HARTFORD— In response to the COVID-19 crisis, Aquarion Water Company of Connecticut has announced enhancements to their Customer Assistance Program that will allow Operation Fuel to assist more Aquarion customers, including small businesses, struggling to pay water bills due to the economic effects of COVID-19.

In January, Aquarion partnered with Operation Fuel and allocated $50,000 for one-time grants to assist customers in need with water bill payments. Now, with many families facing financial crisis because of COVID-19-related job loss or reduced work hours, Aquarion has modified its requirements so more households and small businesses can seek assistance.

“We’re committed to supporting our customers during these difficult and uncertain times,” said Lucy Teixeira, Aquarion vice president of administration. “Due to our expanded partnership with Operation Fuel, we will have a greater impact on those in need of assistance.”

Aquarion’s COVID-19 assistance adjustments include:

*Suspending the requirement for assistance to be income-based, permitting anyone with proven need to apply for a grant.

*Opening the application process to small business owners/operators in addition to homeowners and renters. The account must be in the name of the small business, and applications must be sent to Operation Fuel on business letterhead with a copy of the water bill.

*Waiving the requirement for customers to have made either four payments within the past 12 months or 35 percent of their outstanding balance.

*Extending additional funds beyond $50,000 for the assistance program if needed.

“Aquarion Water Company has a strong track record for proactively meeting the needs of their vulnerable customers,” said Brenda Watson, executive director of Operation Fuel. “It is no surprise to me that they are taking additional steps to alleviate the increased financial burdens brought on by COVID-19 to include the small business community.”

Aquarion customers can visit www.operationfuel.org/aquarion for more information and to download an application.

Operation Fuel provides energy assistance year round throughout Connecticut to lower-income working families and individuals, the elderly, and disabled individuals who are in a financial crisis. For more information on Operation Fuel, or to make a donation, go to www.operationfuel.org

Aquarion Water Company is the public water supply company for more than 625,000 people in 52 cities and towns throughout Connecticut, as well as serving customers in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Aquarion Water Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eversource. For more information on Aquarion Water Company, visit www.aquarionwater.com.