West Hartford: Help Available To Cope With High Heating Costs

Town of West Hartford/Eversource Energy

WEST HARTFORD, CT — West Hartford is partnering with Eversource Emergy during the fourth annual Heating Assistance Awareness Month this November.

The goal is to raise awareness of programs available to help pay or lower heating bills this winter.

To find the right options, call Eversource at 800-286-2828 or visit eversource.com/billhelp.

There is a plan for everyone, including:

State and Other Assistance Programs

• Get up to $530 to help pay the heating bill through the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) and get a bigger match from the Matching Payment Program. Apply online or visit a local Community Action Agency. People can also find the closest agency by calling 211.

Protection from Service Shut-Off

• Protect your gas or electric service from shut off from Nov. 1 through May 1 with Winter Protection, for customers facing financial hardship.

• You may also be eligible for medical [rotection if anyone in your home is seriously ill or has a life-threatening situation.

Financial Assistance Programs and Payment Plans

• The Matching Payment Program can lower the amount owed on energy bills. For every dollar paid and every dollar received from the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program, Eversource will subtract a dollar from the amount owed.

• An electric discount rate is available if someone has a financial hardship on an electric account. Based on your household income or receipt of a public assistance benefit, people may be eligible for a 10 percent to or 50 percent discount off an electric bill per month. For example, if you have a $100 monthly bill, it would be $10 less if you receive a 10 percent discount or $50 less if you receive the 50 percent discount.

• Flexible Payment Plans of up to 18 months are available to help all residential customers with active accounts pay off money owed, regardless of income.

• With Budget Billing, you pay a fixed amount each month based on your average energy usage and avoid spikes in your bill during heating and cooling seasons.

Energy Efficiency

• Take advantage of Eversource’s energy efficiency programs, incentives and tips to help you save money and reduce your overall energy use during the colder months.

To learn more about these programs and to apply, click on this link.