Operation Fuel turns 40

HARTFORD >> Operation Fuel has helped almost 150,000 vulnerable households with over $46 million in energy assistance since the nonprofit program began in 1977.

As Operation Fuel observes its 40th anniversary of providing energy assistance, it is asking Connecticut residents to consider making a donation through its Add-a-Dollar program.

“The Add-a-Dollar program is a great way to donate to Operation Fuel. It is one of several ways that we raise funds to provide energy assistance. When you add just one dollar to your monthly utility bill, it can help to make a difference for families and individuals who are struggling to keep their heat and electricity on,” explains Operation Fuel’s Executive Director Karen Adamson.

Utility customers can add a dollar when they pay their utility bill by check or online. Utility customers who wish to donate more than one dollar or who want to contribute automatically each month to Operation Fuel should contact their utility company.

The Add-a-Dollar program has raised more than $17.5 million to provide energy assistance to over 41,000 Connecticut households since Operation Fuel started the program in late 1983. Operation Fuel uses 100 percent of the donations made to the Add-a-Dollar program for energy assistance.

Connecticut gas and electric utilities, which serve more than 75,000 customers, participate in Operation Fuel’s Add-a-Dollar program. Some of these utility companies also have a shareholder-matching program that adds additional funds to the money raised through the Adda-Dollar program.

This past fiscal year, Operation Fuel raised $601,870 through the Add-a-Dollar program; $476,133 from utility customers’ donations and $125,737 in utility provided shareholder-matching funds.

In addition to the Add-a-Dollar program, donations for Operation Fuel can be made online at www.operationfuel.org or mailed to Operation Fuel, 75 Charter Oak Avenue, Suite 2-240, Hartford, CT 06106.