Connecticut’s Energy Future

Learn more about the accomplishments we made in 2011 to make Connecticut a national leader in lowering energy costs, moving toward clean energy, creating jobs and new businesses, and ensuring safety and reliability. Visit our special Web page.
 

Energy Assistance

illustration of a housePrograms 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 Additional programs include direct cash assistance for heating costs, rebates for replacing outdated furnaces with more efficient models and low- or no-interest long-term loans for energy-efficient upgrades.

Esta página Web de Asistencia de Calefacción del Hogar está disponible en español.

This page updated February 18, 2011.

Help With Your Heating Bill

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.

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.

Sales Tax Exemptions

Connecticut provides sales tax exemptions for energy-efficient products including:

  • Insulation
  • Caulking
  • Doors
  • Fluorescent light bulbs
  • Furnaces
  • Geothermal heat pumps
  • Programmable thermostats
  • Water heaters
  • Windows

Other Energy Links

Senate Democrats on This Issue

The General Assembly’s Energy & Technology Committee

The Energy & Technology Committee considers legislation on all matters related to the Department of Public Utility Control and energy planning and activities.

Senator John Fonfara, Senate Chair; 860-240-0043

Senator Bob Duff, Senate Vice-chair; 860-240-0414


News Releases from the Senate Democrats on Energy Issues

Major Reform to Build Connecticut’s Energy Future 6/6/11

Gerratana Urges Businesses, Homeowners to Shop Around for Lower Electric Rates 5/31/11

Energy Co-Chairs Offer New Generation Tax Proposal 4/27/11

Energy Committee Approves Sweeping Reform—Senate Bill 1 3/22/11

Senate President Submits Testimony on SB 1—An Act Concerning Connecticut’s Energy Future 3/15/11

Senate Bill 1 to Build a New Energy Future for Connecticut 3/15/11

Women and Minority-Owned Businesses to Get Assistance With Energy Expenses 2/15/11

Environment Chairman Applauds Appointment of Dan Esty as New Environment & Energy Commissioner 2/10/11

Energy Chair Thanks DPUC For Allowing Utility Merger Hearing 1/25/11

Senate President Calls for Investigation of Proposed Merger of Northeast Utilities & NSTAR 1/25/11

Number of Families & Businesses Saving Money by Choosing an Electric Supplier is Surging 9/10/10

Meyer Congratulates Brandfon Honda on Energy-Efficiency Project 8/26/10

Small Businesses Find a Way to Lower Energy Costs This Summer; Take Advantage of Innovate Program 8/6/10

Summer Heat Wave Sends Energy Costs Soaring; Help Available for Small Businesses and Residents 7/27/10

Fonfara Joins Hartford Homeowner to Tout Benefits of Home Energy Audit 7/22/10

Connecticut Light & Power Customers

The Home Energy Solutions—Income-Eligible (HES-IE), formerly the WRAP program, helps income-eligible customers reduce their energy bills by making their homes more energy-efficient. Call 1-877-947-3873 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 for a $75 fee. Call 1-877-WISE-USE or visit the Home Energy Solutions Web page at CL&P.

United Illuminating Customers

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. Call 1-877-WISE-USE or visit the Home Energy Solutions Web page.

Save on Your Electric Bill

Choose Your Electric Supplier

The rate you pay for the generation portion of your electric bill may be lowered. The ability for electric ratepayers to choose a new supplier was greatly enhanced following the passage of legislation in 2007. Connecticut electric companies are now required to provide information about competitive suppliers to their customers. Anyone who is interested should visit www.ctenergyinfo.com or call 1-877-947-3873 for more information.

Residential Solar Investment Program

Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are now more affordable than ever for Connecticut residents. You can make a smart investment and save money on your electric bills by adding a proven, reliable, pollution-free technology to your home.

The Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority now offers two different incentive models to help customers. The first model supports residential consumers who seek to purchase a solar PV system. The second model is a leasing model designed to allow consumers access to solar PV systems with no or limited upfront costs. Learn more about these Connecticut solar electric programs.

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