United Illuminating Company assistance programs
Some of the primary resources offered to United Illuminating Company customers include payment plans, government assistance such as LIHEAP grants and weatherization, conservation, and so called utility service shut off protection. Most of the financial aid for light, gas, or electric bills is for families in Connecticut who are faced with a short term hardship or difficulty, which can include job loss, physical disability, or those who live on a low, fixed income. Learn more below, and find how to apply for UI programs.
Programs directly from United Illuminating Company
Matching Payment Program, or MaPP, in certain cases may provide forgiveness of past balances on utility bills as well as ensure people have year-round electric service. This resource may be available for qualified low-income electric heating customers who have past-due balances on their accounts. Anyone who is enrolled in this program will be required to keep a monthly payment arrangement with the company. Call your local community action agency to apply, or you can dial 1-800-722-5584.
If you successfully enroll, and stay current with the term and conditions of the Matching Payment Program, then you will receive a reduction in your bills for the past-due amount for every dollar paid for a current bill. So what this means that as you pay your standard, ongoing energy bills, United Illuminating will slowly reduce any outstanding balance on your account.
Medical hardship is offered to customers with a serious illness. If you or the primary provider of income in your home is faced with a serious or life threatening illness, then dial 1-800-722-5584. Also, customers with Life-Support Equipment should also contact United Illuminating Company so that you can be notified of any planned power outages or upcoming, forecasted severe weather.
Forgiveness Program was created by UI. Residents whose total household income meets targets that are set by the company can get as close to a “fresh start” as possible. This program may be able to help you reduce, or even eliminate, past-due balances on your account if you agree to pay, and stay current with, an agreed-upon budgeted amount. If you keep that agreement with United Illuminating, they will match your payments to reduce your back balance. Also dial 1-800-722-5584 to find out if forgiveness can help you in your situation.
Operation Fuel can help people stay warm during the winter, or assist families with keeping the lights on. This is available across Connecticut for all United Illuminating customers. Assistance is available for people faced with a short term financial hardship or emergency, and who can’t qualify for any other federal government programs or non-profit support.
The Operation Fuel program is offered at your local fuel bank. The resource is administered by a private, nonprofit organization. The local agency will process applications for this energy assistance program. It is effective for people who are faced with an emergency situation and who need help with paying their energy bills. At most up to $500 can be provided to United Illuminating customers as part of the program.
This program is funded by customer contributions, and anyone can donate money at any time. All money contributed will go towards helping individuals and families in the United Illuminating service territory. One hundred percent of donations go directly to the needy.
Financial assistance and grants from government services
The State of Connecticut Winter Protection Plan will ensure that qualified customers maintain their heating and gas service during the late fall, winter, and early spring months. Also special payment arrangements and late payment fees and charges will be waived during this timeframe.
Anyone who qualifies for this will still need to eventually pay their utility bills, so it is still highly advised that you continue to pay as much of the monthly energy bill as possible during the protection period.
There are several conditions that need to be met, as indicated here. If you receive federal government or state of Connecticut benefits you can be eligible. The types of government assistance that qualify include Supplemental Security Income, Aid to the Aged, Blind or Disabled, General Assistance, Medicaid, and others.
Other types of people can qualify for the Winter Protection Plan from the state and United Illuminating as well. People who are unemployed and that are also classified as the head of household can qualify if their income is less than 300% of the poverty guidelines. Residents that have circumstances that threaten deprivation of food and the necessities of life if payment of a delinquent bill is required may qualify for the moratorium. Also individuals who are seriously ill or who has a household member who is faced with a medical condition may be able to get help.
You can sign up for or learn more about the Winter Protection Plan by contacting your local Community Action Agency, or call United Illuminating Company for more information and details.
LIHEAP in the state is known as the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP). Low income, working poor, and income qualified customers can get help with paying their United Illuminating bills, with a focus on winter heating expenses. Households must plan to pay a part of the bill themselves and this government resource will not pay the full amount of every bill that someone owes.
If you are a UI customer, if electricity is your primary source of heat during the winter and you qualify for CEAP, government grants and funds can pay part of your winter heating bills. Even if your utility bills are included as part of your rent, you may still qualify.
Your local Community Action Agency will accept applications for this low income energy assistance program on behalf of United Illuminating. You can apply starting in October, and applications will be processed up until all money has been allocated. Or call social services at 1-800-842-1132.
Many people who sign up for CEAP will also qualify for weatherization, which is a free energy conservation program. Low income families can receive free upgrades and improvements to their home to help them save money on their United Illuminating bills. The conservation measures, such as insulation, window sealing, and more, are offered at no cost to qualified families.
Veterans can apply for the Soldiers', Sailors' and Marines' Fund, which can give limited financial assistance to veterans as well as members of their household who are residents of Connecticut, regardless of who their energy company is. Not only can veterans receive assistance, but also their spouses and anyone who is living with the military member at the time of the veteran's death may be able to qualify. Dependent children under the age 18 may also benefit. For more information on this program and how it can help with your UI bills, dial (860) 296-0719.
Contact information for assistance
A wide variety of free energy conservation measures and financial resources can be provided. Call 800.722.5584 for details.
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