Hartford, CT – State Senate Republican Leaders John McKinney (R-Fairfield) and Len Fasano (R-North Haven) today announced the details of a new public awareness campaign to educate constituents about energy assistance programs and tax breaks that can help reduce the rising cost of home heating bills this winter.

The centerpiece of the awareness campaign is a new easy-to-use website, www.senaterepublicans.ct.gov/energy, that provides “one stop shopping” for information and application materials for the multitude of state and federal energy assistance programs and tax incentives available to Connecticut residents and businesses.  In addition, members of the Senate Republican Caucus are hosting a series of Energy Forums at community centers throughout the state to discuss fuel assistance and conservation programs that can help consumers save money on their energy bills.

“The General Assembly recently expanded assistance programs and tax incentives to help people struggling with skyrocketing energy costs.  But, that’s just the first half of the battle.  Creating awareness for these programs and ensuring that qualified applicants get the assistance they need is even more important.  What we have tried to create with this website, is a user-friendly resource that people can access to identify fuel assistance programs and tax breaks that may be available to them,” said Senator McKinney. 

The Senate Republican Caucus has trained its staff to use the web-site to help constituents without Internet access get the answers they need.

“The energy forums our members are hosting give people an opportunity to learn about state and federal programs and tax breaks available to them, as well as simple conservation measures that can help them save money on their energy bills,” said Senator Fasano.  “Winter is just around the corner and rising energy prices are going to affect everyone.  We are taking a proactive approach to make sure qualified individuals get the help they need.”

On Friday, the General Assembly passed a $44 million energy relief package that expands home heating assistance programs and energy conservation tax breaks for low and middle-income families and small businesses.  Highlights of the new law include: 

        $8.5 million to Operation Fuel to help low income residents;

        $5 million to Operation Fuel for expanded eligibility for heating assistance;

        $7 million to conduct energy audits of homes;

        $6.5 million to help cover heating bills for public schools;

        $4 million to help income eligible elderly residents make payments on their utilities;

        $3.5 million to help human service and public health non-profits (daycares, homeless   centers, etc.) cover heating expenses;

        $3 million to provide $500 rebates to families purchasing fuel efficient furnaces;

        $2 million to weatherize low income families households; and

        $2 million to increase eligibility and provide additional loans to families who make energy efficient improvements to their homes.

Under the new law, a family of four whose bank accounts and annual incomes total less than $94,000 may qualify to receive a one time benefit of up to $400 for heating their homes this winter.  Families of four with incomes and bank accounts totaling less than $31,800 could receive a basic benefit of $635 under the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) and may qualify for additional help in an emergency.

In addition to the new laws, the Senators highlighted several existing benefits constituents may not be aware of, including:

• Low interest loans for homeowners and businesses to use renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind or fuel cells;
• Loans for Connecticut residents of up to $25,000 to install energy efficient windows, roofs, siding, heating systems, insulation and more.

The Senate Republican Caucus has held or scheduled the following energy forums:

Aug. 20           10am   East Haven Senior Center                 91 Taylor Avenue

Aug. 26           10am   Watertown Senior Center                 311 Falls Avenue, Oakville

Aug. 27           10am   Wallingford Senior Center                238 Washington Street

Sept. 12           11am   Bridgeport-North End Senior Ctr.   20 Thorne Street

Sept. 17           10am   Seymour Senior Center                     20 Pine Street

Sept. 22           10am   Shelton Senior Center                       81 Wheeler Street