Governor Rell Directs $14 Million in Energy Aid

to Connecticut Households

Includes Utility Payments and Home Furnaces

            Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced she is directing $14 million in extra federal energy aid to thousands of low- and moderate-income Connecticut households, boosting utility payments by $200 and upgrading furnaces to promote energy efficiency.

            “Thanks to an unusually high level of energy assistance funding last winter, we are able to provide some additional help to families and single adults who are still dealing with the twin effects of high energy prices and a sluggish economy,” Governor Rell said. “This aid will go to people whose homes are heated with electricity or natural gas, since they typically receive less assistance during the winter than people who use heating oil, propane or other ‘deliverable’ fuels.

            “We will also be using a portion of this money to make improvements to furnaces at recipients’ homes,” the Governor said. “These investments will more than pay for themselves over the long term by increasing efficiency and reducing energy expenses.”

            The one-time boost in funding is part of Governor Rell’s larger plan to allocate $28 million in surplus funds from the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program Block Grant. The funding can only be allocated to energy programs and the bulk of it – $16 million – must be used by September 30 or the state will be forced to return the money to the federal government. Earlier this week, the Governor announced she was directing up to $2 million in federal energy assistance funding to Connecticut’s extensive network of shelters for the homeless and victims of domestic violence.

            Under the individual assistance plan, the Governor will use $13 million to help about 64,300 energy assistance-eligible households that heat with natural gas or electricity. She directed the Department of Social Services (DSS), which runs the Connecticut energy assistance program, to arrange for the release of federal funds to utility accounts on behalf of the residents.

            The remaining $1 million will go toward repair and replacement of faulty furnaces in the homes of energy assistance recipients. DSS will work with the network of regional community action agencies to identify households in need of this service.

            Connecticut will be able to carry over $12 million of the $28 million in surplus energy assistance funds to help cover winter heating costs for eligible households next winter.

            The two measures announced by the Governor today do not require a state energy plan amendment. The plan to aid emergency shelters does require federal approval, which will be sought after the plan is reviewed by the General Assembly’s Human Services, Appropriations and Energy & Technology Committees.