Summary Chart: Energy Assistance/Utilities

CEAP
(Connecticut Energy Assistance Program)
Financial assistance for payment of primary heat bill for households at or below 15O% Federal Poverty Level (FPL); or up to 200% FPL if anyone in the household is disabled or age 60 and over. Benefit amount depends upon household income, heat source, and whether heat is included in rent. There are asset limits. More Info…

CHAP
(Contingency Heating Assistance Program)
Financial assistance for payment of primary heat bill for households over the CEAP income limit, up to 60% of the State Median Income. There are asset limits. CHAP is not funded as regularly as CEAP; also, the program start date varies each year. More Info…

Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP)
State agency oversees regulated utilities in Connecticut. Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) helps resolve billing disputes between customers and regulated utilities, but customers must attempt problem resolution with their utility company before PURA will become involved. More Info…

Citizen’s Energy ("Joe For Oil")
In partnership with CITGO, Citizens Energy works with oil heat dealers and local fuel assistance agencies in several states to provide deliveries of home heating oil to those in need.  Assistance is limited and not always available. More Info…

Energy Conservation Incentive Programs
Several federal and state programs provide rebates and tax credits for certain energy and fuel conservation purchases. More Info..

Heating System Repair/Replacement
Programs for very low income homeowners help pay for repair or replacement of inoperable heating systems. More Info…

Legal Aid
Legal Services Network provides legal information and legal representation to low-income persons, including legal assistance for utility service related legal issues. More Info…

Lifeline Credit
For telephone customers on state or federal assistance, Lifeline program reduces monthly local service charges by $7.00, gives a credit of $.85 for part of the Federal Subscriber Line Charge, and an exemption from charges for Local Number Portability and Universal Service Fund. More Info…

Matching Payment Plans
Payment incentive programs to help income-eligible customers pay down a delinquent balance by awarding credits toward the delinquent balance when customer agrees to payment plan and makes the scheduled payments. Offered only by state-regulated gas and electric utilities. More Info…

BELOW BUDGET PAYMENT ARRANGEMENTS: Utility customers who are eligible for CEAP or CHAP, and who cannot afford the payment arrangement offered by their heat utility for the matching payment plan can request a "Below Budget" payment arrangement. Go to the community action agency that processed your utility assistance application for CEAP/CHAP and ask that a below budget sheet income/expense sheet be completed. The lowest payment arrangement amount is $50; the amount is determined based on the household income and expenses.

No Heat Complaints
65°F is legal minimum temperature in rentals w/heat included. Contact local code enforcement (or police after hours) if landlord fails to maintain temp. More Info…

Operation Fuel
Financial assistance for payment of heat bills for households between 150%-200% of the Federal Poverty Level.... More Info…

Private Fuel Banks; Charitable Funds
Private and Municipal funds may be a resource for people who need help with energy expenses. Limited benefits, often one-time-only. Eligibility varies. This is usually not an option for people with very large arrearages since the assistance is usually limited and not sufficient to avoid a shutoff. More Info…

Shutoffs: Telephone
Residential land-line phone service cannot be shut-off for non-payment while any resident is seriously ill. Illness must be certified by a doctor. Customer must agree to a payment arrangement AND keep the account current while paying off the unpaid balance. More Info.

Shutoffs: Gas/Electric
Gas and electric utilities CANNOT EVER BE SHUT OFF (summer or winter) if lack of the utility creates a life-threatening situation. More Info..

Shutoffs: Water
Households with a person who is “seriously ill” are protected from water shut-off during the winter moratorium period (Nov. 1-May 1). Households with a person who has a “life threatening illness” are protected from water shut-off year round. Written verification from a doctor required in both cases. More Info...

Third Party Notification
Copy of a shut-off notice can be sent to a third person who can remind the customer that the bill is past due. Intended to help people who are elderly or ill, or who have reading difficulties or language barriers. Customer must give written consent. More Info…

Weatherization
Programs offer help to low-income or moderate income homeowners or renters in making residence more energy efficient. More Info…
Winter Protection/
Winter Moratorium
Eligible households ("hardship cases") can be protected against heat source shut-offs between 11/1 and 5/1 Must apply EVERY YEAR. More Info…

Winter Protection / Winter Moratorium
Eligible households ("hardship cases") can be protected against heat source shut-offs between 11/1 and 5/1. Must re-apply EVERY YEAR. More Info…

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PREPARED BY: 211CT/tb
CONTENT LAST REVIEWED: March2013