BERLIN — With the start of a new year, Eversource is reminding customers of the various options available to help them manage their energy bills with financial assistance, flexible payment plans, and energy efficiency programs. The company is hosting several free, in-person events for residential customers on January 20 and 22. Advanced registration is required at eversource.com/billhelp and customers should bring their energy bills and proof of income or benefits, e.g., pay stubs, budget sheets, or assistance letters. Eversource customer care representatives will provide details on programs to reduce unpaid balances with affordable monthly payments, protection from service disconnection, extended payment plans, and energy efficiency programs available to help lower monthly energy bills. Payment plan enrollment and participation prevents service shutoff year-round and allows customers to catch up on their energy bill.

Eversource Vice President of Customer Operations and Assistance Programs Jess Cain said, “We understand the effect high energy prices can have on our customers, particularly those facing difficult financial circumstances, and we want to help if they’re struggling to pay their energy bill.” Cain added, “This is a chance for customers to talk in person with a customer care representative about the variety of programs we offer that can help them manage their energy bill and reduce energy usage. They’ll also help customers determine if they’re eligible for energy assistance and help them fill out the application.”

Eversource encourages customers to enroll in one of its payment plans or assistance programs if they need help with their energy bill.

Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) customers can apply to get up to $645 towards their heating bill from CEAP and get a bigger match from the Matching Payment Program. Apply for CEAP online at ct.gov/heatinghelp or through a local Community Action Agency (CAA). Find a local CAA at www.211ct.org or call 211.

The Matching Payment Program (MPP) can lower the amount customers owe on energy bills. For every dollar they pay and every dollar they receive from the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program, a dollar will be subtracted from the amount they owe. For example, if a customer owes $500 and makes their monthly MPP payment of $50 and receives $100 from CEAP that same month, they will receive a match for both payments. So, the matched amount will reduce their overdue balance by $150.

An electric bill discount is available to customers if they provide proof of qualifying household income or public assistance benefits they receive for at least one household member. Customers may be eligible for up to a 50% discount off their monthly electric bill. For example, if they qualify for the 50% discount and have a $100 monthly bill, it would be $50 less.

Payment plans are available to all customers to pay their past-due balance over a period of time. Residential customers with active service may be eligible for payment plans of up to 18 months.

Budget billing plans are also available and can help customers avoid seasonal spikes on their energy bill by paying a level amount each month based on their average annual usage.

Winter protection is available when customers provide proof of qualifying household income or public assistance benefits they receive for at least one household member; their service cannot be shut off between November 1 and May 1. Customers should check the state’s income guidelines to see if they qualify.

Energy efficiency can help customers lower their energy bills. Find energy-saving solutions at eversource.com/home-savings.

Free bill help events are scheduled for:

*Tuesday, January 20, 11 am-noon, at Bishops Corner Senior Center, 15 Starkel Road, West Hartford

*Thursday, January 22, 4 pm-7 pm, Human Resources Agency of New Britain, 180 Clinton St, New Britain