Sen. Lesser Applauds Release of Additional Heating Assistance Funds
State Senator Matt Lesser applauds the release of $17 million in heating assistance funds to Operation Fuel and Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP). On February 14, Senator Lesser led passage of the legislation that appropriated $17 million to supplement dwindling federal funding for heating assistance for Connecticut residents through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Operation Fuel.
Beginning March 1, these funds are now available to existing customers of CEAP and both programs are also accepting new customers.
To apply for CEAP:
- If you live in the Greater Hartford area dial 860-560-5800 to connect with the Community Renewal Team to make an appointment at their Middletown or Hartford locations
- Call 211
- If you live outside the Greater Hartford area, contact your local town Social Services Office or your local Community Action Agency
- Customers can also complete an online application on www.ct.gov/heatinghelp/applyonline and from the DSS website
- Deadline to apply is April 1
To apply for Operation Fuel:
“I am relieved that these funds have now been released to the appropriate programs. I know Connecticut residents have been anxiously awaiting these additional funds, and I was eager to get this assistance to those in need as quickly as possible.” said State Sen. Matt Lesser. “While we may have just experienced springtime weather over the weekend, it is March in New England and there are sure to be a number of cold days and nights ahead and I hope these funds will help keep Connecticut families warm.”
There are over 70,000 households currently enrolled in these programs, and as of the end of January 2024, over 15,400 fuel delivery households have exhausted their LIHEAP benefits.
The $17 million was allocated from federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. $13.5 million was authorized to the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP), which is administered by the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) and distributes federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funds. An additional $3.5 million was authorized to the non-profit Operation Fuel for home fuel delivery.
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