CL&P Offers Winter Shutoff Protection

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

The plan will be in effect from November 1 through April 15.

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

“We encourage customers to contact us so we can work together to set up a reasonable payment arrangement and avoid a large bill to pay on April 15,” he said.

Those customers who feel they might qualify for shutoff protection should first contact the local social service department, 270-4330 in Newtown. The agency can help them in a variety of ways including qualifying them for the Winter Protection Plan. 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 CL&P customer must meet one of the following criteria to qualify:

* Receives Aid to the Aged, Blind, or Disabled; Temporary Family Assistance; Medicaid; Supplemental Security Income (SSI); General Assistance (local welfare).

* Relies solely on financial support from the Social Security Administration, the Veterans’ Administration, or unemployment compensation benefits.

* Is the head of the household and is unemployed.

* Is seriously ill or has a household member who is seriously ill.

* Has a family income that falls within the poverty guidelines of $1,043 for an individual; $1,406 for a couple; $1,768 for a family of three; $2,131 for four, $2,493 for five, and $2,856 for a family of six.

* Would not be able to buy food and other necessities if payment of a delinquent bill is required. Financial disclosure is required.

The Winter Protection Plan prevented the shutoff of about 30,000 low- or fixed-income customers last year. These customers’ bills amounted to some $8.5 million, according to CL&P.

CL&P also offers a NUSTART program which provides payment incentives for customers receiving assistance for their electric bills. NUSTART participants set up a budget and year-round payment plan, and a portion of their delinquent balance is forgiven for each month they pay a bill. CL&P offers specialized arrangements for other delinquent customers to allow affordable payment options.

For more information on these programs call 800/286-2828.

CL&P also offers free residential weatherization and energy conservation education to help low-income customers lower their electricity bills. Those who meet the income criteria can receive such free services as attic and sidewall insulation, weather stripping, caulking, and furnace replacement. For more information on this program call 800/286-2000.