- Matthew Ivan
Winter Protection Plan
The Winter Protection Plan (WPP) may protect certain qualifying customers from service shut off and high payments during the winter months (November 1st through March 31st). Customers are responsible for all electricity and water used, but some of the costs can be deferred. Participation does not relieve customers from the responsibility of pre-existing balances or payment for the electricity and water usage; it only prevents shut off during the winter months. If you are low income, you must pay at least seven percent of your estimated annual bill each month during the protection period.
If you're an eligible senior citizen customer participating in the WPP you are not required to make a specific payment between November 1 and March 31. Your service will not be shut off. However, seniors are encouraged to pay whatever they can during the WPP period to avoid having an excessively high bill that may result in a shutoff notice for non-payment once the protection period is over.
Eligible customers may sign up for the WPP beginning November 1st. You are eligible for the WPP if:
you are 65 years of age or older, regardless of income
you are full time active military personnel
you are qualified for a certified medical emergency relief program or have been documented as a critical care customer, Medicaid or food stamp recipient, including Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
your household income does not exceed 150% of the federal poverty guidelines and you comply with the WPP
At the end of the winter months, any under collection as
a result of participation in the WPP may result in a true-up and calculation of the payments due through the start of the next winter season. In addition to the past due payment, the customer will have to pay the current bills in full each month.
To apply for this or other shutoff protection plans, contact your natural gas or electric utility company or alternative gas supplier.
INCOME ELIGIBILITY
If there is one person in the household, the maximum income is $18,735.
If there are two persons in the household, the maximum income is $25,365.
If there are three persons in the household, the maximum income is $31,995.
If there are four persons in the household, the maximum income is $38,625.