The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) of Connecticut has issued a disconnection moratorium for all electricity service, as March 13, 2020. Here’s what that means for your electricity bill payment.
Will my Connecticut Electricity be disconnected if I can’t pay my bill?
The PURA disconnection moratorium for Connecticut means your utility company won’t shut off your power if you can’t pay your electricity bill.
In addition, the two major electric utilities in Connecticut, Eversource and United Illuminating, are waiving all late fees.
If you can make a payment towards your electricity bill, you should continue to do so. That’s because once the moratorium is lifted, the utility companies will start issuing disconnection notices.
State law requires that the utility company give you 13 days notice that your power will be shut off. But once you receive that notice, you’ll need to make the minimum payment due amount to keep your lights on.
That’s why the best way to manage your electricity bill during the COVID-19 Pandemic is to work with your electric utility to set up a payment arrangement.
The information below tells you how to set up a payment arrangement with Eversource or United Illuminating.
Note: bookmark this page! We’ll update this information regularly, so you know when the disconnection moratorium is lifted.
Can I get bill payment assistance for my Eversource Connecticut electricity bill?
While disconnections and late fees have been suspended, you’re still accruing a debt. And since Eversource is the only utility company in your area, once the disconnection moratorium is lifted, you will need to make a payment arrangement.
If you can’t pay your Eversource electricity bill due to COVID-19 job loss or low income, you can apply for a payment plan.
Eversource has made it easy to request a payment plan. There are two ways to apply for a payment plan:
- Online through Eversource Customer Portal
- By phone: 800-286-2828 (residential) or 800-682-3637 (business)
These COVID-19 special payment plans include no down payment. Payment plans are available to any Eversource Connecticut customer with a past-due amount.
Can I get bill payment assistance for my United Illuminating Connecticut electricity bill?
You are still building up a balance on your electricity bill, even if your account will not be disconnected, and you won’t have late charges. You’ll want to keep in touch with United Illuminating to make sure you have a plan in place.
United Illuminating will work with you to set up a payment plan. To set up an electricity payment plan with United Illuminating:
- Online through United Illuminating My Account
- By phone: 800-722-5584
What public assistance programs for electric bills are available in CT?
Both Avangrid (parent company of United Illuminating) and Eversource have each donated $2 million to community support programs in the areas they serve.
The 4-CT Statewide COVID-19 Relief Fund or the Connecticut United Way’s COVID Response Fund will manage most of this funding.
Additional resources may be available through Operation Fuel, if you meet certain low income requirements.
Your local utility company may have additional resources available, through funds donated by other customers in your area.
How can I keep my electricity bill low during COVID-19 quarantine?
Schools are closed, offices are closed, and everyone other than essential personnel is home. That means your electricity bill will go up. Some experts predict your bill could go up 5% or more.
Here are some simple ways to keep your electricity bill low while you are home during the COVID-19 Quarantine.
- If it’s still cold out, set the thermostat on 65* and put on a sweater. Set your HVAC at 75-78* and use ceiling fans to stay cool if it’s hot out.
- Let the sun shine in! The sun can help warm your house, plus serve as free lighting. Sunlight also makes the mood happier.
- Use a power strip for your home office and turn everything off at the end of the day.
- Use your extra time to do a DIY home energy audit.
- Check the rate on your electricity bill. If you have an alternative supplier, make sure you are not on an off-contract variable rate. Those rates can be 30-50% higher than the price to compare or supplier rates. Compare your current price to the Connecticut electricity rates offered on ElectricityPlans.com.
- If you are not with an alternative supplier, consider shopping for your electricity supply. Compare your utility price to compare vs. Direct Energy’s Live Brighter. You may be able to save on your electricity bill.
For more ideas, see these tips:
12 Ways to Reduce Electricity Costs (2020 Update)
9 Ways to Save on Electricity While Working from Home.
Shop for the Best Electricity Rate for Your Connecticut Home
Electricity Payment Scams and COVID-19: Beware!
As with any time of crisis, there are scammers out there trying to take advantage of consumers. Both Eversource and United Illuminating have issued scam alerts. Here are some of the common scams and how to protect yourself.
- Currently, no electricity accounts in Connecticut will be disconnected for non-payment. You can bookmark this page and check back to see when the disconnection moratorium will end.
- Your utility company will never call and require you to make an immediate payment with a a pre-pay card, such as a Green Dot MoneyPak, Vanilla or Reloadit.
- Your utility will never call you and demand immediate payment to avoid shutoff, without prior notification.
- Shutoff notices will always come to you via U.S. Mail, with specific information on how to make payment arrangements.
- Your utility will never require you to go to a specific payment center, such as a grocery store, to make payment in person.
