UI Temporarily Suspended Disconnections for Nonpayment

Message from UI:

Avangrid's CT Companies Suspend Penalty Fees for Payment Problems During Coronavirus Pandemic

Mar 18, 2020 The three Connecticut-based utilities that are subsidiaries of Orange-based Avangrid have announced they will suspend late fees and reconnection fees, and waive deposit requirements for customers during the coronavirus pandemic. The United Illuminating Co., Southern Connecticut Gas and Connecticut Natural Gas also announced they are suspending service shut-offs to business customers for non-payment. The three utility companies had announced Friday they were suspending such service shut-offs for customers. “We have activated our emergency response and business continuity plans and are working with local, state and federal emergency response officials to make sure that we are providing whatever support is needed in this unprecedented and rapidly changing situation,” Tony Marone, chief executive officer of Avangrid Networks, the corporate parent of the three Connecticut companies, said in a statement. “We have taken a number of measures to limit exposure to our people and to protect our operations and the customers we serve.” In addition to suspending service shut-offs for non-payment, Avangrid officials have begun communicating with customers about programs and resources that can help customers manage bills and reduce energy usage. “We understand that this situation is going to get worse before it gets better and we want our customers to know we are taking the steps to ensure uninterrupted service,” said James Torgerson, chief executive officer of Avangrid. UI is the electric distribution company that serves about 335,000 customers in 17 Connecticut communities. Southern Connecticut Gas has 197,000 customers in 24 communities. Connecticut Natural Gas has 177,000 customers in 26 communities. Avangrid is an energy company with operations in 24 states. The company has two primary lines of business: Avangrid Networks and Avangrid Renewables. Avangrid Networks owns 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.