Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is activating Connecticut’s Severe Cold Weather Protocol beginning at noon on Sunday, February 22, 2026, and remaining in effect until at least noon on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, due to the incoming major storm
Check out our Winter 2026 Connections Newsletter! In this issue learn about our new billing portal, our rebate program, current projects and much, much more.
Groton Utilities and Bozrah Light and Power are pleased to announce the return of our customer rebate programs for another year in 2026. These programs are designed to help you save money, improve efficiency, and get more value from the energy you use every day.
We are especially excited to introduce a new HVAC mini-split rebate program for Bozrah Light and Power customers. Mini-split systems are a highly efficient way to heat and cool your home, offering comfort, flexibility, and lower energy costs. This new rebate makes it even more affordable to upgrade to modern, energy-saving equipment.
In addition to the new mini-split program, we’re happy to bring back our other popular rebates for qualifying energy-efficient upgrades. These programs have helped many customers reduce their energy use and keep more money in their pockets.
Please note that some rebate amounts and program requirements have been adjusted, so we encourage customers to review each program’s details before applying.
For full information, including eligibility requirements and application instructions, visit the Save Money section of our website or contact our Customer Service group at 860-446-4000. We are proud to offer programs that support energy efficiency and help our customers make smart, cost-saving improvements at home and at work.
Groton Utilities and Bozrah Light and Power - helping you save energy and money.
Introducing Our New Online Customer Portal
Groton Utilities and Bozrah Light and Power are excited to announce the launch of our new online customer payment portal, built to give customers more control, better insight, and a smoother overall experience.
This brand-new portal brings together many of the features our customers have been asking for, all in one easy-to-use place. Whether you want to keep a closer eye on your usage, review past bills, or simplify payments, the new portal makes managing your account faster and more convenient than ever.
The new system offers several powerful tools designed to help you stay informed and in control:
See your utility usage clearly and conveniently, anytime you log in.
Track how your usage changes over time, spot patterns, and better understand what drives your bill. Think of it as a dashboard for your household or business.
Quickly access your full payment history, all in one place.
Need a copy of your bill? You can now view and reprint your current invoice whenever you need it.
Setting up or managing AutoPay is more straightforward than ever, making it easier to stay on schedule without the hassle.
To access the new portal:
If you had a username in the previous portal, you’ll simply need to reset your password the first time you log in by clicking on “Forgot Your Password?”.
Your existing account information, including your AutoPay schedule, should have transferred automatically to the new system. No need to start from scratch.
When logging in, you’ll need your full account number, exactly as it appears on your monthly statement, including the dash (for example: 12345-01).
This new portal reflects our ongoing commitment to providing reliable service and modern tools that make managing your utilities easier. We encourage all customers to explore the new features and take advantage of everything the portal has to offer.
If you have questions or need assistance getting started, our customer service team is always happy to help.
Due to the weather, the City of Groton Municipal building will be closed Monday, January 26th. You may as always get essential information from the website as well as pay your bill. We fully anticipate opening at our normal time of 8:00 on Tuesday, January 27th.
Winter Storm Fern will be dropping a significant amount of snow on the area between Sunday morning and Monday morning. While snow in and of itself generally does not cause power outages it can lead to secondary scenarios that do. Projected wind speeds, though not substantial, are enough that combined with snow accumulation could create a power outage situation. Groton Utilities will have linemen at the ready in both Groton and Bozrah throughout the storm. In the event of outages linemen will work to safety restore power as soon as the storm will allow. Please be prepared for the potential loss of power.
Good storm preparedness information can be found at https://www.ready.gov/kit in addition to our website https://www.grotonutilities.com/254/Storm-Preparation
This past December Groton Utilities and Bozrah Light and Power were able to “give back to the community” by use of the State of Connecticut Neighborhood Assistance Act (NAA) Tax Credit Program. Through this program Groton Utilities and Bozrah Light and Power were able to make the following contributions to local non-profit organizations:
Groton Utilities:
Bozrah Light and Power:
Town of Groton Community Center:
Groton Utilities is pleased to share that, through the State of Connecticut’s Neighborhood Assistance Act (NAA), we presented the Town of Groton with a check for more than $144,230.77 to support the replacement of the HVAC system at the Groton Community Center.
The Groton Community Center (GCC) is the former Fitch Middle School, a 70-year-old building that was closed in 2011. Renovations to meet code requirements have taken place in three sections of the school. The HVAC split units will replace standard window air-conditioning units throughout the facility.
The NAA program allows organizations like ours to invest in energy-efficient projects through a state tax credit program, helping communities improve facilities while reducing energy use. The Groton Community Center, run by the Town of Groton Parks and Recreation Department, hosts hundreds of programs involving thousands of participants, and we’re proud to play a role in making this important space more comfortable, efficient, and welcoming for everyone.
The Southeastern Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (SCADD):
SCADD requested $150,000 for the purchase and installation of a new Generac 70 KW 120/208 volt, three phase, generator and a new Generac 22 KW 120/240 volt, single phase, generator along with transfer switches and underground feeds for each.
This will ensure that in the case of power outages residential dormitories do not lose power. SCADD has used the Neighborhood Assistance Act over the years to help transform their campus in Lebanon into an attractive, safe and functional facility.
The Southeastern Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. (SCADD) has been providing quality treatment services to people seeking recovery since 1966. To accomplish its mission, SCADD will address all aspects of the treatment process. The treatment process will include cost effective Outpatient, Detox and Residential Treatment Services. No person at the acute level of care will be turned away regardless of their ability to pay, or the number of times they present themselves.
Neighborhood Assistance Act (NAA) Tax Credit Program
The Connecticut Neighborhood Assistance Act (NAA) Tax Credit Program is designed to provide funding for municipal and tax-exempt organizations by providing a corporation business tax credit for businesses who make cash contributions to these entities.
Through this program non-profit organizations can apply for funding through the state for assistance paying for energy conservation projects. Groton Utilities and/or Bozrah Light and Power can then help pay for specific projects from the state approved projects list via a state tax credit. An organization can receive a maximum of $150,000 in a single year through the program. The total amount for the program according to the State of Connecticut is five million dollars. Projects defined as meeting energy conservation criteria can receive up to a 100% credit. Groton Utilities/Bozrah Light and Power only support requests that are 100% funded through the tax credit.
For information more information on this important state program and on how to apply visit the Neighborhood Assistance Act program on the state website.
On Monday, January 13th Groton Utilities will be performing water system maintenance in the area of the Thames Street/Pleasant Street intersection. Water services will be unavailable beginning at between 8:00 and 9:30 am. It is anticipated that the work will take at least 8 hours.
The affected area includes the section of Thames Street from School Street to Fort Street as well as the full extent of Pleasant Street. Local traffic will have access to Pleasant Street via Slocomb Terrace. We appreciate your patience as this necessary water system maintenance is performed.
Outage area includes buildings:Thames Street212-214-213217223224230231236242243-245247251-253256260261-263265-267269272276273-279282Pleasant Street1416171823303336-38424550555864657075
On Thursday, January 8, Groton Utilities will begin reconnecting the Force Main Sewer in the area of the Shore Avenue Seawall.What to expect:• Crews will begin work at 3:00 a.m. • Operations will continue throughout the day until re-connection is complete.• There will be a steady flow of pump trucks on Beach Pond Road during this time.• This operation will NOT affect your sewer service in any way.We’ll do everything possible to keep noise to a minimum but wanted to give you a heads-up so there are no surprises.
Groton Utilities is proud to share exciting news about a major water system upgrade that will benefit every customer we serve - while also supporting the mission of Naval Submarine Base New London.
Thanks to a nearly $5.8 million federal Defense Community Infrastructure Program (DCIP) grant, the region is moving forward with the Groton Connecticut Water Supply Infrastructure Improvement Project, a partnership between Groton Utilities, the U.S. Navy, and the Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments.
This investment will replace more than 2 miles of nearly 100-year-old Military Highway water main - an essential line that delivers clean, dependable water to the Submarine Base and to our broader community. Once complete, this project will strengthen reliability, improve water pressure stability, and reduce vulnerabilities for about 40,000 Groton Utilities water customers, including many military families who live off-base.
The U.S. Navy depends on Groton Utilities’ water every day for ship support, housing, training, and emergency fire protection. Reliable water isn’t a convenience on base - it’s mission-critical.
Local leaders feel the same sense of importance. Congressman Joe Courtney celebrated the award as “great news for Submarine Base New London and the entire Groton community,” emphasizing that strong water infrastructure is central to both economic development and military readiness. And Groton’s Director of Utilities, Ron Gaudet, summed it up by saying “the whole region will benefit for years to come.”
It’s worth asking: how many communities can say their local water system helps support the operational readiness of the U.S. Navy’s submarine fleet? Groton can — and that’s something to be proud of.
Reliability for Now and the Future: Replacing a century-old water main dramatically reduces the risk of breaks and service interruptions. It also improves pressure stabilization and boosts reliability for homes, schools, and businesses across our service area.
Resilience for SUBASE and the Community: A stable water supply supports submarine maintenance, daily base operations, fire suppression needs, and emergency response for the entire region.
Smart, Coordinated Planning: This DCIP investment reflects years of partnership between Groton Utilities, SUBASE, SECOG, and state and federal leaders. It aligns with ongoing improvements at SUBASE, including recent pier expansions and microgrid upgrades.
Construction Coming Soon: Construction is expected to begin in September 2026. The project will take approximately two years to complete.
November 3, 2025 – Groton Utilities has been recognized by the American Public Power Association (APPA) with a Public Power Customer Satisfaction Award for providing excellent service to the Groton area.
The award is the result of receiving high marks from customers in the areas of:
“We are in the public power business to provide quality services at the best rates possible to the people of Groton,” said Utility Director Ron Gaudet. “To be recognized by this community for our dedication to excellence in this service is incredibly gratifying. We have a great team here at Groton Utilities and it is very satisfying to know that our customer value our work.”
Winners of Public Power Customer Satisfaction Awards are chosen at gold, silver, and bronze levels based on responses to customer surveys. Groton Utilities received a SILVER award for an average rating greater than 90% across the eight categories listed above.
“Silver is great,” said Gaudet. “but we are going for gold next time. We strive to provide the best services possible so we’d like to be recognized as the best.”
APPA is the voice of not-for-profit, community-owned utilities that power approximately 2,000 towns and cities nationwide. It represents public power before the federal government to protect the interests of the more than 54 million people that public power utilities serve, and the 96,000 people they employ. APPA advocates and advises on electricity policy, technology, trends, training, and operations.
For more information, visit PublicPower.org.
Groton Utilities never likes to raise rates of any kind. When we do, it is because it is absolutely necessary, which is where we find ourselves now. In a world where everything keeps getting more expensive, the same goes for maintaining and upgrading our water infrastructure, the purchase of chemicals, along with increased costs of labor and expertise.
As a public, not-for-profit utility, rates must cover the true cost of service — no more, no less. If revenue doesn’t keep pace with costs, the system risks deferred maintenance, service cuts, or quality issues.
Groton Utilities is very sensitive to any pricing adjustments but unfortunately from time to time we find it necessary.
For the average residential customer using 500 cubic feet of water, the monthly bill will see an approximate increase of $3.00. The majority of our customers, including commercial and industrial users, can expect an annual percentage increase of between 5% and 12% per year. These changes are set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and continue through 2028.
Even after the adjustment, Groton Utilities water rates remain among the most affordable in the region. Every dollar we collect stays right here in our community, reinvested in the system that serves you - not shareholders.
Groton, CT, October 5, 2025 – Groton Utilities is celebrating Public Power Week, Oct. 5-11, along with approximately 2,000 other community-powered, not-for-profit electric utilities that collectively provide electricity to 55 million Americans across 49 states and five U.S. territories.
“Groton Utilities is more than power lines and water pipes - it’s neighbors helping neighbors,” said Ron Gaudet, Director of Utilities. “We’re part of this community, and that shapes everything we do - from the way we treat customers, to the way we help folks save money, to the pride we take in providing safe, dependable service to Groton families.”
Groton Utilities is a publicly owned utility, meaning it is owned by the residents of the City of Groton and run by the city government. As opposed to privately owned utilities, publicly-owned utilities such as Groton Utilities are not profit-driven - rather their purpose is to provide the best quality services at the lowest possible rates the company can offer while remaining viable in the present and in the future.
Public power utilities are:
As part of being a community-powered utility Groton Utilities has a robust program for giving back to the community. Year after year the utility supports local non-profit entities through donations, sponsorships and grants. Additionally, GU provides community-based events such as City of Groton Concerts in the Park along with the annual Groton City Brew Run.
Follow us on social media as we celebrate the week and tell us what local ownership means to you.
Groton Utilities is proud to announce that it has been voted Best Local Utility in the New London Day’s annual Best of the Best contest. This recognition is especially meaningful because it comes directly from the public - our customers, friends, and neighbors - who took the time to cast their votes. All results in all categories can be found here - https://theday.com/bestof/#//
As a publicly owned utility, Groton Utilities is guided not by shareholders but by the community it serves. That’s why we work hard every day to deliver reliable service, give back through local programs and sponsorships, and maintain the lowest electric rates in the state.
Winning this award is more than just an honor—it’s a reflection of the strong partnership we share with the community. Groton Utilities is grateful for the trust placed in us and proud to continue our mission of powering homes, providing high quality water, supporting local growth, and improving quality of life for everyone in the region.
From all of us at Groton Utilities, thank you for your support!
The Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce and Groton Utilities are holding the 5th Annual Groton City Brew Run at Eastern Point Beach in the City of Groton on Saturday, September 6th.
Groton, August 1, 2025 – Joann Donnel was presented the 2025 Groton Utilities Jacqueline B. Nixon Community Service Award during a ceremony at Groton City Day on Friday, August 1st in Washington Park. The award is given out annually to a member of the City of Groton community who exemplifies GU’s slogan of “Giving Back to the Community”.
As part of the award Groton Utilities presented a check for $2,500 to the Special Olympics of Connecticut in the name of Joann at her request.
Joann has spent over two decades with the Groton Lodge of Elks 2163, serving in leadership roles and championing charitable efforts that support local youth, veterans, and families. She has organized helmet giveaways, coat drives, and provided vital support through Operation Warm.
Her grant work has funded local nonprofits and sustained the monthly Donation Station, which delivers essential hygiene items to those in need. As Connecticut State Chair for the Elks National Foundation, Joann helps other communities secure charitable funding.
She also led the design and organization of the 9/11 20th Anniversary Commemoration and the annual Field of Flags at the Groton Municipal Building.
Joann has offered her time, energy, and financial support for many years to numerous local organizations and exemplifies the Groton Utilities slogan of "Giving Back to The Community". Groton Utilities is pleased to present this award to this deserving citizen for giving back to our community selflessly, sincerely, willingly and with great pride.
Joann was nominated for this award by City of Groton Parks and Recreation Director Mary Hill.
Groton Utilities named the award, The Jacqueline B. Nixon Community Service Award, to commemorate Mrs. Nixon’s service to her community. Jackie gave back to the community in many ways, including operating a food pantry in her residence for 24 years. She distributed food on a regular basis to many needy families. Groton Utilities created the award in 2004 during its 100th anniversary year.
Earle A. Williams was the recipient of the first annual Jacqueline B. Nixon Community Service Award. Previous winners of the award are:
2004 – Earle A. Williams2005 – Robert “Bob” Leeney2006 – E. Marion Orkney2007 – Lillian “Lil” Hansen2008 – Sara Stanley2009 – William “Bill” Welsh, Jr.2010 – Alfred Restivo, Jr.2011 – Robert LaFrance2012 – Archie C. Swindell2013 – Millie Carlson2014 – Lian Obrey2015 – James “Jim” Streeter2016 – Charlie Ebbinghaus (*Community Service Merit Awards given to Shirley-Dunbar Rose and Phil Tuthill)2017 – Marcia Gipstein2018 – Martin Cloudas2019 – Timothy LeHouillier2020 – Beatrice Jennette2021 – Barbara Frucht2022 – Tim Jackson2023 – Tammy de la Cruz2024 – David Rose
About Groton Utilities: Serving the Community since 1904, Groton Utilities is a municipally owned and operated utility providing electric, water and sewage services to thousands of consumers in Southeastern Connecticut.
The Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce and Groton Utilities are holding the 5th Annual Groton City Brew Run at Eastern Point Beach in Groton on Saturday, September 6th. The event is a combination 5K race/local brewfest with live music and food trucks.