Kadeem Roberts

Colder temperatures will soon give way to higher heating bills. November is Heating Assistance Awareness Month in Connecticut, and we are informing residents about several programs available that can help pay or lower their heating bills this winter.

Whether it be state assistance, protection from shutoff service, financial assistance programs, or energy efficiency, there is a plan for everyone.

Here is a closer look at what's available:
 
State and Other Assistance Programs

• You can get up to $530 to help pay your heating bill through the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) and get a bigger match from the Matching Payment Program. Apply online here or visit your local Community Action Agency. You can also find your closest agency by calling 211. 

Protection from Service Shut-Off

• Protect your gas or electric service from shut off, from November 1 through May 1 with Winter Protection, for customers facing financial hardship.
• You may also be eligible for Medical Protection if anyone in your home is seriously ill or has a life-threatening situation.

Financial Assistance Programs and Payment Plans

• The Matching Payment Program can lower the amount you owe on energy bills. For every dollar you pay, and every dollar you receive from the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP),  Eversource will subtract a dollar from the amount you owe.
• An Electric Discount Rate You may be eligible for a 10% or 50% discount off your electric bill per month based on your household income or receipt of a public assistance benefit if you have a financial hardship status on your account.
• Flexible Payment Plans of up to 18 months are available to help all residential customers with active accounts pay off money owed, regardless of their income.
• With Budget Billing, pay a fixed amount each month based on your average energy usage to avoid spikes in your bill during heating and cooling seasons.   

 
Energy Efficiency

• Eversource has energy efficiency programs, incentives, and money-saving tips to help you reduce your overall energy use during the colder months.  

To learn more about the programs, and which one may be right for you, please call 1-800-286-2828 or visit eversource.com/billhelp. You can get a jump on lowering your heating bill and keeping your home this winter today.

ICYMI -  The City of Norwalk’s next Can and Bottle Return pop-up recycling event will be held Monday, November 18th, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

All of the upcoming Can and Bottle Return events allow residents to recycle their collected cans and bottles and receive cash. The events will be held in the parking lot of 98 South Main Street.

Here’s how Norwalk’s Can and Bottle Return event works:

•  Each redeemable bottle or can is worth 10¢, and a user instantly receives cash after recycling it.
• We accept plastic bottles, glass bottles & aluminum cans.
• Service is available until the recycling truck is full.
• Please pack glass bottles in a cardboard box.
•  Some craft or specialty beverage containers may not be accepted.

The City is asking residents to enter from the South Main Street entrance to help with traffic flow through the parking lot. Click here to learn more.