Westport’s Board of Selectmen today unanimously approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Eversourse for energy assistance this season for an approximately 200 residents who might otherwise face shut-offs.
“It’s a good preventive measure, so we don’t find ourselves responding to a crisis because their energy was turned off,” said Susan Stefenson, finance manager for the town’s Department of Human Services (DHS), who made the request.
The MOU presented to the selectmen was amended to include a confidentiality agreement for applicants.
According to Stefenson, the matching payment program in effect since 2009 costs the town nothing, and Eversource will pay the balance of the bill that the resident cannot.
This year, the minimum monthly payment for participants is $75, she said, which is up from $50 last year.
“If they make all their payments, Eversource will match their payments,” Stefenson said, adding that it is often a juggling act between usage “versus what they can afford.”
“We encourage them to be mindful of their usage,” she said. “Some people can be creative.”
Stefenson said the DHS enrolls applicants in need via budget analyses and expense work sheets to request lower payments.
To be eligible, applicants must be at or below the state’s median income level. For further information or to enroll, Stefenson urged those interested to contact the DHS at (203) 341-1050.
— James Lomuscio
