The residents of Connecticut won this Valentine’s Day, when both chambers of the legislature unanimously passed emergency energy relief for thousands of families. Gov. Ned Lamont immediately signed the bill into law.
The new law provides $13.5 million for the CT Energy Assistance Program administered by community agencies statewide, extending crisis benefits for low-income residents. Additionally, the bill allocates an additional $3.5 million for Operation Fuel, allowing us to extend our program season through March 15, 2024. This critical support enables us to help thousands of additional households facing emergency heating needs, who would otherwise be left in the cold (literally).
Every day, Operation Fuel hears from Connecticut residents forced to make agonizing choices between food, housing, and energy costs, resorting to risky measures like heating their homes with their ovens. Advocates and providers are collaborating to ensure this aid gets to the people who need it as soon as possible.
Since the federal government reduced funding for heating assistance back to 2018 levels, many families have been left with a chilling uncertainty. Fortunately, Connecticut leaders in both chambers, from both parties, united to avert a crisis in our state. Operation Fuel, our partners, and most importantly the people we serve, are grateful to all the elected and administrative officials who supported this legislation.
Connecticut is setting the tone for the country, with legislators working across the aisle, to address residents’ needs. This bill is an example of what can happen when everyone in government puts politics aside to focus on the needs of those they serve. The greater good wins. The people win.
[CT lawmakers, Lamont add $17 million to winter heating assistance]
Gratitude is owed to all who stewarded Senate Bill 111, An Act Concerning Home Energy Assistance, into law. Consumer Counsel Claire Coleman was instrumental as the Chair for the Low-Income Energy Advisory Board (LIEAB), along with advocates from the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), CT Energy Marketers’ Association (CEMA), and the CT Association for Community Action (CAFCA). Special thanks to the following group of legislators who provided leadership and support throughout the process and to Governor Lamont’s office for supporting and quickly signing the bill into law:
House: House Speaker Matt Ritter (D-1), House Majority Leader Jason Rojas (D-9), House Minority Leader Vincent Candelora (R-86), Rep Jillian Gilchrest (D-18) -Human Services House Chair, Rep Jay Case (R-63) -Human Services House Ranking Member.
Senate: Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney (D-11), Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-25), Senate Minority Leader Kevin Kelly (R-21), Senator Matt Lesser (D-9) -Human Services Senate Chair, Senator Lisa Seminara (R-8) -Human Services Senate Ranking Member.
Connecticut residents who need energy assistance, please visit ct.gov/heatinghelp or operationfuel.org/gethelp for information on eligibility and how to apply.
Roxanna Booth is Interim CEO of Operation Fuel, Inc.