UI, SCG, CNG Implement Changes to Low-Income Discount Rate
Based on total household income and other factors, customers may qualify for discounts on electric and gas bills ranging from 5% to 50%
ORANGE, Conn. — August 3, 2026 — United Illuminating (UI), Connecticut Natural Gas (CNG), and Southern Connecticut Gas (SCG), subsidiaries of Avangrid, Inc., today announced changes to the discount tiers in the Low-Income Discount Rate (LIDR), effective August 3, following direction from the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA). Qualifying UI customers will now receive a discount based on a five-tiered system, with discounts of 5 percent, 15 percent, 20 percent, 40 percent, and 50 percent. SCG and CNG are launching LIDR with a single-tier system offering a 10 percent discount for qualifying customers. Eligibility and tier placement are determined by total household size and income, and/or participation in an eligible benefits program by at least one member of the household.
“Helping customers manage their energy costs is a priority,” said Frank Reynolds, President and CEO of UI, SCG, and CNG. “As we implement these program enhancements, our focus remains on making it easy for customers to access the support available to them. We encourage anyone who may qualify for assistance to reach out to us so we can connect them with programs and resources that can help meet their needs.”
The following chart outlines an abbreviated version of each of the five tiers offered in UI’s LIDR, based on a sample four-person household:
Tier and Qualifying Discount |
Total Household Income (Sample Four-Person Household) |
State/Federal Program Participation |
Tier 1 – 5 percent discount |
$91,854 (Up to 60 percent of State Median Income) |
ALMB/SLMB, Husky B Band 1, Husky B Prenatal, Husky A Pregnant/Postpartum, Husky C Long Term Services and Supports, Special/Limited Medical Benefit, CEAP Level 3 |
Tier 2 – 15 percent discount |
$67,837 (Up to 160 percent Federal Poverty Guidelines) |
SNAP, CEAP Level 2, Husky A Children, QMB (lowest $ Medicare Savings Program) |
Tier 3 – 20 percent discount |
$51,440 |
Husky D, Husky A Parents |
Tier 4 – 40 percent discount |
$40,188 |
CEAP Level 1 |
Tier 5 – 50 percent discount |
$32,150 |
Temporary Family Assistance, Refugee Assistance, Husky C (non-LTSS), SAGA, State Supplement |
Additional qualifying income levels based on household size can be found at Low-Income Discount Rate - UI.
Customers who are actively enrolled in UI’s former two-tier LIDR will be automatically moved into the new five-tier LIDR based on their total household income and benefits program participation. If the customer’s discount level changes based on the new system, they will receive a letter advising them of their new tier. Customers who are not enrolled in LIDR, but believe they may qualify, can find more information at Low-Income Discount Rate - UI. They may also call UI directly at 800.722.5584 or contact their local Community Action Agency.
SCG and CNG customers eligible for LIDR receive a 10% discount on monthly charges. Income guidelines based on household size can be found at Low-Income Discount Rate - SCG and Low-Income Discount Rate - CNG. Customers can reach SCG at 800.659.8299 and CNG at 860.524.8361.
To speak with a Customer Service Representative in person, customers are invited to attend UI and SCG’s next in-person customer assistance event at West Haven City Hall on Thursday, August 20 from 2 – 4 PM. At the event, representatives will provide information on available assistance programs and assist customers with applying for LIDR and qualifying programs. Customers interested in enrolling in financial hardship and qualifying programs will need to bring their electric/gas bills, account number, and any documentation that applies to their situation. For more information on assistance programs offered, please visit Help With Your Bill | United Illuminating - UI, Help With Bill - SCG, or Help With Bill - CNG.
Additional assistance programs include:
Program |
Details |
Winter Protection Program |
Available to all residential customers who qualify. Eligible customers will not have their service turned off between November 1 and May 1. |
Matching Payment Program (MPP) |
Available to residential customers, this program is designed to help lower energy bills for those who can demonstrate financial hardship. The companies 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). |
Media Contact:
Angela Baccaro