UI, SCG and CNG Offer Assistance With Bills and Overdue Balances

ORANGE, Conn. — Dec. 2, 2020 — United Illuminating (UI), Southern Connecticut Gas (SCG) and Connecticut Natural Gas (CNG) urged customers facing financial challenges to get in touch and inquire about programs that could help them manage bills, pay down overdue balances and avoid service disconnection.

Any customers experiencing difficulty paying their utility bill should contact our call center to inquire about being coded hardship. Any customers ineligible for hardship status, including both residential and nonresidential customers, should ask about the COVID-19 Payment Program.

UI, SCG and CNG offer a variety of programs to help customers manage bills, control energy costs and avoid loss of service. These include:

COVID-19 Payment Program: Available to any UI, SCG or CNG customer through Feb. 9, 2021, this program allows up to 24 months to pay down overdue bill balances, with no interest, penalty or down-payment. Customers who make the agreed-upon payments are protected from service disconnection for the duration of the program.

Arrearage Forgiveness Program (Matching Payment Program): Available to residential UI electric heating customers, as well as residential SCG and CNG gas heating customers, who meet state income guidelines to qualify for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program. Combined with public assistance benefits, monthly payments can be reduced to as little as $50. Customers who make payments for the duration of the program phase are protected from service disconnection, and the company will match the customer payments, plus energy assistance received, to reduce the balance owed down to zero. Enroll by calling the company, or visit 211ct.org to find a local Community Action Agency and apply for state energy assistance funds.

UI Matching Payment Plan: Available to UI residential customers who can demonstrate financial hardship and have a balance of at least $500 that is 90 days or more in arrears. In this program, the customer agrees to a fixed monthly budget amount, and the company matches payments down to a zero balance.

Medical Protection: Available to residential gas heating or electric customers if they or a household family member have a serious or life-threatening medical condition. This program protects against service disconnection for up to one year. Customers are still responsible for any balance owed. To enroll, call the company and provide the Customer Care Representative with the name and date of birth of the patient, as well as the name, phone and fax number of the physician. The company will contact the physician to provide certification of the medical hardship.

Energy-Saving Solutions: Available to any qualifying UI, SCG or CNG customer who wants to reduce their energy usage for more affordable bills.

  • Energy Analyzer: Displays a breakdown of your usage and offers tips to help you save. Visit the company’s website to learn more.
  • Home Energy Solutions: Offers an energy assessment and weatherization service for your home. Currently available to residential customers at no cost. Call 877.947.3873 (877.WISE.USE) or visit for information.
  • Business Solutions: Work with our energy experts to find ways to save on energy and lighting. Visit the UI, SCG or CNG website and click “Smart Energy.”

Manage Electricity Supply Costs: Visit energizect.com or call 877.947.3873 (877.WISE.USE) to compare generation rates. Be sure to check terms and conditions. Your supplier and rate can be found on your electricity bill. Not available to customers enrolled in income-based hardship programs.

Contact Information:

United Illuminating
uinet.com
800.722.5584 (800.7.CALLUI)

Southern Connecticut Gas
soconngas.com
800.659.8299

Connecticut Natural Gas
cngcorp.com
860.524.8361 (Hartford area)
203.869.6900 (Greenwich)\

Note: This news release was issued pursuant to Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority Docket No. 20-03-15, Motion No. 9, Order No. 39.

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