CL&P, Yankee Gas offer programs to reduce bills

The Winter Protection Program for 2007-2008, which helps Yankee Gas and Connecticut Light and Power customers to pay for heat and energy is scheduled to end on May 1.

There are many ways the companies can help customers reduce what they still owe for te winter and those with an outstanding balance should call as soon as possible to make payment arrangements.CL&P and Yankee Gas can work with customers who are having financial difficulties to avoid shutting off utilities. In order to speak with someone regarding bills, call CL&P's Credit & Collections Center at 1-800-286-2828 to make payment arrangements. YankeeGas customers can call 1-800-438-2278 to request payment arrangements for their gas bill.

The Winter Protection Program is one of several programs CL&P and YankeeGas offer individuals and families with financial challenges. Connecticut EnergyAssistance Program provides financial assistance to help Connecticut residents pay their heating bills. As an example, a householdwith an income below 150 percent of the federal poverty level guidelines($30,975 for a family of four) would qualify for CEAP. Households with elderly or disabled members qualify for CEAP with incomes at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level ($41,300 for a family of four).

Another energy assistance program, the Contingency Heating AssistanceProgram, provides energy assistance to moderate-income households whose income is at or below 60 percent of the state median income level($55,323 for a family of four). The deadline to apply for energy assistance is May 1. Customers should call 2-1-1 immediately for local agency information regarding where they can apply for energy assistance.“We encourage customers with financial challenges to apply for energy assistance which can reduce what they need to pay toward their energy bills,” said John Ferrantino, director of customer solutions for CL&P and Yankee Gas. “CL&P and Yankee Gas also provide other customer programs, such as matching payment plans and weatherization programs, that can help further reduce customers’ energy burdens,” added Ferrantino.

The Weatherization Residential Assistance Partnership, also known as"WRAP," is one of the many programs offered through the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund, CL&P and Yankee Gas. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, low-income customers use a greater percentage oftheir income to pay for energy - 14 percent - as compared to 3.5 percent for other households. WRAP provides low-income customers with a comprehensive range of weatherization, energy conservation and educational services in order to reduce their energy usage. For information regarding CL&P’s or Yankee Gas’ weatherization programs, please call 1-800-388-WRAP(9727). Additional information on Connecticut's energy-efficiency programs can be found atwww.ctenergyinfo.com.