UI Launches New Low-Income Discount Rate Program to Qualifying Customers

Customers can discuss enrollment eligibility with representatives in person in East Haven this Thursday, December 14, 2023



ORANGE, Conn — December 12, 2023 — United Illuminating (UI), a subsidiary of Avangrid (NYSE: AGR), today announced the rollout of the low-income discount rate (LIDR), a two-tiered rate discount in which eligible customers receive either 10 percent or 50 percent off their monthly charges for electricity, depending on household income. To date, UI has enrolled more than 30,000 customers in the LIDR, who will receive their discounts beginning in the December billing cycle. To help enroll additional qualifying UI customers into the program, Customer Service Representatives will host an in-person event at the East Haven Senior Center this Thursday, December 14, 2023.

“As the weather gets colder, the cost of heating a home and keeping the lights on can become a burden for families struggling to make ends meet,” said Frank Reynolds, President & CEO of United Illuminating. “We’re here to help provide greater affordability for families through the LIDR program this winter. The assistance will provide much-needed relief for our neighbors in need. If you believe you may be eligible for the program, I encourage you to speak with our Customer Service Representatives by phone or in person at our upcoming event in East Haven this Thursday.”

The low-income discount rate is a two-tiered rate discount based on customers’ total household income or the participation of at least one household member in an eligible benefits program. To qualify for either tier, customers must first have a financial hardship status coded on their account. Customers whose total household income is at or below 60 percent of the State Median Income, or for whom at least one member of the household participates in CHIP, HUSKY B, Medicare Savings Program (ALMB or SLMB), CEAP levels 2 and 3, or Section 8 Housing/Rental Assistance may apply for the Tier I 10 percent discount rate.

Customers whose total income is at or below 160 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or for whom at least one member of the household participates in SSI, SSDI, WIC, TANF or TFA, SAGA, HUSKY A, SNAP, Medicaid, CEAP level 1, Refugee Cash or Medical Assistance, Head Start, Connecticut Free or Reduced Lunch, Medicare Savings Program (QMB), or receives support from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, may apply for the Tier II 50 percent discount rate.

Customers with a financial hardship status coded on their account were automatically enrolled in the low-income discount rate earlier this year and received a letter to that effect. Customers who are not automatically enrolled but believe they may qualify for either tier of the LIDR can get more information at uinet.com/LIDR. They may also call UI directly at 800.722.5584, contact their local Community Action Agency, or speak with a Customer Service Representative in person at the East Haven Senior Center this Thursday, December 14, 2023.

“We’re eager to enroll more qualifying customers into the LIDR program as well as any other assistance program they may qualify for to help lower their monthly bills,” said Tracey Pellela, Vice President of Customer Service at United Illuminating. “We never want our customers to have to choose between their utility bills and essentials like food, medication, and housing. I encourage all customers, regardless of their income, to learn more about our payment options and energy efficiency solutions to help lower your monthly bills.”

To continue to expand the low-income discount rate and other assistance programs, UI, in partnership with Southern Connecticut Gas, will be holding an in-person enrollment event on Thursday, December 14, at East Haven Senior Center (91 Taylor Ave., East Haven, CT 06512) from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.. Representatives will provide information on available assistance programs and assist customers with applying for LIDR and qualifying programs. Customers interested in enrolling in financial hardship and qualifying programs will need to bring their electric/gas bills, account number, and any documentation that applies to their situation.

Additional UI assistance programs include: 

Program Details
Low-Income Discount Rate (LIDR) The low-income discount rate, available for UI customers, can help lower customers' electric bills if they qualify. Customers will receive a 10% (Tier 1) or 50% (Tier 2) discount on their monthly charges. For example, for a customer whose monthly charges totaled $100, s/he would receive a $10 or $50 discount on each monthly bill.
Winter Protection Program Available to all residential customers who qualify. Eligible customers will not have their electricity turned off between November 1 and May 1.
Matching Payment Program (MPP) Available to residential customers, this program is designed to help lower energy bills for those who can demonstrate financial hardship. UI/SCG will match every dollar paid by customers or on their behalf, up to a zero balance.
Bill Forgiveness Program (BFP) Available to residential customers who can demonstrate financial hardship and have a balance of at least $100 that is 60 days or more overdue. Qualifying customers will be placed on a budget plan for up to 36 months, and UI will match payments as they are made. 
Flexible Payment Arrangements Available to all residential customers, regardless of financial status. Customers can pay past-due balances over a period of up to 18 months. Current payment arrangements may be renegotiated due to a change in financial circumstances per Conn. Agencies Regs. § 16-3-100(b)(3)(A).

 

For additional information on assistance programs offered, please visit uinet.com/HelpWithBill.

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