Operation Fuel and its statewide network of fuel banks have started taking applications for energy assistance from households that are in danger of having their utility services shut off this summer.
Currently, there are lower-income families and individuals who face losing their electricity or gas services because they do not have the resources to keep up with the rising cost of energy in Connecticut. Some families have reported needing assistance from Operation Fuel during the summer due to high balances on their utility bills that resulted from trying to keep their homes warm this past winter. The annual winter moratorium, which prevents households from having their utilities shut off, ended on May 1 and doesn’t resume until November 1, 2015.
“A home without electricity is hazardous and puts people at risk in hot weather. When families and individuals lose their electricity, they also lose the ability to refrigerate food and medicine, cook meals and have lights and hot water,” said Operation Fuel’s Executive Director Patricia Wrice.
“Being without a fan or air conditioner in extreme heat can be very dangerous and poses severe health risks, especially for young children, the elderly and those with chronic medical conditions,” Wrice added.
Energy affordability is a year-round problem for nearly 305,000 Connecticut households. Lower-income families and elderly people on fixed incomes are more vulnerable to high energy costs, which represent a significant household expense and impact their ability to pay for food, housing, health care and other basic necessities.
Individuals who need energy assistance should call 211.
For more information on Operation Fuel or to make a donation, go to www.operationfuel.org. Donations also can be sent to Operation Fuel, 75 Charter Oak Avenue, Suite 2-240, Hartford, CT. 06106.
Operation Fuel is a private, nonprofit program that provides emergency energy assistance through its statewide network of fuel banks to lower-income working families and individuals, the elderly, and disabled individuals who are in financial crisis and not eligible for energy assistance from government-funded programs.
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