Medical Protection/Financial Hardship Accounts and Alternate Electricity Suppliers

As of January 1, 2024, if you have an account with medical protection or financial hardship you can shop for, and enroll with, an alternate electricity supplier if the rate is at or below our Standard Service rate (Rate R customers) or Standard Service Off-Peak rate (Rate RT customers).

If at any time your alternate supplier’s rate is higher than our rates, your account will automatically be transferred to the lower Standard Service rate, as required by the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) and CT General Statute § 16-245o(m). You will not be charged early termination penalties or any other fees. You should only be charged for the electricity you receive from the alternate supplier — and only up to the date your account is transferred to our Standard Service rate.

If you are on our Standard Service rate, you may transfer to an alternate electricity supplier at any time if the rate is at or below our Standard Service rate (Rate R) or Standard Service Off-Peak rate (Rate RT).
 

Why can’t I stay on the rate from the alternate electricity supplier I’ve chosen?
Customers with medical protection and hardship accounts can shop for electricity supply. However, alternate suppliers’ rates must at or below our Standard Service rate (Rate R) or Standard Service Off-Peak rate (Rate RT), per the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) and CT General Statute § 16-245o(m). 

In many instances, customers sign alternate electricity service contracts without realizing their rate can increase over time. Automatically transferring your account to our Standard Service rate when it is lower than your alternate supplier helps protect you from paying higher rates.
 

I currently have a contract with an alternate electricity supplier. Will my contract be cancelled?
If your electricity supplier’s rate is at or below our Standard Service rate (Rate R) or Standard Service Off-Peak rate (Rate RT), your contract will not be cancelled. This will only occur when our rates are lower than an alternate supplier’s.
 

Will I be charged cancellation fees?
If your contract is cancelled and your account is switched to our Standard Service rate, your alternate electricity supplier cannot charge early termination penalties or any other fees, per CT Public Act 21-117. 

You should only be charged for the electricity you receive from the alternate supplier — and only up to the date your account is transferred to our Standard Service rate.
 

I recently signed a contract with my electric supplier. Will my pending enrollment still be suspended?
If your electricity supplier’s rate is at or below our Standard Service rate (Rate R) or Standard Service Off-Peak rate (Rate RT), your enrollment will not be suspended. 

If the rate from the alternate electricity supplier is above our rates, we will automatically suspend your enrollment and cancel your contract. Your account will then be transferred to our Standard Service rate. 

Your electricity supplier cannot charge early termination penalties or any other fees, per CT Public Act 21-117. 
 

How will I know my account has been transferred to the Standard Service Rate?
You will receive a letter from us and your former supplier. You will also see a message on your bill alerting you of the change.
 

What if I enroll/am enrolled on Direct Bill from the alternate supplier?
If you choose to enroll in Direct Bill from an alternate electricity supplier, your account will not be transferred to our Standard Service rate, regardless of whether it is lower or not, as you do not receive a bill from us for supply. 
 

What if my account status changes and my account no longer has medical protection or financial hardship?
If the medical protection or financial hardship code is removed from your account, you may enroll with an alternate electricity supplier of your choice, regardless of whether their rate is higher or lower than ours.
 

Can I opt-out of a medical protection or hardship status so I can choose a different supplier?
Yes, you can find the form to fill out and send back to us here; however, certain protection, payment plans and assistance programs may no longer be available. Please read the letter to understand your options before you fill out the form.