All gas and electric utilities are required to offer payment plans to help customers who face difficulties paying their bills.

Payment Information for Low-Income Customers

Low-income electric and gas customers have several assistance options:

Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP): Low-income customers should apply for energy assistance either online or by contacting their local CAA. Visit https://portal.ct.gov/heatinghelp/connecticut-energy-assistance-program-ceap for more information. Energy assistance will be applied to the heating utility or oil vendor. MPP will match CEAP assistance.

Low Income Discount Rate (LIDR): for low-income electric utility customers with a hardship designation on their account. Currently, Tier 1 is for customers earning 60% of the state median income and reduces a customer’s electric bill by 10% each month. Tier 2 is for customers earning 160% of the federal poverty guidelines and reduces a customer’s electric bill by 50% each month. In 2025, the LIDR will be expanded to five tiers with discounts between 5% and 50%.  Customers should contact Eversource (800-286-2828) or UI (800-442-5004) to see if they qualify.

Matching Payment Plan (MPP): for electric and gas customers with a financial hardship designation and a past due balance of $100 for more than 60 days may enroll in MPP. With this program, the utilities will match every dollar you pay and every dollar you receive from the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) or other assistance programs. Check with your utility regarding MPP if you are a customer with a financial hardship designation and a past due balance. 

Flexible Payment Arrangements

There are payment arrangements available to all customers regardless of income or hardship designation. All gas and electric utilities must offer residential customers a flexible payment arrangement with a regulated down payment and an optional 18-month time frame.

Aquarion and Connecticut Water also offer low-income assistance. Contact each of your utilities to ask what assistance is right for you.