Sponsored by Eversource Energy
With the sweltering days of summer not far away, Eversource customers recently filed into the Raymond Library in East Hartford to learn more about their energy bills and the help that’s available to control costs as temperatures start to rise. Throughout the 
year, the energy company hosts a variety of in-person events like these—offering a chance for customers to meet with Eversource’s dedicated representatives and have a safe space to discuss financial assistance, flexible payment plans, and energy efficiency programs that can help them manage their monthly bills. On the other side of the table, there’s always a friendly face like Joanne Whistnant who’s eager to lend a listening ear and a helping hand to customers in need.
“I’ve been working with the public for more than 20 years and I love what I do. My previous experience working for a municipality, serving on local boards, and volunteering with several nonprofit organizations has deeply shaped how I connect with the people we serve at Eversource. Being actively involved in community engagement efforts has helped me to better understand our customers’ needs and meet them where they are,” said Whistnant.
Whistnant is one of Eversource’s many consultants who puts the “care” in the energy company’s customer care department. In her position, she routinely attends the company’s assistance events across Connecticut and participates in its successful “Let’s Talk Energy” presentations, where she joins other Eversource experts to provide one-on-one support to customers, explaining what makes up their energy bills and what assistance is available to them.
“I think my team really has the ability to help people in a meaningful way,” explained Whistnant. “We’re able to sit across a table and say ‘I understand where you’re coming from, let me see what I can do to help you.’ Don’t be ashamed or feel embarrassed about what you might be going through. There’s always somebody who can assist you and lead you in directions that can make a big difference.”
Whistnant also serves as a liaison between Eversource and the state’s Community Action Agencies (CAAs). Through these long-standing partnerships, Whistnant helps income-eligible customers verify their financial hardship status and then apply for valuable assistance through state programs like the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP), as well as other assistance programs like Eversource’s Matching Payment Program, which matches every dollar an eligible customer pays into the program and receives from CEAP.
“We know affordability is something everyone is concerned about right now, especially those facing difficult financial circumstances,” said Whistnant. “The work I do on a daily basis is one of the best ways we can help customers manage their energy bills. Meeting customers in the community gives us a chance to walk through the assistance programs and flexible payment options that are available, and then help them identify ways to save energy and manage their bills.”
When Whistnant is out in the community, every conversation at her table is different and deeply personal, but by the end of the discussion she always notes a common reaction.
“I think customers who attend our bill help events are very grateful,” Whistnant reflected. “They’re very appreciative to see us out in public and connect with us on a personal level. It makes them see that we’re part of their community too and we’re here to support them. But we also know that not all of our customers can make it to our in-person events, so we want them to know they can always call us at 1-800-286-2828 and we’re ready to work with them one-on-one to get them the help they need.”
Whistnant is proud of how her position plays a critical role in Eversource’s year-round commitment to providing safe, reliable service to customers.
“I feel like I have the best job in our company. I get to talk to our customers all day, support them with whatever they’re working through, and help them reach a positive outcome. There’s no better feeling than knowing you were able to do some good for others.”
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