By State Senator Cathy Cook

I know of absolutely no one who is not dreading this winter, primarily because of what we all expect will be the high cost of keeping warm in the cold, cold months ahead.

Fortunately, there are some things we can do help manage those costs – and the General Assembly recently passed legislation during a special session that is intended to make doing those things somewhat more feasible. One highlight of SB 2100, An Act Concerning Heating Assistance, is exempting from the six percent sales tax beginning November 25, 2005 to April 1, 2006, the following products: insulation; programmable thermostats; water heater blankets; window film; window and door weather strips; caulking; water heaters, gas furnaces, and windows that meet federal Energy Star standards; and oil furnaces that are at least 85% efficient.  This new tax break will be available to everyone, regardless of income. 

We are expanding our weatherization programs to more eligible households to help them seal up their homes, and get the most efficiency possible from their heating systems.  The Home Energy Assistance and Reimbursements for Tune-ups on Heating Equipment (HEARTH) will provide a reimbursement of up to $50 per household to eligible contractors who provide home heating equipment tune-ups and install or provide water heater blankets, window film, or programmable thermostats.

Our legislation also calls for increasing benefits under the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP), which helps low -income households pay heating bills and provides related services. And, the bill provides benefits for moderate-income households under the Contingency Heating Assistance Program (CHAP) component of CEAP.

Of course, the General Assembly wants to ensure that Connecticut residents are treated fairly, and included provisions in the legislation intended to accomplish that goal. For example, the bill calls for barring energy sellers from charging “unconscionably excessive prices” in connection with abnormal market disruptions, and permits the state Attorney General to seek penalties and damages upon a referral from the state Department of Consumer Protection. Also, the bill requires the state Office of Policy and Management to take certain steps to increase the transparency of the home heating oil market. And, beginning December 1st, the legislation requires heating oil dealers to obtain futures contracts or surety bonds in connection with fixed-price contracts.

Governor M. Jodi Rell recently signed this legislation into law. It is my hope that the provision of this legislation will help all of us get through this winter, and set the tone for how Connecticut, as a state, will address higher energy costs in the future.  If you want to know more about these programs, call Infoline 211 to find out how your household may be eligible for help.