COVID-19 Payment Program has been extended

Connecticut’s Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) is reminding all customers that the enrollment period for the COVID-19 Payment Program for both residential and non-residential customers is extended through at least February 9. Further, the Winter Protection Program, which protects eligible households against heat source shut-offs during the winter months, is also in effect from Nov. 1 through May 1, 2021.

PURA encourages customers experiencing difficulty paying their utility bills to contact their utility company and ask:

• First, whether the residential customer is eligible to be “coded hardship” and enrolled in the Winter Protection Program.
• Second, if ineligible for hardship status or a non-residential customer, to enroll in a COVID-19 Payment Plan.

All customers with past due balances are eligible to avoid utility shut-offs by enrolling in one of the programs provided by the state-regulated water, electric and gas utilities, Operation Fuel, or the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS). Importantly, no customer actively enrolled in a COVID-19 Payment Program can have their service terminated for non-payment. COVID-19 payment plans are available to any residential or non-residential customer requesting assistance, without demonstrating financial need; require no initial or down payment, can be up to 24 months in length; waive any fees or interest in the calculation of the monthly payment amount; and facilitate the repayment of the past due balances in addition to the customer’s monthly bill. For more information, contact your utility or PURA’s Consumer Affairs.