Utility Shut-Offs Resume Sept. 15; Assistance Programs Available

FAIRFIELD, CT — Utility shut-offs are set to resume starting Sept. 15, according to Fairfield's Human and Social Services Department, but programs are available to help.

Tenants and eligible electric customers affected by the pandemic can receive up to $1,500 toward the last six months of electric bills and up to $15,000 in rental assistance through UniteCT. For more information, visit www.bit.ly/UniteCT.

The Connecticut Energy Assistance Program is available to all heating customers — including those who use electric, gas, oil, kerosene, coal and other deliverable fuels. The program offers up to $1,015 basis benefit. For help applying, contact Social Services at 203-256-3170 or 211 United Way for a referral to the nearest community action agency.

Additionally, to receive medical shut-off protections, a customer’s doctor can access a utility internet portal at the request of the patient to certify that the patient or a family member has a serious illness or life-threatening condition. Protections do not relieve customers of their responsibility to pay utility bills. Utility customers may be required to enter into payment agreements with the utilities, but during the protected period, they cannot be threatened with shut-off for nonpayment.

Customers cannot be shut off between Nov. 1 and May 1, during the winter shut-off moratorium.

Customers can also contact utility providers directly for arrearage forgiveness programs; COVID-19 payment plans; repayment plans; matching payment plans; and winter shut-off protection.