Ahead of rate hikes, state’s energy aid program expands income eligibility
The Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) has expanded income eligibility amid looming energy price hikes set to go into effect Jan. 1.
According to a news release from Gov. Ned Lamont, another $30 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding will supplement this year’s $98.5 million of federal Low-Income Household Energy Assistance. The news release stated the supplemental funding is being put in place to help mitigate, “unusually high energy prices,” and “ensure that funding for the state’s energy assistance program is available to low-income households.”
The funding, in addition to the income eligibility expansion, is a product of House Bill No. 6001, which Lamont signed into law on Tuesday.
While the income eligibilities only increase 1.8 percent across all households (meaning increases in income eligibility between $734 and $1,949), it will allow more households to apply for the program as Eversource and United Illuminating prepare to increase electricity rates.
Eligible residents with Social Security numbers can apply for energy assistance this winter. Residents can apply at https://bit.ly/3uf4szF
Residents can fill out this form and email it to their Community Action Agency, mail it to their CAA or schedule an appointment and bring the form in person to their CAA. Those interested can find their local CAA from the list at https://bit.ly/3uf4szF.