NPU’s Community Assistant Rate saves customers $309,409 in its first year

2,152 customers have qualified for program that provides 10% discount on electricity

NORWICH – In its first year, the Community Assistance Rate (CAR) offered by Norwich Public Utilities (NPU) has saved 2,152 customers an aggregate of $309,409 on their electric bills over the past twelve months, the utility announced on Tuesday.

“As an organization focused on anticipating and meeting the needs of our community, NPU was very proud to be the first utility in Connecticut to offer a discount for our at-risk electric customers,” said Jeff Brining, Division Manager for Customer Service at NPU. “This initiative has been a complete success, and we are committed to providing this critical assistance going forward.”

As part of the three-year rate track approved by the NPU Board of Commissioners in September 2023, qualified 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, 192 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.