Those Who May Need Help With Energy Bills Should Seek Help Now

The combination of federal budget cuts and an unemployment rate that has been hovering above 9 percent for almost two years has social service providers in Connecticut anticipating a difficult winter for those who need help with energy bills.

"This budget is austere, said Charles Anderson of the Connecticut Department of Social Services. "I don't want to sugarcoat it, it's going to be a tough year."

Anderson said federal aid designated for fuel assistance in Connecticut is projected to be around $61.6 million dollars to $80 million dollars, which is significantly less than last year's $115.5 million dollar allotment.

Anderson also projected an additional 5,000 households will be eligible for assistance this year. Last year 117,000 households in Connecticut were eligible for fuel assistance. This year, 122,000 households are projected to be eligible. As a result, eligibility requirements fuel assistance have been raised and awards have been reduced.

"That is how you spread the money and that's why we're spread so thin," Anderson said.

Despite tighter budgets, CL&P spokesman Mitch Gross said people who need help should still seek it out. Not paying or not calling is the worst thing a customer can do because the company has payment options available all year around.

"Be proactive, you don't have to wait until the first snow flake to call," he said.

Energy assistance programs available from CL&P and Yankee Gas include:

• the winter protection plan, which protects hardship customers from having their service shutoff from Nov. 1 to May 1, 2012 for non-payment, call 1-800-286-2828 for more information. Yankee Gas customers can call 1-800-438-2278.
• the weatherization program is an energy conservation program that will replace light bulbs, identify and seal leaks and drafts, install water saving faucets and eligible customers could qualify for energy star appliances and insulation assistance. Call 1-877-947-3873 for more information.
• the matching payment program provides year-around electric or gas service and possible forgiveness of past-due balances. CL&P customers can call 1-800-286-2828 for more information; Yankee Gas customers can call 1-800-438-2278.
• and, the NUStart program, which is a 3-year forgiveness program of budgeted payments. Call 1-800-286-2828 for more information.