Several programs available to help customers with historically high energy costs

MANCHESTER, N.H (February 1, 2023) – With historically high energy prices affecting people throughout the region, Eversource is encouraging customers to take advantage of additional energy assistance funds available through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. In recognition of National Energy Assistance Day, the company is urging customers to learn more about the program which not only helps customers pay their energy bills, but also provides weatherization funds to help make their home more energy efficient and comfortable during the winter.

“We want to make sure customers who need help are aware of the many programs they can take advantage of, especially now with historically high energy costs we’re seeing due to global events and demand,” said Eversource Vice President of Customer Operations Jess Cain. “Customers who’ve never needed help before may qualify for these programs. In addition to the federal assistance that customers can receive through New Hampshire’s Fuel Assistance program, they can also benefit from enrolling in one of our many bill assistance plans even if they have never needed help with their bill before.”

State and other assistance:

• Fuel Assistance, or LIHEAP, provides assistance for winter heating costs for thousands of New Hampshire homeowners and renters who meet state income guidelines. Congress recently approved $6 billion in LIHEAP funds to help low-income families nationwide, which funds the program. Customers can learn more and apply through their Community Action Agency by visiting CAPNH.org or calling 2–1–1.
• Neighbor Helping Neighbor helps customers who don’t qualify for federally funded assistance programs but may be experiencing a temporary crisis which has left them unable to pay their utility bill. Customers can apply for energy assistance through the Neighbor Helping Neighbor Fund through the Community Action Agency in their area.

Eversource payment plans and assistance:

• The New Start Program can help income-eligible customers reduce or eliminate their outstanding balance in as little as 12 months when they make on-time monthly payments and Eversource will make up the difference by eliminating or forgiving a portion of the total balance enrolled in the program – reducing the amount owed each month.
• Flexible Payment Plans are available to all customers, regardless of income, to pay their past-due balance over a period of time.
• Budget Billing Plans are also available and can help customers avoid seasonal spikes on their energy bill by paying a fixed amount each month based on their average annual usage.
• Customers that meet certain household income guidelines may qualify for a Discount Rate on their monthly bill through the Electric Assistance Program.
• Energy Efficiency Offerings can help customers reduce their energy use and stay comfortable for less with energy-saving upgrades. For more information, visit Eversource.com.

Eversource hosts regular webinars to provide customers with more information about protection from service disconnection, programs to reduce unpaid balances with affordable monthly payments, extended payment plans and no-cost energy efficiency programs that can help lower energy usage. The next New Hampshire webinar will be at noon on February 24. Customers can register for the upcoming webinar and learn more information about the various programs available to help at Eversource.com/billhelp.

Customers can also call Eversource at 800–662–7764 to learn more about the assistance and payment programs available or to verify their financial hardship status. Information on energy efficiency solutions can be found at Eversource.com.

Eversource (NYSE: ES), celebrated as a national leader for its corporate citizenship, is the #1 energy company in Newsweek’s list of America’s Most Responsible Companies for 2023 and recognized as one of America’s Most JUST Companies. Celebrated as a national leader for its corporate citizenship, Eversource is New Hampshire’s largest electric utility, serving nearly 532,000 homes and businesses in 211 cities and towns, and also supplies water to approximately 10,200 homes and businesses in seven communities. Eversource is proud to be recognized as the #1 contributor to United Way in New Hampshire. Eversource harnesses the commitment of approximately 9,500 employees across three states to build a single, united company around the mission of safely delivering reliable energy and water with superior customer service. The #1 energy efficiency provider in the nation, the company is empowering a clean energy future in the Northeast, with nationally recognized energy efficiency solutions and successful programs to integrate new clean energy resources like solar, offshore wind, electric vehicles and battery storage, into the electric system. For more information, please visit eversource.com, and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more information on our water services, visit aquarionwater.com.

CONTACT:
William Hinkle
603-634-2228
william.hinkle@eversource.com