Region: Operation Fuel kicks off winter energy assistance program

Project will again help thousands of households pay their bills this winter

Hartford — Operation Fuel and its statewide network of fuel banks are accepting applications from Connecticut families and individuals in need of energy assistance this winter.

Now in its 40th year, Operation Fuel helped provide more than $3 million in energy assistance to almost 8,000 households in 2016.

The Hartford-based nonprofit partners with local governments and community organizations at more than 100 fuel banks throughout the state, helping a mix of lower-income working families and individuals, the elderly and disabled individuals facing increased heating costs over the winter months.

Brenda Watson, Operation Fuel’s acting director, noted the U.S. Energy Information Administration expected 2 to 12 percent increases to energy prices this winter due to forecasted rough weather.

“We are approaching about 150 applications from households so far,” Watson said in an interview, noting the organization will provide between $1.7 million and $1.9 million in assistance this year.

Funded by a mix of ratepayer assistance benefit charges, individual donations and add-a-dollar programs run by United Illuminating and Eversource, Operation Fuel grants provide up to $500 per household per year, she said.

Come peak times in January and February, the organization sees an influx of 100 applications per day, according to Watson.

“More than 300,000 Connecticut households will be struggling to keep their homes warm this winter,” she said in a statement last week. “Operation Fuel wants to help as many families and individuals as possible so

Funded by a mix of ratepayer assistance benefit charges, individual donations and add-a-dollar programs run by United Illuminating and Eversource, Operation Fuel grants provide up to $500 per household per year.

they do not have to make the difficult choice of either paying for heat or paying for other basic necessities.”

Messages left with a few local fuel banks were not immediately returned Thursday.

Thames Valley Council for Community Action of New London, Catholic Charities of Norwich and Opportunities Industrialization Centers of New London County are all fuel banks that help channel Operation Fuel funds to local households.

Operation Fuel’s website includes a fuel bank search tool that links to organizations’ contact information and websites with eligibility and application details.

In New London alone last year, 328 households received assistance from Operation Fuel, Watson said. That funding helped 100 disabled individuals, 62 people at least 65 years old and almost 400 children keep the lights and heat on.

Watson said in addition to low-income families, the program receives applications from working families earning up to 75 percent of the state median income, which for a family of four is approximately $82,000.

Almost 20 families between 60 and 75 percent of the state median income applied for assistance on Dec. 1, the day the program opened for applications this year.

Operation Fuel assists households with all energy types and also has programs available for small businesses looking for help with energy assessments and grants for heating and other energy costs.