeted amount on time, each month. Eligibility: arrears of $100 or more that are 60+ days overdue, income of less than 200% FPG, and have had at least $25 paid toward bill by LIHEAP (or other assistance program).
1-800-286-5844
Matching Payment Plan
Customers who maintain eligibility under the Matching Payment Program will see an additional reduction in their past-due amount for every dollar paid to CL&P. For more information, call 1-800-286-2828 or 860-947-2828 in the Hartford and Meriden calling areas.
Winter Protection Program
Protects hardship customers from electric service shut-offs or natural gas shut-offs for nonpayment from Nov. 1 to May 1. To qualify, a customer's total household income will be considered. Additional criteria that may also qualify a customer for Winter Protection can include aid to the blind, elderly and disabled, temporary family assistance, food stamps, Medicaid, general assistance, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or a serious or life-threatening illness in the household. Customers still receive their bills and should try to pay what they can each month to avoid a larger balance due when the protection period ends. Customers must sign up annually for this program — there is no automatic renewal.
1-
800-286-2828
860-947-2828 in Hartford and Meriden
Connecticut Natural Gas Matching Payment Plan
In order to qualify for the program, the customer needs to be of a hardship status, and MUST:
1. Contact CNG to qualify for hardship status.
2. Apply for and receive energy assistance.
3. Pay monthly payment arrangement determined by CNG.
The above is phase 1 of the program that operates between November 1 and May 1. If the applicant successfully completes phase 1, they are eligible to participate in phase 2, May 2 - October 31. In early
November, CNG will match your dollars paid. Please be
aware that matching payments can only be used to
reduce your bill as low as $0.
Info Line at 211
860-727-3034
Southern Connecticut Company
Matching Payment Plan
The matching grant program helps low-income customers by matching half of any bill paid by you or on your behalf through an energy assistance plan. Customers must receive energy assistance in order to be eligible.
Info Line at 211
203-334-8866 Bridgeport area
203-786-6222 New Haven area
MaPP
A payment arrangement plan helps qualified hardship customers pay past due electric bills. Under MaPP, if payments are current, a past due balance can be "forgiven" over time.
Forgiveness Program
Residential customers covered by the Winter Protection Program and who heat by electricity may qualify. UI will work with the customer to develop a monthly budget agreement. If the customer keeps that agreement, UI will match the customer's payments.
Yankee Gas
Matching Payment Program
For customers who make and keep a payment arrangement and receive LIHEAP, Yankee Gas will deduct from their bill an amount equal to the money they have paid and the amount received from LIHEAP, up to zero balance.
1-800-438-2278 www.yankeegas.com/For_your_Home/EnergyAssistance/Matching_Payment_Program/
Winter Protection Program
Protects hardship customers from electric service shut-offs or natural gas shut-offs for nonpayment from Nov. 1 to May 1. To qualify, a customer's total household income will be considered. Additional criteria that may also qualify a customer for Winter Protection can include aid to the blind, elderly and disabled, temporary family assistance, food stamps, Medicaid, general assistance, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or a serious or life-threatening illness in the household. Customers still receive their bills and should try to pay what they can each month to avoid a larger balance due when the protection period ends. Customers must sign up annually for this program — there is no automatic renewal.
1-
800-438-2278
Low-Income Energy Efficiency
Connecticut Light and Power
Home Energy Solutions - Income Eligible
In addition to weatherization services, eligible household may qualify for insulation and energy-efficient appliances. Income eligibility is set at 60% of the state median income. To sign up, please complete the application (PDF) and send by mail to the address below or complete the application online. Call 1-877-947-3873 if you need assistance. Tenants/renters must have their landlord complete the Owner's Permission Statement which is included with the application. Landlords are required to grant permission for tenants in their buildings. Mail completed forms to:
Home Energy Solutions - Income-Eligible
Northeast Utilities System
P.O. Box 270
Hartford, CT 06101-9902 www.cl-p.com/Home/SaveEnergy/Rebates/Income_Eligible/
Connecticut Natural Gas Home Energy Solutions - Income Eligible
Based on income-eligibility, this program offer renters or homeowners the
opportunity to reduce their energy bills by making their homes more
energy efficient. For more information or to sign up for the program, call the WISE USE line at 1-877-947-3873.
United Illuminating Co.
UI HELPS
For customers on a limited income, UI Helps program can provide energy-saving products for your home, free of charge. These include water heater blankets, low-flow shower heads and energy-efficient lights. Customers with electrically heated homes may qualify for additional services.
1-877-947-3873 www.uinet.com/uinet/connect/UINet/
Please note these charitable funds are last resort emergency funds with limited resources and limited times of operation.
Operation Fuel
Operation Fuel is a private, non-profit program that provides emergency help with energy or utility bills for people who are not eligible for CEAP or SAFA. Connecticut's legislature passed a law requiring all of the state's gas and electric utilities with at least 75,000 customers to facilitate the collection of donations for Operation Fuel. In most instances, eligible families have incomes at 151 to 200% of the federal poverty level.
Contact Operation Fuel's network of 61 fuel banks www.operationfuel.org
Warm Up Fund
Community donations provide funds for fuel assistance in Westport and Weston.
Weston 203-226-9178
Westport 203-227-1743
The Windsor Fuel Bank
Additional fuel assistance is available through The Windsor Fuel Bank for CL&P and Connecticut Natural Gas customers. Donations are made to the Windsor Community Service Council and can be used to help people who do not qualify for other assistance programs. socialservices@townofwindsorct.com
