CNG and SCG Offer Assistance to Customers Challenged by Rising Gas Supply Costs

ORANGE, CT — February 17, 2022 — Connecticut Natural Gas (CNG) and Southern Connecticut Gas (SCG) — both subsidiaries of AVANGRID, Inc. (NYSE: AGR) — would like to remind customers of the companies’ energy assistance programs available to help manage higher energy costs in the region.

Customer bills will be higher this winter due to colder weather and because natural gas commodity supply prices from the nation’s production sources have increased, like other forms of energy, due to supply-chain challenges and other reasons. As a result of these supply challenges, customers are seeing higher gas bills this winter. However, the increases are lower than overall natural gas commodity supply increases due to the diverse and reliable portfolios of gas supply, gas storage, and interstate pipeline transportation developed and operated by CNG and SCG.

“We estimate that a typical homeowner is paying 10 to 15% more for gas service to their home over the last 12 months than the previous 12 months. That’s about, on average, an additional $15 per month,” said CNG and SCG President & CEO Frank Reynolds. “While our gas companies in Connecticut can assist customers facing a financial burden, our government officials can and should address the long term underlying issues that are the cause of these price increases.”

This moment is an inflection point for government officials to support the development of additional energy infrastructure that will be the bones for future expanded clean energy systems.

“This month, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal and I stood in front of CNG in East Hartford to discuss the critical role our Federal Government plays in controlling rising energy supply costs,” Reynolds continued. “This moment should be a constant reminder that we need to significantly invest in our existing gas infrastructure to avoid these challenges.” 

AVANGRID, the parent company of CNG and SCG, believes in a renewable, sustainable future and is proposing multiple renewable energy projects in the Connecticut region while making Connecticut a hub for green hydrogen.

CNG and SCG continue to offer the following energy assistance programs to their customers during these challenging times. 

Energy Assistance 

  • COVID-19 Payment Program: If you are experiencing financial difficulties during this pandemic, the COVID-19 Payment Program is available to you and offers payment plans up to 24 months, with no down payments, fees or interest is available. Please call us at 860.727.3034 (CNG) / 800.659.8299 (SCG) for more information.
  • Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP): The Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) will help pay winter heating bills for low-income-qualified households. Applications are taken at your local Community Action Agency. Call 2-1-1 to find your local application site.
  • Operation Fuel: Operation Fuel provides assistance for families who earn a little more than the energy assistance guidelines allow. Call for information about this program.
  • Payment arrangements: Special payment arrangements can be set up for you through our Customer Care Center. Call us at 860.727.3034 (CNG) / 800.659.8299 (SCG) to discuss your needs confidentially.

About SCG: The Southern Connecticut Gas Company (SCG) is a subsidiary of AVANGRID, Inc. Established in 1847, SCG operates approximately 2,500 miles of natural gas distribution pipelines, serving approximately 206,000 customers in the greater New Haven and Bridgeport areas of Connecticut. For more information, visit soconngas.com. 

About AVANGRID: AVANGRID, Inc. (NYSE: AGR) aspires to be the leading sustainable energy company in the United States. Headquartered in Orange, CT with approximately $39 billion in assets and operations in 24 U.S. states, AVANGRID has two primary lines of business: Avangrid Networks and Avangrid Renewables. Avangrid Networks owns eight electric and natural gas utilities, serving more than 3.3 million customers in New York and New England. Avangrid Renewables owns and operates a portfolio of renewable energy generation facilities across the United States. AVANGRID employs approximately 7,000 people and has been recognized by Forbes and Just Capital as one of the 2021 JUST 100 companies - a list of America's best corporate citizens - and was ranked number one within the utility sector for its commitment to the environment and the communities it serves. The company supports the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals and was named among the World’s Most Ethical Companies in 2021 for the third consecutive year by the Ethisphere Institute. For more information, visit avangrid.com.   

Learn about the Iberdrola Group’s global pandemic response at its COVID-19 Hub.

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