DERBY – Connecticut utilities United Illuminating and Southern Connecticut Gas will have company representatives on hand at Derby Neck Library Wednesday, Feb. 26 to answer customer questions.
Customers can ask questions about their bills, payment status and the like at the in-person event from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the library at 307 Hawthorne Ave. in Derby. Customers can also apply for payment assistance programs offered by the companies from the TEAM community action agency to apply for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) and/or Operation Fuel for their heating source.
Representatives from the companies’ Conservation and Load Management team will also be available to provide information about energy efficiency upgrades through the Home Energy Solutions program.
“If any of our customers are struggling to pay their energy bills, now is the time to take advantage of the assistance we can offer,” said Frank Reynolds, UI president and CEO of UI and SCG. “While we do not control or benefit from supply costs, Public Benefits Charge, and other factors that are driving up energy costs this season, our team is committed to getting out in the communities we serve, answering questions and helping our customers apply for a litany of programs that can help bring down or manage energy bills.”
Both utilities are owned by Avangrid.
During the event the utilities will offer information about the following programs they provide to customers:
- Winter Protection Program: Customers who meet certain eligibility requirements can avoid shut-off between Nov. 1 and May 1. The Winter Protection Program must be renewed annually, beginning in October. To prevent your service from being shut off after May 1, UI/SCG to set up a payment arrangement.
- Matching Payment Program: With this program, we will match every dollar you pay and every dollar you receive from the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) or other assistance programs.
- Low-Income Discount Rate (UI only): Designed to help eligible residential customers facing financial hardship manage their energy costs, the LIDR provides qualifying customers either a 10% or a 50% discount on their currently monthly charges, based on their income levels and eligible benefits programs.
- Flexible payment arrangements: All residential customers, regardless of their financial circumstances, can spread past-due balances over 18 months. Current payment arrangements may be renegotiated due to a change in financial circumstances.
For more information on UI’s assistance programs, visit www.uinet.com/helpwithbill. For more information on SCG’s assistance programs, please visit www.soconngas.com/helpwithbill.
