Approximately 424,000 Connecticut households face unaffordable home energy costs, according to a new study published by Operation Fuel, the nonprofit that assists state residents who have difficulty covering their energy costs.
The new study, titled “Mapping Household Cost Burdens May 2023: A study of energy, transportation, water, and housing affordability in Connecticut,” includes post-pandemic data and provides interactive maps that show cost burden by energy, housing, transportation, and water burden by census tract throughout the state. The study determined the current affordability gap increased to approximately $608 million, up 37% from $440 million in 2020. Working families with young children, people with medical conditions, and elderly people who are living on a fixed income were the most vulnerable to meeting rising energy costs.
This is also the first study to examine water affordability for households, noting that water rates have been rising faster than inflation and other utility costs during the past two decades.
“Since our last affordability update was released in 2020, Operation Fuel has experienced record demand for energy and water assistance,” said Roxanna Booth, interim CEO of Operation Fuel. “As more clients apply for emergency help, we have fewer resources and less time available to help. We will continue to educate the public and partner with stakeholders to help Connecticut families meet their needs.”
