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CL&P Offers Heat Assistance Programs

BY DOROTHY EVANS

With the expected onset of cold winter weather, Connecticut Light and Power

(CL&P) is making plans to assist low and fixed-income customers with their

winter energy bills.

The company estimates that as many as 1,527 customers in the Greater Danbury

area may be eligible for these programs.

"You can feel confident in knowing that you will not lose your electric

service between November 1 and April 15. We do not want to shut off service,"

said utility spokesman Margo Jackson-Douglas, following an October 28 meeting

of Danbury area representatives at the Holiday Inn.

"We know that people have different economic circumstances," Ms

Jackson-Douglas said, "and we want to work with our customers. If they can try

to keep up each month by making smaller payments, then they won't be faced

with a huge bill in April," she added.

Under its Winter Protection Program, CL&P will not terminate service to

qualified customers who have problems paying their electric bills during the

winter months.

This program applies to customers whose income is $1,666 a month or less for a

family of three people. That figure is considered to be 150 percent below the

federal poverty level.

The Winter Protection Program also applies to customers who are seriously ill,

whose only source of support is Social Security or who depend solely on

veterans' benefits.

Certain households that depend upon unemployment compensation benefits may

qualify as well, and, in each case, varying payment categories can be

arranged, Ms Jackson-Douglas said.

Those who think they might qualify for the CL&P Winter Protection Program, or

for the federal and state funded Fuel Assistance Program, should contact the

local Community Action Committee of Danbury (CACD) satellite office at 66

North Street and ask for Fran Catellaro (203/748-5422).