Town of Windsor ~ Social Services

You may be able to receive help to pay for heating fuel through either state or local assistance programs. Each year, from October 1^st through March 15^th, help may be available to you from the Community Renewal Team (CRT) Energy Assistance Program. In order to qualify for help, you must complete an application and your income must not exceed the income limits for the program.

You may also qualify for help from other local programs whether or not you qualify for help from the CRT Program. For more information, please contact the CRT worker at 285-1844.

Other Fuel Assistance Programs

The Social Services staff may be able to help people in times of special financial need through two special fuel assistance funds.

The Windsor Fuel Bank

Additional fuel assistance is available through The Windsor Fuel Bank which is funded by donations made to the Windsor Community Service Council and can be used to help people who do not qualify for other assistance programs.

Operation Fuel funded by donations made to the utility company, helps people who are not served by other fuel assistance programs. Operation Fuel is a private, non-profit program that provides emergency help with energy or utility bills for people who are not eligible for CEAP or SAFA. Connecticut's legislature passed a law requiring all of the state's gas and electric utilities with at least 75,000 customers to facilitate the collection of donations for Operation Fuel. In most instances, eligible families have incomes at 151 to 200% of the federal poverty level. http://www.operationfuel.org/index2.htm

STATE FUEL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

State Appropriated Fuel Assistance Program (SAFA)

The State General Assembly provides an annual appropriation of state funds for energy assistance benefits to elderly and/or disabled households with incomes between 151-200% of poverty guidelines. These and additional state funds provided by the General Assembly supplement the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program. 1-800-842-1132.

http://www.dss.state.ct.us/svcs/energy/income.htm

UTILITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

Low-Income Rate Assistance

All gas public service companies are required by statute to operate an arrearage forgiveness program for gas heating customers. Arrearages are forgiven if customer makes regular payments. Eligibility criteria include: arrears of $100 or more that are 60+ days overdue, income of less than 200% FPG, and have had at least $25 paid toward bill by LIHEAP (or other assistance program). Electric utilities have voluntary arrearage forgiveness as part of budget programs.

Connecticut Light and Power

NUSTART

Customers can reduce or eliminate their past-due balance if they pay an agreed-upon budgeted amount on time, each month. Eligibility: arrears of $100 or more that are 60+ days overdue, income of less than 200% FPG, and have had at least $25 paid toward bill by LIHEAP (or other assistance program).

1-800-286-5844. http://www.cl-p.com/online/residential/financial/nustart.asp

Connecticut Natural Gas

Matching Payment Plan

Customers who qualify for matching funds may see an additional $2 reduction in their gas bill for every dollar paid to the Company. Customers must receive energy assistance in order to be eligible. 860-727-3555. www.cngcorp.com/recent_news/press_11-01.html

Yankee Gas

Matching Payment Program

For customers who make and keep a payment arrangement and receive LIHEAP, Yankee Gas will deduct from their bill an amount equal to the money they have paid and the amount received from LIHEAP, up to zero balance.

1-800-438-2278. http://www.yankeegas.com/HomeCustomer/matching.asp

Connecticut Light and Power

Low-Income Weatherization Residential Assistance Program (WRAP)

Free for eligible customers who use more than 2,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity a year. Households with an income of up to 200% of the federal poverty level qualify. 1-800-388-9727

http://www.cl-p.com/online/residential/specialneeds/energycons.asp

Connecticut Natural Gas

Energy Audit

On site energy audits are performed to provide recommendations of energy conservation measures. Each audit includes a review of the dwellings energy consumption pattern, air infiltration characteristics, the number of inhabitants and other variables affecting energy consumption. There is no charge for qualified/identified hardship customers. Call 860-727-3298 or 860-727-3202.

Insulation and Weatherization

Conservation measures installed under this program include insulation for attics and exterior walls. Also installed are infiltration and hot water measures. These measures are installed free of charge for qualified customers. Call 860-727-3298 or 860-727-3202.