Heating Costs

Senator Lieberman's Constituent Service Center regularly receives the following question regarding heating costs. If your question is not answered here, please send an email so that his staff may address your concern.

• Is there any financial assistance available to help with high heating costs this winter?

Q:Is there any financial assistance available to help with high heating costs this winter?

The costs of heating your home this winter are expected to rise significantly. There is financial assistance available from the state and federal government as well as private sector and non-profit groups for individuals who qualify to help with the costs of heat itself, as well as help with funding to make your home more energy efficient (weatherization).

Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) provides financial assistance to help low-income families and individuals pay their winter heating bills and improve the energy efficiency of their homes. The program is administered by the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) with funding provided by the U.S. Department of Energy. In order to see if you meet the income guidelines for receiving energy assistance from the CEAP and to complete an application to receive assistance, please contact the DSS at 1-800-842-1132, call Infoline at 2-1-1 or visit your local DSS office. You can also visit http://www.ct.gov/dss/cwp/view.asp?a=2353&q=305194 for more information on the program and to determine your program eligibility.

Operation Fuel is a private, non-profit organization that provides emergency energy assistance to families and individuals who do not otherwise qualify for state or federal energy assistance. The maximum available assistance is $250 per household for the heating season. Applications for assistance can be made at any local fuel bank that participates in Operation Fuel or by calling Infoline at 2-1-1. To locate your local fuel bank, visit http://www.operationfuel.org/where_to_go.html#fuel_bank .

Soldiers', Sailor's and Marines' Fund (SSMF) provides limited financial assistance to qualifying veterans, their widowed spouses, and their dependent children under 18 years of age. Utility assistance is also available to those who qualify. Applications for assistance are made at various designated locations throughout the state. To find the location nearest you, and for more information on eligibility guidelines, please visit the SSMF website at http://www.ct.gov/ssmf/site/default.asp . You can also call Infoline at 2-1-1 for more information on the SSMF.

Utility Companies are not allowed to terminate service for any reason, including lack of payment, to "identified hardship cases" between November 1st, 2009 and May 1st, 2010. Individuals who do not qualify for "identified hardship case" status can have their utility services account cut-off. If you heat with either gas or electricity, apply, and qualify for hardship status, you will be assured of electric and gas service during the winter mormatorium period. Identified hardship cases are still responsible for eventual repayment of their debt to the utility company. Individuals are encouraged to contact the utility company to enter into a payment arrangement. For more information on your rights and responsibilities as a utility customer or to fill a complaint against your servicer, please contact the Connecticut Department of Utility Control directly at toll free (800) 382-4586 or visit their website at www.ct.gov/dpuc.