BERLIN, Conn. – February 1, 2012 – Approximately 192,000 Connecticut Light and Power (CL&P) customers will each receive a storm fund credit of $140.22 in their February bill as part of the company’s post-storm fund following the historic October 2011 snowstorm. Eligible customers will see the “October snowstorm credit” in the “Your Account Summary” section of their bill.
Approximately 225,000 customers were eligible to receive the credit because they had an outage at their home as of noon on Saturday, November 5, 2011, as a result of the October snowstorm.
“Our goal was to reach every eligible customer and we made a concerted 10-week effort to meet that commitment,” said Jim Muntz, president and chief operating officer of CL&P. “Many heard from us multiple times through letters and phone calls – it was our way of demonstrating that their opportunity to apply was a priority for us, too.”
“The results of this campaign are extraordinary,” said Kenneth Feinberg, the nationally renowned claim fund administrator and advisor to CL&P and Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy in administering the fund, “as signaled by over 80 percent of eligible customers responding. The claimants’ response is proof positive of the effectiveness of the company’s outreach. In my experience, claim fund response rates are typically around 20 percent. The credit program has been a victory for customers and CL&P.”
Northeast Utilities, the parent company of CL&P, established the $30 million fund in November 2011. Initial grants of $1 million each to Connecticut Food Bank, Foodshare and Operation Fuel were made in December 2011.
“We are so thankful for the vital help the $1 million grant will provide,” said Pat Wrice, Operation Fuel executive director. “This support will be critical to helping people across the state who are facing true financial hardships as a result of a continuing difficult economy.”
For more information on the actions CL&P is taking to improve storm preparedness and restoration response, please visit www.clpbringspower.com.