From AARP CT:
With the falling temperatures and colder winter months ahead, AARP Connecticut is raising awareness among Eversource Energy and United Illuminating consumers of changes to standard service generation rates that become effective January 1, 2024 through June 30, 2024.
The new electric supply rates in effect for residential electric standard service customers beginning on January 1, 2024 will be:
· The Eversource standard service rate will be 14.71 cents per kilowatt hour, up from 13.82 cents.
· The United Illuminating standard service rate will be 17.06 cents, up from 14.33 cents.
Utility rates are an essential pocketbook issue for all Connecticut residents – which already pay among the highest utility rates in the continental US – and with New England’s cold winters, many people 50-plus worry about paying their fuel bills.
“It’s the biggest issue with our members because utilities take up a larger percentage of their fixed income” said AARP Connecticut Senior Advocacy Director John Erlingheuser. “Too often, older residents must choose between paying their utility bill and other necessities such as food and medicine. For some, that means dangerously cutting their prescription pills in half or turning down their heat to save money.”
The winter heating season can be a financial challenge for many. There is help and knowing about the various fuel-assistance programs available is vital. AARP also encourages participation in assistance and weatherization programs that are available to many residents. AARP offers the following tips and information to help with utility expenses in Connecticut.
Low-Income Discount Rate
Some Connecticut residents may be eligible for a discounted electric rate as part of the new Low-Income Discount Rate program established by the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority in 2022. Qualifying consumers can receive a 10% (Tier 1) or 50% (Tier 2) discount on their monthly electric charges. AARP Connecticut encourages residents who are struggling to pay their electric bills to contact their electric distributor (United Illuminating at 800-722-5584 or Eversource at 800-286-2828) about the low income discount rate and other options to help make ends meet Similar changes are under consideration for natural gas and may provide relief to low-income families in the future.
Apply for Home Energy Assistance
Low-income customers may be eligible to receive heating assistance benefits via the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP). In addition, customers may also qualify for heating shut-off protections, become eligible to sign up for a payment plan, or receive free heating equipment replacement repairs. households that heat with deliverable fuels like oil or propane may be eligible for multiple free tank fills.Residents can learn more about CEAP, including a variety of additional programs available, on the Connecticut Department of Social Services homepage or by calling 1-855-626-6632. The CEAP application deadline is May 31, 2024. Residents can also contact their local Community Action Agency (CAA) with questions or if they prefer to apply in-person or over the phone.
Home Energy Solutions
Taking steps to improve the energy efficiency of the home can be an easy way to lower an energy bill that’s also good for the environment, and even make the home more comfortable. Home Energy Solutions offers on-the-spot services to homeowners and renters for immediate savings. Home Energy Solutions, available to eligible customers at no-cost for a limited time, empowers residents with suggestions and resources for deeper savings that may include up to 100% off approved insulation projects that were recommended during the visit. Additional information about this program and more can be found at energizect.com/your-home/find-a-solution.
Operation Fuel
With a primary purpose to provide year-round emergency energy assistance to every city and town in Connecticut, Operation Fuel fills the gap for our state’s most vulnerable residents, within available funds – children, senior citizens, working families, and people with chronic medical conditions. Before applying for Operation Fuel assistance, customers need to gather proof of the last four weeks of income for all household members, the name of their fuel vendor (for deliverable fuel customers), or a utility bill and payment history (for electric, gas, and water customers). Learn more at www.operationfuel.org or by calling 860-243-2345.
Enroll in Budget Billing
To avoid seasonal increases and other price spikes, some utility companies allow customers to spread costs throughout the year by basing monthly payments on a household’s annual usage. Residents should contact their electric and natural gas companies for more information.Check Eligibility for Assistance Programs
Customers can contact their electric and natural gas distribution companies to learn more about company-specific assistance that may be available. Some utilities have customer assistance, usage reduction, and hardship programs, which may be run by community organizations.
