Programs are in place that can help families pay their heating bills this winter. Additional programs include direct cash assistance for heating costs, rebates for replacing outdated furnaces with more efficient models and low- or no-interest long-term loans for energy-efficient upgrades.
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This page updated October 29, 2009.
The Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) and the Contingency Heating Assistance Program (CHAP) help offset the costs of winter heating and also pay for weatherization services. For income eligibility and benefit levels, contact the Department of Social Services (DSS) at 1-800-842-1132 or visit the Winter Heating Assistance Web page at DSS. You can also contact Infoline at 211 or visit the Infoline Web pages on CEAP and CHAP.
Operation Fuel provides energy assistance to income-eligible residents. For information on the fuel bank program they administer it is best to call Infoline at 211. You can also download a PDF document listing the various regional fuel banks to find a local contact number in your area.
The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is part of ARRA, the three year stimulus program that was signed into law by President Obama in February, 2009. WAP is designed in part to assist low-income families minimize their energy related costs and fuel usage. This funding is available this winter season. For more information, contact 211 or the DSS Energy Services Hotline at 1-800-842-1132.
Connecticut provides sales tax exemptions for energy-efficient products including:
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The Boiler/Furnace Replacement/Upgrade Rebate Program provides up to $500 toward a more energy-efficient boiler or furnace replacement or upgrade. Contact the Office of Policy and Management at 1-866-940-4676 or visit their Web page on the Furnace and Boiler Replacement Rebate Program for an application, income eligibility guidelines, and more information.
Connecticut Housing Investment Fund’s (CHIF) Energy Conservation Loan Program provides low- or no-interest, long-term loans for energy-efficient upgrades including furnaces and boilers, thermal windows and doors, insulation, hot water heaters and replacement roofs. Contact CHIF at 860-233-5165 ext. 2019 or 2023 or www.chif.org for more details.
The Weatherization Residential Assistance Partnership (WRAP) helps income-eligible customers reduce their energy bills by making their homes more energy-efficient. Call 1-800-388-9727 or visit the WRAP Web page.
The Matching Payment Program provides year-round electric service and possible forgiveness of back balances to low-income electric heating customers who have past-due balances. Call 1-800-286-2828 (860-947-2828 in the Hartford and Meriden calling areas).
The NUSTART program helps certain customers reduce or eliminate their past-due balance if they pay an agreed-upon budgeted amount on time each month. Call CL&P at 1-800-286-2828 (860-947-2828 in the Hartford and Meriden calling areas).
Home Energy Solutions provides energy audits to all households that heat with natural gas or electricity for a $75 fee. Call 1-877-WISE-USE or visit the Home Energy Solutions Web page at CL&P.
UI Helps is a free service to help lower your energy bills. An energy expert comes to your home and performs an energy audit. For more information, call 1-877-WISE USE or visit the UI Helps Web page.
The Forgiveness Program helps residential customers who heat with electricity and are having difficulty making payments. Call 1-800-322-9288.
The Matching Payment Plan helps low-income customers maintain year-round service and pay down delinquent balances by company-matched dollars. Call 1-800-442-5004.
Home Energy Solutions energy audits are available to all households if you heat with natural gas or electricity or a reduced rate if you heat your home with oil. Call 1-877-WISE-USE or visit the Home Energy Solutions Web page.