NORWICH – In its second year, the Norwich Public Utilities (NPU) Community Assistance Rate (CAR)) has saved customers an aggregate of $370,418 on their electric bills over the past twelve months, the utility announced on Wednesday. In 2025, 2,063 customers participated in the program.
NPU is the first utility in Connecticut to offer a discount for qualified customers. In 2024, customers saved $309,409 in the first year of the program, bringing the two-year total for customers savings to $679,827.
“At a time of unprecedented investment in our utility infrastructure, NPU remains just as committed to supporting the human infrastructure of Norwich through our Community Assistance Rate,” said Jeff Brining, Assistant General Manager of NPU. “Being a responsible organization means anticipating and meeting the needs of those we serve.”
Through the CAR, qualified NPU customers are provided with a 10% discount on the electric portion of their bills each month. Eligible customers can also receive an additional 10% discount for enrolling in NPU’s AutoPay program; at this time, 230 customers have taken advantage of this second discount.
NPU electric customers with incomes below 60% of the State’s median household income, as verified by the Thames Valley Council for Community Action (TVCCA), are eligible for the program. Applications for the CAR are reviewed as part of the annual application process for energy assistance.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, for 2024 – 2025, the following household income thresholds are as follows:
Family Size 60% State Median
1 $45,505
2 $59,507
3 $73,509
4 $87,511
5 $101,512
6 $115,514
7 $118,139
8 $120,765
The discount is capped at 1,000 kWh per month, which NPU hopes will encourage a more efficient use of electricity. Customers who do not remain current on their bills are not eligible for the additional 10% discount for enrolling in AutoPay.