Connecticut Senate Democrats: Home Heating Assistance
The Senate Democrats worked to pass legislation in 2008 that can help families of all income levels pay their heating bills this winter. Expanded benefits now include direct cash assistance, free deliveries of home heating oil, and rebates for replacing outdated furnaces with more efficient models.
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Please note: legislation expanding benefits for many of the programs listed below was passed in special session in late August, 2008. It may take some time for administrators to update their respective program eligibilty requirements and available benefit levels.
This page updated December 29, 2008.
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 Elderly Home Heating Assistance Program (EHHAP) is targeted to assist state residents age 65 years and older who are unable to make timely payments on their heating bills. Grants up to $500 are available to applicants whose incomes are equal to or less than 100 percent of the State Median Income. Operation Fuel will handle applications for this program, with funding avaliable after December 1, 2008. Call Infoline at 211 for information.
Connecticut provides sales tax exemptions for energy-efficient products including:
- Insulation
- Caulking
- Doors
- Fluorescent light bulbs
- Furnaces
- Geothermal heat pumps
- Programmable thermostats
- Room air conditioners
- Water heaters
- Windows
Looney Says the Time to Apply for Heating Assistance is Now 12/1/08
Senate Democrats Help Kick-off Energy Outreach Effort for Seniors 10/6/08
Senate Democrats Launch Energy Assistance Web Page for Spanish-speaking Families 9/23/08
Senate Democrats Lead Passage of Energy Assistance Bills 8/22/08
Williams Says 2008 Budget Surplus Now Estimated at $85 Million 8/13/08
Williams Endorses Special Session to Approve Energy Assistance Package 8/1/08
Democratic Leaders Say Looming Home-Heating Crisis Requires Action Now 7/22/08
Legislature to Include Home Heating Oil Legislation Among Energy Action Items For Special Session 6/10/08
Fonfara, Williams Seek to Restrict Utility Company Rate Hikes for Executive Pay and Bonuses 11/8/07
Fonfara, Williams Lead Passage of Landmark Energy Bill 6/2/07
2007 Energy Legislation: Reduces our overall electric demand by using highly efficient and renewable energy technologies for individual residents and businesses. Learn more about our 2007 energy legislation here.
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 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 energy audits are available to all households if you heat with natural gas or electricity. 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.