11/17/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/17/2022 14:43
ORANGE, Conn. - Thursday, November 17 - As a result of the ongoing global energy crisis and associated price increases, United Illuminating today is encouraging its customers to explore the assistance programs available through the company, including payment plans, winter protection, and bill forgiveness for those that qualify.
"We understand that the unprecedented state of the global energy market is having real, burdensome impacts on the everyday lives of families across Connecticut, so we are focused on making sure UI customers are aware of, and prepared for, these rising supply costs and understand the programs we have to help," said Frank Reynolds, President & CEO of UI. "Any UI customer that is having trouble paying their electric bill, or is concerned about their ability to do so in the coming months, should not hesitate to call us. Above all, we are here to help our customers, and are committed to making sure everyone is aware of the tools available, including payment plans, arrearage management programs, and other resources that can help customers manage their energy use and reduce the impact to their bill."
United Illuminating is anticipating that the Standard Service price for UI residential customers will rise from 10.62 to 21.94 cents per Kilowatt Hour (kWh) beginning January 1, 2023 - a bill increase impact 43%, or average monthly increase of $79 for the typical UI residential customer. The Standard Service price is the cost of energy used by ratepayers, and purchased by UI on their behalf without any markup or profit. Energy prices across the globe have increased, especially natural gas - the primary fuel in New England - due to supply chain constraints, high inflation, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. UI serves as a pass-through mechanism for the recovery of these costs and does not profit form them in in any way.
To help customers manage increase supply costs, UI is reminding those having difficulty paying their bill of the following programs the company offers to provide assistance and relief:
For more information on financial assistance programs offered by UI, please visit the UI website or call (800) 722-5584. For more information on Home Energy Solutions visit the UI website or call (877) 947-3873.
Though many customers are on the UI Standard Service rate, some customers elect to purchase electricity directly from, independent suppliers. Customers are encouraged to review their bill to make sure they know who their supplier of choice is, and the end date of their service. Customers can visit https://energizect.com/rate-board/choosing-a-supplier to compare prices.
UI is also reminding residents of simple actions they can take to help make their home as efficient as possible and reduce the impact of rising supply costs on their energy bill.
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About UI: The United Illuminating Company (UI) is a subsidiary of AVANGRID, Inc. Established in 1899, UI operates approximately 3,600 miles of electric distribution lines and 138 miles of transmission lines. It serves approximately 341,000 customers in the greater New Haven and Bridgeport areas of Connecticut. UI received the Edison Electric Institute's Emergency Recovery Award in 2019 and 2021. For more information, visit uinet.com.
About AVANGRID: AVANGRID, Inc. (NYSE: AGR) aspires to be the leading sustainable energy company in the United States. Headquartered in Orange, CT with approximately $40 billion in assets and operations in 24 U.S. states, AVANGRID has two primary lines of business: Avangrid Networks and Avangrid Renewables. Avangrid Networks owns and operates eight electric and natural gas utilities, serving more than 3.3 million customers in New York and New England. Avangrid Renewables owns and operates a portfolio of renewable energy generation facilities across the United States. AVANGRID employs approximately 7,000 people and has been recognized by JUST Capital in 2021 and 2022 as one of the JUST 100 companies - a ranking of America's best corporate citizens. In 2022, AVANGRID ranked second within the utility sector for its commitment to the environment and the communities it serves. The company supports the U.N.'s Sustainable Development Goals and was named among the World's Most Ethical Companies in 2022 for the fourth consecutive year by the Ethisphere Institute. For more information, visit avangrid.com.
Media Contact:
Gage Frank
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(203) 506-3904