Low-Income Energy Programs
Federal | Utility | Charitable
Federal
LIHEAP Contact
Public Inquiries: 1-800-842-1132
Website
Online Application
CT.gov
LIHEAP Administering Agency Contacts
Website
Weatherization Assistance Program
Local Administering Agency Contacts Website
LIHEAP FY 2024 Funding
$79,502,080
*including additional $2,040,750 from Infrastructure and Jobs Act (IIJA), (Pub. L. 117-58)
LIHEAP Income Eligibility Level
60% SMI
LIHEAP FY 2024 Benefit
Heating: $180 minimum; $530 maximum
Crisis: $410 maximum
LIHEAP Program Dates
Heating: November 1 - June 17
Crisis: November 1 - June 17
Weatherization: November 1 - September 30
LIHEAP Households Served in FY 2023
Heating: 101,181
Winter Crisis: 26,414
Weatherization: 1,733
Utility
Low-Income Rate Assistance
A systems benefits charge (SBC) imposed on customers of the state's two investor-owned utilities — Connecticut Light & Power and United Illuminating — pays for some low-income programs. SBC-funded arrearage, uncollectibles, and hardship programs for both utilities amounted to about $7.2 million in 2004. All gas public service companies are required by statute to operate an arrearage forgiveness program for gas heating customers. Arrearages are forgiven if customer makes regular payments. Eligibility criteria include: arrears of $100 or more that are 60+ days overdue, income of less than 200% FPG, and have had at least $25 paid toward bill by LIHEAP (or other assistance program). Electric utilities have voluntary arrearage forgiveness as part of budget programs.
Eversource https://www.eversource.com/content/wma/residential/my-account/billing-payments/help-pay-my-bill
- Discount Rate Resident customers may be eligible for a discounted rate if their income meets eligibility requiremetns and participate in programs such as LIHEAP, SNAP, TANF, Head Start, etc. For additional information or guidelines, please contact your local Community Action Agency. If you are eligible for the Discount Rate and would like to apply, please download the Discount Rate application. After you have completed the application and obtained any supporting documents, please mail or fax both to: Attn: Billing Eversource P.O. Box 330 Manchester NH 03105 Fax: 800-265-6708
- New Start Customers can reduce or eliminate their past-due balance if they pay an agreed-upon budgeted amount on time, each month. Eligibility: current Eversource residential customer; arrears of $100 or more that are 60+ days overdue; applied for, and be eligible to receive, energy assistance funds, or be able to provide other proof of income; and a “good faith” payment is required for enrollment in the New Start program and varies by customer based on payment history. 1-800-286-2828
Connecticut Natural Gas
Matching Payment Plan
In order to qualify for the program, the customer needs to be of a hardship status, and MUST: 1. Contact CNG to qualify for hardship status. 2. Apply for and receive energy assistance. 3. Pay monthly payment arrangement determined by CNG. The above is phase 1 of the program that operates between November 1 and May 1. If the applicant successfully completes phase 1, they are eligible to participate in phase 2, May 2 - October 31. In early November, CNG will match your dollars paid. Please be aware that matching payments can only be used to reduce your bill as low as $0.
Info Line at 211
860-727-3034
Southern Connecticut Company Matching Payment Plan The matching grant program helps low-income customers by matching half of any bill paid by you or on your behalf through an energy assistance plan. Customers must receive energy assistance in order to be eligible.
Info Line at 211
203-334-8866 Bridgeport area
203-786-6222 New Haven area
United Illuminating Co.
1-800-722-5584
Website
- Forgiveness Program – Residential customers covered by the Winter Protection Program and who heat by electricity may qualify for UI’s Forgiveness Program. If you qualify, we will work with you to develop a monthly budget agreement. If you keep that agreement, we will match your payments to reduce your back balance.
- Matching Payment Plan – This program helps low-income customers maintain year-round service and pay down delinquent balances by company-matched dollars. A payment arrangement plan helps qualified hardship customers pay past due electric bills. Under MaPP, if payments are current, a past due balance can be "forgiven" over time.
- Called to Active Duty? - You may qualify for temporary suspension of collective action and disconnection of your electric service if you are called into active duty in the U.S. military.
- Home Energy Solutions-Income Eligible (HES-IE) - Through the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund, United Illuminating administers the HES-IE program. This weatherization program is designed to help customers with limited income or financial needs reduce their energy bills.
- Winter Protection Program - UI offers winter protection to all our customers that qualify. If you meet eligibility requirements, we will not turn off your electricity between November 1 and May 1. The Winter Protection Plan must be renewed annually, beginning in October. To prevent your service from being shut off after May 1, contact UI to setup a payment arrangement.
Low-Income Energy Efficiency
Eversource Home Energy Solutions Income Eligible In addition to weatherization services, eligible household may qualify for insulation and energy-efficient appliances. Income eligibility is set at 60% of the state median income. To sign up, please complete the application (PDF) and send by mail to the address below or complete the application online. Get started by calling 1-877-WISE-USE to see if you qualify. Tenants/renters must have their landlord complete the Owner's Permission Statement which is included with the application. Landlords are required to grant permission for tenants in their buildings.
Connecticut Natural Gas
Home Energy Solutions - Income Eligible
Based on income-eligibility, this program offer renters or homeowners the opportunity to reduce their energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient. For more information or to sign up for the program, call the WISE USE line at 1-877-947-3873.
United Illuminating Co.
Through the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund, United Illuminating administers the HES-IE program. This weatherization program is designed to help customers with limited income or financial needs reduce their energy bills.
1-800-722-5584
www.uinet.com
Emergency Charitable Assistance
Please note these charitable funds are last resort emergency funds with limited resources and limited times of operation.
Operation Fuel
Operation Fuel is a private, non-profit program that provides emergency help with energy or utility bills for people who are not eligible for CEAP or SAFA. Connecticut's legislature passed a law requiring all of the state's gas and electric utilities with at least 75,000 customers to facilitate the collection of donations for Operation Fuel. In most instances, eligible families have incomes at 151 to 200% of the federal poverty level.
Contact Operation Fuel's network of 61 fuel banks
www.operationfuel.org/get-help/
Griswold Senior Center
Emergency Fuel Fund
This program may provide a heating oil delivery when support from other energy assistance programs is not available. Preference is given to seniors and families with children. Everyone who receives a delivery through the senior center's emergency fuel fund must submit an application with the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program administered locally through the Thames Valley Council for Community Action (Norwich-New London area).
Call 860-425-6681.
Warm Up Fund
Community donations provide funds for fuel assistance in Westport and Weston.
Weston 203-226-9178
Westport 203-227-1743
The Windsor Fuel Bank
Additional fuel assistance is available through The Windsor Fuel Bank for CL&P and Connecticut Natural Gas customers. Donations are made to the Windsor Community Service Council and can be used to help people who do not qualify for other assistance programs.
socialservices@townofwindsorct.com
