Operation Fuel, the Connecticut nonprofit that provides assistance to the state”™s residents who have difficulty covering their energy costs, has paused its program for March.
“We regret that we must do this but feel we had no choice,” said Executive Director Brenda Watson. “There has already been an extremely high number of requests for energy assistance this program season. We must pause to get through the backlog so that folks who have applied get their applications reviewed promptly.”
Inquiries to Operation Fuel spiked after the state”™s utilities jacked up their rates in January. The program will resume on April 3 and continue through May 31 or whenever its funds run out, whichever occurs first. Operation Fuel stated it would reduce energy grants from $1,000 per household to $500 in order to serve more households ”“ the program provided nearly $6 million in energy assistance to more than 6,000 households this year, with the majority of its funding coming from donations provided by Connecticut utility customers.
Operation Fuel added that residents who need energy assistance during March should contact their utility company or the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program.
