Operation Fuel offers help for water bills
Program issuing grants for qualifying MDC customers
Operation Fuel is knownfor its work helping people struggling to pay their energy and utility bills. But since 2018 they have also been in the water business, specifically when it comes to the Metropolitan District, also known as the MDC.
The MDC supplies water service to its member towns of Bloomfield, East Hartford, Hartford, Newington, Rocky Hill, West Hartford, Wethersfield and Windsor; and to nonmember towns of East Granby, Glastonbury, Farmington and South Windsor.
For residents of those towns, Operation Fuel is offering grants of up to $500 for those who qualify.
“We know that many Connecticut residents need help due to COVID-related economic fallout, and we want you to know that help is available from the MDCandour administrative partner, Operation Fuel,” Scott Jellison, the water utilities CEO said in a release.
Thegrant is designed to help with financial emergencies such as job loss, exhaustion of unemploymentbenefits, or housing or health issues. Applicants must provide a shutoff notice or water bill that is 30 days past due plus payment history and income documentation, according to Operation Fuel officials.
TheMDChassuspendedshutoffsthroughout the COVID-19 pandemic and does not shut offcustomers during the winter months. But officials say that even though the water utility has suspended shutoffs, they may still qualify for grants if they are having difficulty keeping up with their bills.
“If you or someone you know is struggling with paying your MDC water bill, please reach out,” said Brenda Watson, executive director of Operation Fuel. “We are grateful to The MDCfor its commitment to helping customers in need.”
MDCcustomers can apply online at www. operationfuel.org/gethelp or to locate an Operation Fuel bank nearby in the Online Fuel Bank Finder. Call 2-1-1 to find the closest fuel bank.
For information about water bills, customers can contact the MDC’s Treasury Department at 860-278-7850 and press 3.