UI, SCG and CNG Urge Customers To Act Now To Secure Energy Assistance This Winter
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
UI, SCG and CNG Urge Customers To Act Now To Secure Energy Assistance This Winter
ORANGE, Conn. — Oct. 29, 2019 — United Illuminating, Southern Connecticut Gas and Connecticut Natural Gas — the Connecticut operating companies of AVANGRID, Inc. (NYSE: AGR) — today reminded customers that a variety of programs are available to help families through the cold-weather months.
Customers who anticipate the need for heating assistance or winter service protection should take action now to determine their eligibility and get enrolled before the cold weather sets in. Acting early will help ensure they can take advantage of available energy assistance funding.
Even customers who don’t meet income guidelines for hardship status can take advantage of programs to help them manage their bills and reduce energy costs.
Get Started
Customers with concerns about whether they can maintain UI, SCG or CNG service this winter should start by calling Connecticut’s Infoline at 2-1-1 to find the Community Action Agency that serves their town or city. These organizations can determine whether customers meet income guidelines and other criteria to qualify for hardship status. Once eligibility is confirmed, customers can contact their energy company to enroll in energy assistance, matching payment plans and winter service protection.
Get Protected
Winter service protection, which prevents shut-off from Nov. 1 to May 1, is available for gas heating and electric customers who qualify for hardship status, as well as for some electric customers who meet certain other criteria, such as medical necessity. Customers must call their energy company to enroll in winter protection, and will be required to document their eligibility, financial or medical hardship.
Other Resources
Customers who do not meet income guidelines for hardship status may still qualify for assistance through the statewide Operation Fuel program. Customers can learn more about Operation Fuel from their local Community Action Agency. UI, SCG and CNG customers can choose to add a dollar to their electric bills to help Operation Fuel provide energy assistance to needy Connecticut families. Visit operationfuel.org for information.
Customers can call the UI, SCG or CNG Customer Care Centers to learn about payment arrangements to help them pay down balances, and Budget Billing programs, which average out bill payments across the year so customers can avoid high bills during seasonal peaks.
UI, SCG and CNG also offer award-winning energy efficiency programs, which can help customers reduce energy costs and usage. These include the Home Energy Solutions energy audit, which for a limited time is available for a $75 customer copay – half the usual cost. A typical Connecticut home can receive $1,000 worth of services from a Home Energy Solutions visit, and can realize $200 in savings on annual energy bills. Visit uinet.com, soconngas.com or cngcorp.com and select “Smart Energy” to learn more.
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About UI: The United Illuminating Company (UI) is a subsidiary of AVANGRID, Inc. Established in 1899, UI operates approximately 3,500 miles of electric distribution lines and 139 miles of transmission lines. It serves approximately 335,000 customers in the greater New Haven and Bridgeport areas of Connecticut. UI received the Edison Electric Institute’s Emergency Recovery Award recognizing the company’s response to the May 2018 storms that impacted its service territory. For more information, visit www.uinet.com.
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 197,000 customers in the greater New Haven and Bridgeport areas of Connecticut. For more information, visit www.soconngas.com.
About CNG: Connecticut Natural Gas Corporation (CNG) is a subsidiary of AVANGRID, Inc. Established in 1848, CNG operates 2,160 miles of natural gas distribution pipeline, serving approximately 177,000 customers across 26 communities in the greater Hartford-New Britain area, and Greenwich, Connecticut. For more information, visit www.cngcorp.com.
About AVANGRID: AVANGRID, Inc. (NYSE: AGR) is a leading, sustainable energy company with approximately $33 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 3.2 million customers in New York and New England. Avangrid Renewables owns and operates 7.2 gigawatts of electricity capacity, primarily through wind power, with a presence in 22 states across the United States. AVANGRID employs approximately 6,500 people. AVANGRID supports the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals and was named among the World’s Most Ethical Companies in 2019 by the Ethisphere Institute. For more information, visit www.avangrid.com.