Southern Connecticut Gas assistance programs.
Families that need help with their Southern Connecticut Gas bill can look into several different resources and services from the energy company. There are private donation type programs available as well as government grant money for paying gas bills and programs managed directly by Southern Connecticut Gas (SCG), including payment plans and disconnection prevention. In most cases, the applicant needs to be facing some type of short term crisis or hardship situation. Find how to apply below.
Some of the low income assistance programs that are available across Connecticut include the Matching Payment Plan as well as Operation Fuel. Of course there are also federal government grants from CEAP.
The Matching Payment plan is one tool that customers can use to fairly quickly pay off any arrearage on their account. For those that qualify and enroll, Southern Connecticut Gas will “match” every dollar paid by the customer. In other words, individuals that have a balance on their account and that pay a portion of the bill will have SCG also pay some of it. Of course all terms and conditions must be abided by. They include the customer must be approved as a hardship client and abide by all terms and the stages that have been put into place.
For those individuals that qualify, SCG will match every dollar paid by you or on your behalf. At the end of the program, if it is successful, in some cases the customer may end up paying about one-third of their unpaid natural gas heating expense. Eligibility is determined based on the household income and assets. For more details, dial 1-866-659-4140.
Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) is the main federal funded program. It will help people pay their winter heating bills. It is for low income and working poor, income qualified households. Applications for CEAP are taken at your local Community Action Agency.
Another statewide resource is Operation Fuel. This may be able to assist people who don’t qualify for CEAP but who still need some type of support. It relies on donations from Southern Connecticut Gas as well as other utility providers in Connecticut.
If you are struggling, call the company right away and inquire into Payment Arrangements. These can help people who are facing some form of very short term emergency. The terms can be flexible in order to meet your situation. Note SCG is under no obligation to offer this. Special payment arrangements can be set over the phone by dialing the customer information department at 1-800-659-8299.
Southern Connecticut Gas Hardship status is a term used for certain heating customers. This will mean that they will be able to receive some form of energy bill assistance, most likely government aid. This will also generally mean that utility assistance is available to the household. It is for those that qualify under the state income guidelines and meet other program qualifications.
The company will ask for proof and necessary documentation. This needs to be provided to SCG and the dedicated representative. Some of what may be required includes proof of income, birth certificates, social security cards, (for all members of household), and more. Case management and outreach may be required too.
Another resource available to all customers is the Southern Connecticut Gas Budget Payment plan. This will make a households residential monthly gas bill “even”. So the person that is enrolled will pay the same dollar amount on their account each and every month. What happens is their last annual expense is divided into 12 and therefore the household pays the total cost in 12 equal installments. A true up will occur as well and factor in the actually usage, so a customer should also think about this as well and ensure they use their energy efficiently. Call 1-800-659-8299.
Apply for assistance
There is a toll free number for customer service. Call 1-800-659-8299 to reach Southern Connecticut Gas to explore financial assistance, government grants, payment plans and more.
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