SCG, UI and CNG Offer Extended Enrollment for COVID Payment Program Billing Arrangements

ORANGE, Conn. — Nov. 6, 2020 — In keeping with new orders issued by Connecticut’s Public Utilities Regulatory Authority, Southern Connecticut Gas (SCG) United Illuminating (UI) and Connecticut Natural Gas (CNG) have extended the enrollment period for the COVID-19 Payment Program, which allows customers to repay accumulated bill balances over an extended period with generous terms. Customers facing financial challenges may also quality for arrearage forgiveness, matching payment plans and other assistance programs and should call the company to discuss them.

The COVID-19 Payment Program was introduced by PURA in April to help utility customers pay down overdue bill balances they may have accumulated due to financial impacts of the pandemic. The enrollment period had been scheduled to end Oct. 31 for residential customers and Sept. 30 for non-residential customers. However, in keeping with the recent regulatory order, the companies will continue to take enrollment through Feb. 9, 2021.

Any SCG, UI or CNG customer can enroll in the COVID Payment Program by calling the company to establish a payment arrangement. The program allows up to 24 months to pay off overdue bill balances, with no interest, penalty or down-payment. Customers who make the agreed-to payments are protected from disconnection for the duration of the program.

Customers who are facing financial hardships and are unable to pay their bills should call the company to learn about programs and services that may be able to help them manage bills, reduce energy costs and avoid service disconnection. These include:

Arrearage Forgiveness Program (Matching Payment Program): Available to residential UI electric heating customers, as well as residential SCG and CNG gas customers, who meet state income guidelines to qualify for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program. Combined with public assistance benefits, monthly payments can be reduced as low as $50. Customers who make payments for the duration of the program phase are protected from service disconnection, and the company will match the customer payments, plus energy assistance received, to reduce the balance owed down to zero. Enroll by calling the company, or visit 211ct.org to find a local Community Action Agency and apply for state energy assistance funds.

UI Matching Payment Plan: Available to UI residential customers who can demonstrate financial hardship and have a balance of at least $500 that is 90 days or more in arrears. In this program, the customer agrees to a fixed monthly budget amount, and the company matches payments down to a zero balance.

Medical Protection: Available to residential gas heating or electric customers if they or a household family member have a serious or life-threatening medical condition. This program protects against service disconnection for up to one year. Customers are still responsible for any balance owed. To enroll, call the company and provide the Customer Care Representative with the name and date of birth of the patient, as well as the name, phone and fax number of the physician. The company will contact the physician to provide certification of the medical hardship.

Energy-Saving Solutions: Available to any qualifying SCG, UI or CNG customer who wants to reduce their energy usage for more affordable bills.

  • Energy Analyzer: Displays a breakdown of your usage and offers tips to help you save. Visit the company’s website to learn more.
  • Home Energy Solutions: Offers an energy assessment and weatherization service for your home. Currently available to residential customers at no cost. Call 877.947.3873 (877.WISE.USE) or visit for information.
  • Business Solutions: Work with our energy experts to find ways to save on energy and lighting. Visit the UI, SCG or CNG website and click “Smart Energy.”

Manage Electricity Supply Costs: Visit energizect.com or call 877.947.3873 (877.WISE.USE) to compare generation rates. Be sure to check terms and conditions. Your supplier and rate can be found on your electricity bill. Not available to customers enrolled in income-based hardship programs.

Southern Connecticut Gas
soconngas.com
800.659.8299

United Illuminating
uinet.com
800.722.5584 (800.7.CALLUI)

Connecticut Natural Gas
cngcorp.com
860.524.8361 (Hartford area)
203.869.6900 (Greenwich)

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