Emergency Energy Assistance
This program is to provide funds for emergency needs for deliverable fuel, energy bills, assistance to lower your bill through programs run by the utility companies and to assist during a financial crisis, such as a job loss or a medical emergency.
All payments are made directly to the vendors. The primary goal is to ultimately remedy people’s payment difficulties by negotiating and creating workable payment plans with the utility company or fuel provider.
Applications are accepted at any time during the year. Call Community Services at 860-628-3761 to make an appointment.
You will need the following at your appointment:
- Proof of residency
- Proof of current income for every adult in the household
- All complete current bank statements
Southington Community Services can also assist you in getting on New Start, Matching Payment Plan and/or the Winter Protection Plan.
NEW START:
This program is designed to help low and fixed-income Eversource customers maintain year-wound electric service. Through New Start, customers can reduce and even eliminate their past-due balance if they pay an agreed-upon budgeted amount on time, each month. The New Start program is designed to give a fresh start to qualified Eversource customers. Your budgeted amount is based on your usage.
To be eligible you must:
- Have applied for and been granted energy assistance
- Have a past-due balance of $100 or more on an Eversource bill, which is 60 days or more overdue
- Have a gross income at or below 60% of the state median income. Click here to see if you are eligible.
- Have not been dropped from New Start for nonpayment within the past 12 months
- Make all agreed upon budgeted monthly payments on time
This program is for customers that have natural gas as a heating source for their residency. The Matching Payment Program reduces your payments, if you have been approved for “hardship” status.
To be eligible you must:
- Have a gross income at or below 60% of the state median income. Click here to see if you are eligible.
- Not miss a payment during Phase 1 (November 1 through May 1). If a payment is missed, you can make up the payment, but it must be received by May 1st.
- Not miss a payment during Phase 2 (May 2nd through October 31st). If two payments are missed during Phase 2, you will be removed from the program
- Apply from November 1st and May 1st
WINTER PROTECTION PROGRAM:
This program is for customers that can’t pay their utility bills and need to keep their power on from November 1st to May 1st. You are encouraged to pay as much of the bill as possible during the winter months. The Winter Protection Program is renewed each year.
To be eligible you must receive one of the following:
- Aid to the Aged, Blind or Disabled (State Supplement), Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFCC), Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or General Assistance
- Sole Source of financial support is Social Security or Veteran’s Administration
- Household income falls at or below 60% of the state median income
- Circumstances threaten deprivation of food and the necessities of life if payment of a delinquent bill is required
- Heating assistance