UI, SCG Offer In-Person Support to Customers for Enrollment in Assistance Programs
Customers are invited to attend Thursday’s event in Bridgeport to learn about and enroll in assistance programs as temperatures begin to drop
ORANGE, Conn. — October 29, 2025 — Today, United Illuminating (UI) and Southern Connecticut Gas (SCG), subsidiaries of Avangrid, Inc., announced they will hold an event on Thursday, October 30 in Bridgeport to enroll qualifying customers in payment assistance programs. Representatives from UI and SCG will be on-site to help local families manage their utility bills ahead of November’s Heating Assistance Awareness Month. To determine eligibility and enroll in available assistance programs, customers should bring with them benefits program and household income documentation.
“Heating Assistance Awareness Month is a timely reminder that as temperatures are starting to drop, many families face the challenge of managing their energy bills,” said Frank Reynolds, President & CEO of UI and SCG. “At UI and SCG, we are committed to helping our customers keep the lights and heat on. These customer enrollment events create an opportunity for customers to seek assistance in-person and enroll in programs they may qualify for. We look forward to connecting with the community in Bridgeport this week and invite anyone interested in assistance programs to join us.”
This event will take place at the Alliance for Community Empowerment (1070 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604) on Thursday, October 30 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. Representatives of UI and SCG, as well as the Community Action Agency, will be on-site to answer questions and help customers enroll in-person for assistance programs. Attendees will also learn about how home energy solutions can increase the energy efficiency of homes for additional savings.
“As colder weather sets in and evenings are getting darker, we are focused on reminding customers of all of the assistance programs we offer to lower bills, provide flexibility for payments, and protect you from electric and gas shutoff,” said Tracey Pelella, Vice President of Customer Service at UI and SCG. “Representatives from UI and SCG are going into the community to provide in-person support and education on the wide range of programs available. We are here for our customers year-round and hope families take advantage of these resources to get the help they need.”
Assistance programs include:
Winter Protection Program: For eligible customers who qualify for financial hardship, UI and SCG will not turn off their electricity or gas between November 1 and May 1. The Winter Protection Plan must be renewed annually, beginning in October. To prevent your service from being shut off after May 1, contact UI or SCG to set up a payment arrangement.
Low-Income Discount Rate (LIDR): The low-income discount rate, available for UI customers only, can help lower qualifying customers' electric bills by offering a 10% (Tier 1) or 50% (Tier 2) discount on their monthly charges. For example, a customer whose monthly charges totaled $100 would receive a $10 or $50 discount on each monthly bill.
Matching Payment Program (MPP): Available to residential customers, this program is designed to help lower energy bills for those who can demonstrate financial hardship. UI and SCG will match every dollar paid by customers or on their behalf, up to a zero balance.
Flexible Payment Arrangements: Available to all residential customers, regardless of financial status. Customers can pay past-due balances over a period of up to 18 months. Current payment arrangements may be renegotiated due to a change in financial circumstances per Conn. Agencies Regs. § 16-3-100(b)(3)(A).
For more information on assistance programs offered, visit UI Help With Bill for UI and SCG Help With Bill for SCG.