CONNECTICUT, USA — The Connecticut General Assembly unanimously approved legislation that allocates $17 million to cover a gap in federal assistance to the state this winter from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Gov. Ned Lamont has signed the legislation into law.
Operation Fuel, an energy assistance program, called the additional funding a "lifeline" as funding for eligible families is already very tight amid high demand.
"We would have had to close applications because, at this point, we've already received over 4,000 applications, which is almost 1,000 more than we received in the whole season last fall," said Roxanna Booth, Operation Fuel's acting chief executive officer.
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The state uses federal LIHEAP money to fund the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP), which is administered by the Connecticut Department of Social Services and helps low-income residents afford to heat their homes during the winter months. This year, federal aid dropped back to pre-pandemic levels.
The legislation signed into law by Lamont designates $13.5 million in supplemental aid for CEAP this winter season and $3.5 million for Operation Fuel. This nonprofit provides energy assistance support to Connecticut residents.
According to the Department of Social Services, almost 17,000 Connecticut families on heating assistance have already exhausted their benefits.
"This bill will allow us to provide a crisis relief payment to everyone on deliverable fuels which has exhausted their benefits. That translates to a minimum of 100 gallons of fuel," said State Sen. Matt Lesser, D-Middletown.
Lesser said federal assistance for energy assistance went up with demand during the pandemic, reaching $140 million in 2022. This year, however, the state is getting about $84 million despite demand still being high.
"That's forced us as a state to slash eligibility. There are families out there who have only received $180 as a benefit for the entire winter," said Lesser.
The extra $17 million approved for winter heating assistance comes from unspent federal COVID relief funds.
Operation Fuel said it hopes to keep applications open until March 15. However, that date is dependent on available funding. You can find more information about eligibility requirements and how to apply here.
According to the state website, the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program is accepting applications until May 31. You can find more information about eligibility requirements and how to apply here.
The legislation is Senate Bill 111, An Act Concerning Home Energy Assistance. It was approved in the Senate by a vote of 35 to 0 and in the House of Representatives by a vote of 147 to 0. The bill took effect immediately upon being signed by the governor.
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Angelo Bavaro is an anchor and reporter at FOX61 News. He can be reached at abavaro@fox61.com. Follow him on Facebook and X.
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