During the Winter Moratorium, the Winter Protection Program protects residential electric and gas customers with a financial hardship designation from shut off if they fail to pay their entire bill. Households receiving another benefit from DSS will be automatically designated financial hardship. Those not receiving benefits from DSS but believing they are eligible may submit income information directly to their utility or their community action agency.
Winter Moratorium Legislation
The terms of the Winter Moratorium are defined by:
- Connecticut General Statutes Section 16-262c(b)(1)
- Conn. Agencies Regs. Section 16-3-100
Electricity
Connecticut General Statutes Section16-262c(b)(1)) for electric services:
From November first through May first, no electric distribution company, no electric supplier and no municipal utility furnishing electricity shall terminate, deny or refuse to reinstate residential electric service in hardship cases where the customer lacks the financial resources to pay his or her entire account.
Gas
Connecticut General Statutes Section 16-262c(b)(1) for gas services states:
From November first to May first, inclusive, no gas company and no municipal utility furnishing gas shall terminate, deny or refuse to reinstate residential gas service in hardship cases where the customer uses gas for heat and lacks the financial resources to pay his or her entire account.