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Homeowners and renters across Connecticut and in Fairfield County could receive some help with the coming winter’s higher-than-average projected heating costs due to legislation approved by the state Senate last evening, said Senators Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) and Andrew McDonald (D-Stamford). The legislation would appropriate $44.3 million in state surplus funds for specified home heating assistance programs in the state of Connecticut and place approximately $35 million more in surplus funds into a statewide Energy Contingency Account. “Whether your home is heated with oil, natural gas or electricity, there’s a program in this package that can offer some help—especially this year, when heating costs are expected to hit record highs,” Senator Duff, who serves as vice chair of the General Assembly’s Energy & Technology Committee. “This program will help prevent a crisis for thousands of families in Connecticut.” “These programs are designed to benefit middle-income working families, who are going to find it difficult to make ends meet this winter,” Senator McDonald said. “Nationally, heating oil prices are expected to be 45 percent higher this year. Natural gas is expected to be 43 percent higher. These are realities that families have to face this year. This funding will help make this reality easier to cope with for many people in Fairfield County and beyond.” Specifically, the legislation will appropriate: • An additional $3 million for the replacement furnace and boiler rebate program and $2 million to provide rebates to homeowners who make repairs or upgrades to their existing furnaces; • $6.5 million to local and regional school districts for school heating assistance, with grants calculated on a per pupil basis; • $5 million to Operation Fuel for emergency home heating assistance for households with income levels between 150 and 200 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL) ($31,800 to $42,400 for a family of four). Additionally, the bill appropriates $5 million to Operation Fuel for emergency home heating assistance for households with income levels between 200 percent of the FPL and 100 percent of the state median income ($42,400 to $93,821 for a family of four) and $500,000 for administrative costs; • $4 million to provide home heating assistance to seniors age 65 and older who have incomes at or below the SMI ($48, 786 for an individual, $63,798 for a two-person household) and up to $500,000 to identify and notify eligible seniors; • $3.5 million to provide heating assistance grants to human service and public health nonprofit organizations, including adult day care centers, residential services for the homeless, services to domestic violence victims, and others; • $2 million to provide additional funding for the Energy Conservation Loan program, operated through the Connecticut Housing Investment Fund, and expands eligibility for the program—which offers low and no-interest loans to homeowners for energy efficiency upgrades, including furnace and boiler replacement—from 150 to 200 percent of the median area income; • $7 million to subsidize energy audits for residential home heating oil customers; • $2 million for a weatherization program targeting low-income households in the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program; and • Approximately $33.5 million to an Energy Contingency Account that can be used for home heating assistance, gives consideration to households with preexisting all-electric systems and could supplement federal funding for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program. The total surplus is an estimated for the Fiscal Year 2008 is $75 million. Governor M. Jodi Rell has indicated her support for the package. The legislation now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. © Copyright by StamfordPlus.com. Some articles and pictures posted on our website, as indicated by their bylines, were submitted as press releases and do not necessarily reflect the position and opinion of StamfordPlus.com, Stamford Plus magazine, Canaiden LLC or any of its associated entities. Articles may have been edited for brevity and grammar. Related Articles: Governor Rell: Added LIHEAP funds ‘more than welcome’ – but still more required - Sep 17, 2008 - 1:26 PM “Protocol” Remote-Controlled Toy Helicopters recalled due to fire/burn hazard - Sep 16, 2008 - 4:08 PM Shays supports comprehensive energy policy - Sep 15, 2008 - 5:16 PM Commentary: When the oil bubble is fueled by speculators - Sep 15, 2008 - 10:53 AM Governor Rell enlists Congressional delegation in seeking added federal heating aid - Sep 12, 2008 - 10:30 AM CURRENT HEADLINES: Top of Page
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