COVID-19 Response New Hampshire Electric Cooperative (NHEC) has taken the steps necessary to ensure we can continue providing safe and reliable electricity service to our members throughout this public health crisis. This includes making necessary changes to our operations to limit the potential spread of the virus, while we provide the services our members rely on. We continue to coordinate our COVID-19 response efforts with New Hampshire state officials, and we are closely monitoring this fluid situation. We know that the pandemic has impacted many of our members’ finances. If you are having difficulty paying your electric bill, our Member Solutions Representatives are here to help. There are financial assistance programs and payment arrangements that can help make your bill manageable. Member Assistance Webinar Monthly Payment Plan NHEC’s Member Solutions Representatives are ready to work with members who are having a difficult time paying their bills. We can work with you to come up with a payment plan that spreads out your balance evenly over many months, so you don’t have to pay everything you owe all at once. Call us at (800) 698-2007 for more information. Community Action Agencies (CAPs) Community Action Agencies can connect members with programs and resources to help them pay their bills. More information available here. Project Care Project Care is NHEC’s member assistance program. Members who are unable to pay their bills can apply for financial assistance that is applied to their unpaid bill. The Project Care Board of Directors has waived the requirement that members obtain a referral from a social service agency to apply for financial assistance until further notice. More information available here. Financial Hardship Self-Certification If members are unable to pay their electric bill and they have received financial assistance from other social service agencies or programs, like the Electric Assistance Program (EAP), Reduced Lunch Program, Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC), or Food Stamps (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program—SNAP), they can call NHEC’s Member Solutions Representatives and self-certify themselves as a Financial Hardship member. This certification will keep the account from receiving disconnection notices until April 2021 and make the member eligible for payment arrangements up to 24 months in length. To begin the process of certifying yourself as a financial hardship member, or for more information call us at (800) 698-2007. Electric Assistance Program (EAP) The New Hampshire Electric Assistance Program (EAP) is a financial assistance program based on a member’s income and household size. Qualifying members can receive a discount on their monthly electric bill. More information available here. Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) LIHEAP is a federal program that provides financial assistance to qualifying individuals, based on their income and household size. LIHEAP assistance is available to help with heating costs, like fuel oil, propane, kerosene, or natural gas, and can also be used to help pay your electric bill if you heat with electricity. More information available here. Energy Efficiency Programs One way to reduce monthly electric bills is by making your home more energy efficient. Programs are available through NHEC to audit and weatherize your home. These programs can lower bills and increase comfort. More information available here. Round Up Program If you are looking to help members who are having difficulty paying their bills, NHEC’s Round Up Program is a great way to help support the communities and our members. More information available here. Scams Unfortunately, scammers use every opportunity to take advantage of people, including a public health crisis. If you aren’t sure who is contacting you, or the letter or phone call doesn’t seem right, call NHEC at (800) 698-2007 to verify you are speaking to an NHEC representative. More information on how to avoid scams here.