CL&P Offers Winter Shutoff Protection Plan

Connecticut Light & Power Company (CL&P) customers who have trouble paying electric bills this winter can prevent their electricity from being shut off by applying for the company’s Winter Protection Plan.

The Winter Protection Plan protects qualified CL&P customers from utility shutoff between November 1, 1999, and April 15, 2000. Last year there were 1,404 customers in the Newtown district enrolled in the program. Customers who qualify must enroll annually. Anyone who feels they qualify for this protection should contact their local social service agency (270-4330 in Newtown) or present proof of their eligibility to CL&P.

“Our partnership with social service providers continues to help us serve our customers better,” said William J. Stax, general manager of CL&P’s Newtown/New Milford District. “They are a very valuable resource and an important link to our customers with special needs.”

Under the plan, individuals or families classified as hardship customers will not face shutoffs even if they cannot pay their entire bills. However, Timothy W. Clark, CL&P’s credit and collections manager, said that customers are still responsible for paying the bill at the end of the program, so it is in their best interest to pay as much of the bill as possible during the winter months.

“We want to ensure that none of our financially challenged customers suffers through a Connecticut winter without power,” Mr Clark said. “We encourage customers to contact us so we can work together to set up a reasonable payment arrangement and avoid facing a large bill to pay on April 15, 2000.”

Customers must have documentation to substantiate their hardship status. This can include a Medicaid card, a food stamp identification card, an unemployment claim, or other paperwork showing that the customer receives public assistance. There is no application deadline.

A customer must meet one of the following criteria to qualify: he or she is the head of the household and unemployed; is seriously ill or has a household member who is seriously ill; relies solely on financial support from Social Security, the Veterans’ Administration, or unemployment benefits; has a monthly income that falls within the poverty guidelines ranging from $1,030 for a household of one to $2,792 for a family of six; would not be able to buy food and other necessities if payment of a delinquent bill is required; or receives aid from one of the following federal/state assistance programs: aid to the aged, blind or disabled; temporary family assistance; Medicaid; Supplementary Security Income; general assistance (local welfare).

Statewide, the Winter Protection Plan prevented the shutoff of about 33,000 low- or fixed-income customers from November 1, 1998 through April 15, 1999. These customers’ bills amounted to some $13 million. CL&P, the state’s largest utility, serves 1.1 million customers in 149 communities.

CL&P also offers the NUSTART Program which provides payment incentives for customers with a back balance who are receiving energy assistance for their electric bills. NUSTART participants are put on a year-round budget payment plan.

For more information on these programs, or for help in reaching the various social service agencies, call 800/286-2828.

CL&P offers energy conservation ideas and home weatherization free of charge, to help customers lower their electricity bills. To receive these free services, a customer must have a monthly electric bill of $65 or more and a monthly income of $1,373 or less for a family of one; $1,843 or less for a family of two; $2,313 or less for a family of three, and $2,783 or less for a family of four.

CL&P also offers Choices workshops on money management and energy conservation to organizations and groups serving low- and fixed-income customers. To schedule workshops, agencies may call 800/286-5000 and ask for the Regional Community Relations Department serving their area.