UI, SCG Host Enrollment Events to Help Customers Manage Winter Bills

Customers can meet in-person with representatives in Ansonia (Dec. 7) and East Haven (Dec. 14) to enroll in assistance programs


ORANGE, Conn. — December 5, 2023 — United Illuminating and Southern Connecticut Gas, subsidiaries of Avangrid (NYSE: AGR), today announced the companies will host two in-person enrollment events in December to help customers manage their utility bills this winter. During the events, customers can meet directly with our customer service representatives, who will provide information on available assistance programs and assist customers with applying for financial hardship and qualifying programs. The enrollment events will be held at Ansonia Senior Center on December 7, 2023 and East Haven Senior Center on December 14, 2023.

"The holidays can bring added stress to those already facing financial hardship," said Frank Reynolds, President & CEO of UI and SCG. "That's why we want our customers to be aware of the many financial assistance programs available to help lower their monthly utility bills, no matter the season. I encourage our customers to take advantage of this opportunity to engage in person with our customer service representatives, who can assist them in enrolling in  assistance programs to help manage their bills."

UI/SCG’s first in-person enrollment event of the season was held in Bridgeport as representatives pre-enrolled customers in assistance programs, including the Low-Income Discount Rate (LIDR). More than 50 customers met with customer service representatives during this event. Additionally, in the 2022-2023 winter season, UI, SCG, and sister company Connecticut Natural Gas (CNG) held six in-person enrollment events across the companies’ service territory, from Bloomfield and Hartford to Bridgeport and New Haven. As a whole, more than 300 customers took the opportunity to apply for assistance at one of the in-person events last season.

"We're pleased to offer the low-income discount rate and other assistance programs to our customers during the winter heating season," said Tracey Pellela, Vice President of Customer Service at UI. "We know that affordability is important to our customers, especially when so many families are experiencing challenges due to inflation and the current economic conditions. I encourage UI and SCG customers to come out and join us in Ansonia or East Haven this month to speak with our customer service representatives to see if they qualifty for our programs. Our goal is to always provide safe reliable service for our most vulnerable families in our community."


Assistance programs include: 

  • Low-Income Discount Rate (LIDR) (UI only) – 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) (UI Only) – 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).
     

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.

For additional information on assistance programs offered, please visit us at uinet.com/HelpWithBill (UI programs) and soconngas.com/HelpWithBill (SCG programs).
 

Company Location Date/Time
UI, SCG Ansonia Senior Center, 65 Main St., Ansonia, CT 06401 Thursday, December 7, 2023, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
UI, SCG East Haven Senior Center, 91 Taylor Ave., East Haven, CT 06512 Thursday, December 14, 2023, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
     

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