Eversource to resume utility service shutoffs

Conn. (WTNH) – Eversource will resume its utility service shutoff Thursday for those who have not paid their bills, regardless of hardship status.

This is a long time coming as Eversource has not enforced these shutoffs since 2020 but they want customers to know this is a last resort.

The energy company is encouraging anyone who needs help paying their bill to take advantage of assistance programs to avoid service disconnection. Eversource told News 8 that this is the last thing they want to do but that unpaid energy bills increase costs for customers.

Customers who face having their service shut off for non-payment will receive multiple letters in the mail letting them know their service is scheduled to be shut off and the steps they should take to avoid disconnection.

As a reminder, the company will never call threatening to shut off power and demand immediate payment. Customers can verify the legitimacy of any contact or request for payment by contacting Eversource.

Customers who meet the state’s incoming eligibility requirements are eligible for financial hardship programs and bill assistance, including the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP), which is when the state provides energy assistance for winter heating costs.

There is also a matching payment program that can lower the amount customers owe on energy bills. For every dollar they pay and every dollar they receive from CEAP, Eversrouce will subtract a dollar from the amount they owe. Customers should visit the Eversource website to see if they qualify and enroll.

The new Start Program can help pay off a past-due balance for electric customers in as little as 12 months. With on-time monthly payments, some of what is owed will be subtracted each month. For example, if a budget payment amount is set at $150 per month and the past due balance is $1,200, for every month a customer makes the required $150 payment towards their bill, Eversource will reduce the past-due balance by $100.

For a full list of programs, visit the Eversource website.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.