UI, SCG Offer Local Support with In-Person Payment Assistance Event in West Haven

Customers are invited to attend Thursday’s event in West Haven to receive help navigating payment assistance options 

 

ORANGE, Conn. — August 18, 2026 — United Illuminating (UI) and Southern Connecticut Gas (SCG), subsidiaries of Avangrid, Inc., today announced they are holding a customer enrollment event on Thursday, August 20 from 2-4 p.m. in West Haven. Qualifying customers will have the opportunity to receive in-person support to learn about and enroll in various payment assistance programs to manage monthly utility bills. 

 

“We are committed to meeting customers where they are and making it easier to access the help available,” said Frank Reynolds, President & CEO of UI and SCG. “At a time when affordability is on everyone’s minds, we want customers to know they don’t have to navigate these challenges alone. A conversation with our team can make a meaningful difference, and we are proud to offer this support in the community.” 

 

The event will be held at West Haven City Hall (355 Main Street, West Haven, CT 06516) on Thursday, August 20 from 2-4 p.m. Representatives from UI and SCG will be on-site to answer questions and help customers enroll in-person for assistance programs to help them manage their utility bills. To determine eligibility and enroll in available programs, customers should bring with them benefits program and household income documentation. 

  

“We want to take every opportunity possible to remind customers of the assistance programs that can lower bills, provide payment flexibility, and protect you from service shutoff,” said Willa Hightower, Vice President of Customer Service at UI and SCG. “Our teams are out in the community to provide in‑person support and answer questions to help individuals and families enroll in these critical programs. We encourage anyone who may need assistance to stop by our event in West Haven this week and take advantage of the resources available.” 

 

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. 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 can help lower qualifying customers' utility bills by offering a 5% to 50% discount on their monthly charges for UI customers and a 10% discount for SCG customers. 

  • 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.