United Illuminating, Southern Connecticut Gas and Connecticut Natural Gas, subsidiaries of AVANGRID, Inc. (NYSE: AGR), today announced $210,000 in donations to community organizations that are working to ease the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Connecticut residents and businesses.
This initial outlay in Connecticut is part of a broader $2 million commitment by AVANGRID to provide coronavirus relief and recovery in communities where its companies operate. The company expects to announce additional contributions in Connecticut in the future.
“As providers of essential energy services, UI, SCG and CNG are integral to the economic life in the towns and cities where we operate, and we have a special responsibility to assist our customers and communities during this difficult time,” said Tony Marone, CEO of Avangrid Networks. “We have targeted organizations that are well positioned to assist those in need, providing critical community services and energy assistance, as well as resources for struggling businesses.”
The recipients are:
Bridgeport Regional Business Council
Community Foundation of Greater New Haven
Fairfield County’s Community Foundation
Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce
Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce
Operation Fuel
Valley Community Foundation
UI, SCG, CNG and the AVANGRID family of companies are committed to finding ways to ease the burden of the ongoing pandemic on the customers and communities they serve.
AVANGRID and the Avangrid Foundation last month announced a $2 million commitment to coronavirus relief and recovery efforts, including $1 million in corporate contributions to local community organizations, and $1 million in Foundation contributions for crisis response that will be directed to partners nationwide that are providing emergency response and community support during the pandemic.
All AVANGRID companies have suspended shut-offs for nonpayment, as well as late fees, interest and security deposits. They recently donated a combined total of 31,000 protective masks to medical institutions in the areas where they operate, including 6,900 surgical masks and N95 respirators sent to the Yale New Haven Health System in Connecticut.
Statements from community partners:
Garrett Sheehan, CEO, Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce
“During the crisis, we are doing everything possible to support the businesses in our region, regardless of whether they are Chamber members. We have found that the Chamber is serving as an information center and a trusted place to turn to with the avalanche of information that our businesses are having to process. This support makes a tremendous difference in our ability help businesses and nonprofits. At a point in time when our funding has drastically declined, this grant will allow us to expand our services to provide more assistance to the businesses that are really struggling. This is the Chamber’s 226th year in operation, our business community is going to make it through this, and the reason is because we have other businesses like AVANGRID, stepping-up to provide support.”
Sharon Closius, president and CEO, Valley Community Foundation:
“We are incredibly grateful to AVANGRID for supporting of the Valley Community COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund. This gift enables us to help more people and with greater impact during such an unprecedented time. Whether it is by supplying protective equipment to healthcare workers, keeping food on the shelves at our five food banks, or supporting regional nonprofits and their endeavors to meet the rapidly evolving needs of the Valley community, this will go a long way. Despite the challenges we are faced with, I am inspired by so many people, organizations, and businesses coming together to make a meaningful impact on our community.”
Brenda Watson, Executive Director, Operation Fuel
“We are predicting a dramatic rise in the number of applications for utility assistance, and we believe that this increased demand will last at least several months and probably even longer. It is with great appreciation that AVANGRID is providing this grant to help support their customers beyond the [shutoff] moratorium, as this additional funding will enable us to address the increased demand for assistance and serve additional families struggling to pay their energy and utility bills.”
