Facing a large Eversource bill or disconnection notice can be overwhelming, especially during New England's harsh winters. Whether you're in Connecticut or Massachusetts, you have strong consumer protections and multiple paths to keep your power on while managing debt.
Understanding Your Eversource Bill
Eversource serves approximately 4 million customers across Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. Average residential bills in the region range from $150-$250 per month, with winter heating costs pushing some bills above $400.
Common reasons for falling behind include:
- Seasonal spikes from electric heating
- Unexpected rate increases (CT saw a 50%+ supply rate increase in 2023)
- Job loss or medical emergencies
- Billing errors or estimated meter reads
Payment Plan Options
Standard Payment Arrangements
Eversource is required by state regulators to offer payment plans before disconnection:
- 12-month plans: Available for most past-due balances
- 24-month plans: For balances over $1,000 or demonstrated financial hardship
- Budget billing: Spreads your annual cost evenly across 12 months to avoid seasonal spikes
- Levelized billing: Similar to budget billing but adjusts quarterly based on actual usage
How to Request a Plan
- Call Eversource customer service (CT: 800-286-2000, MA: 800-592-2000)
- Log into your online account and select "Payment Arrangements"
- Visit a local Eversource office in person
- Ask for a supervisor if the initial offer seems unreasonable
Winter Shutoff Protections
Connecticut Moratorium (November 1 – May 1)
Connecticut has one of the strongest winter protection laws in the country:
- No disconnections for residential customers during the moratorium period
- Applies regardless of income level
- Eversource must offer payment plans during this period
- Hardship customers may receive year-round protection
Massachusetts Moratorium (November 15 – March 15)
Massachusetts protections include:
- No shutoffs during the winter moratorium
- Extended protections for households with elderly members (65+), seriously ill persons, or children under 12 months
- Financial hardship protections can extend beyond winter months
- Must receive at least 72 hours written notice before any disconnection
Filing Regulatory Complaints
Connecticut: PURA (Public Utilities Regulatory Authority)
If Eversource refuses a reasonable payment plan or violates shutoff rules:
- Call PURA at 800-382-4586
- File online at portal.ct.gov/pura
- Include your account number, what you've offered, and what Eversource demanded
- PURA typically responds within 5-10 business days
- PURA can order Eversource to accept specific payment terms
Massachusetts: DPU (Department of Public Utilities)
For Massachusetts customers:
- Call DPU at 877-886-5066
- File online at mass.gov/dpu
- DPU can issue a "stay" preventing disconnection while investigating
- The department has authority to mandate payment arrangements
Assistance Programs
Connecticut Programs
| Program | Benefit | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Matching Payment Program (MPP) | Matches your payments to reduce arrears | Income below 60% state median |
| Operation Fuel | Emergency grants $200-$600 | Income below 75% state median |
| Connecticut Energy Assistance (CEAP) | Up to $2,700/year heating help | Income below 60% state median |
| New Start Program | Forgives arrears over 12 months | Enrolled in MPP with consistent payments |
Massachusetts Programs
| Program | Benefit | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Discount Rate | 25-32% off electricity | Income below 60% state median |
| Arrearage Management Program (AMP) | Forgives arrears over 12 months | Discount rate eligible + past-due balance |
| Good Neighbor Energy Fund | One-time $300 grant | Income just above LIHEAP limits |
| LIHEAP | Up to $2,200/year | Federal poverty guidelines |
Step-by-Step: Fighting a Shutoff Notice
If you've received a disconnect notice from Eversource:
- Don't ignore it — you typically have 27 days from the first notice
- Call immediately — request a payment arrangement before the disconnect date
- Document everything — note dates, names of reps, and what was offered
- Apply for assistance — contact your local Community Action Agency
- File a regulatory complaint — if Eversource won't negotiate reasonably
- Request medical protection — if anyone in the household has a serious medical condition, get a doctor's certificate
Quick Checklist
- [ ] Review your bill for errors or estimated reads
- [ ] Call Eversource and request a 12-24 month payment plan
- [ ] Apply for discount rate and arrearage management programs
- [ ] Contact local Community Action Agency for LIHEAP/emergency funds
- [ ] Know your winter moratorium dates (CT: Nov 1-May 1, MA: Nov 15-Mar 15)
- [ ] File a PURA/DPU complaint if Eversource is uncooperative
- [ ] Get medical certification if applicable
Bottom Line
Eversource customers in Connecticut and Massachusetts have robust protections against utility shutoffs, especially during winter months. Between payment plans, assistance programs, and regulatory oversight, there are multiple ways to keep your power on while addressing past-due balances. The key is to act quickly — don't wait until the disconnect date to explore your options.
Sources
- Connecticut PURA: portal.ct.gov/pura
- Massachusetts DPU: mass.gov/dpu
- Eversource Customer Service: eversource.com
- CT Energy Assistance: ct.gov/staywarm
- MA LIHEAP: toapply.org/MassLIHEAP
