Energy Assistance Programs

The Connecticut Energy Assistance Program is designed to help offset the winter heating costs of Connecticut's lower income households, specifically those households whose incomes fall at or below 60 percent of the state median income.

General information

Winter heating assistance pays for a household’s primary heating source such as oil, natural gas, electricity, propane, kerosene, coal, wood and wood pellets on behalf of eligible households. The amount of heat assistance may not be sufficient to cover a household’s entire winter heating cost.

Homeowners and renters may apply.

Income Eligibility:CRT 22-23 Income Guidelines

Households eligible for the winter heating program may also be eligible to receive weatherization assistance. This can help conserve energy and lower heating bills.

The Connecticut Energy Assistance Program is administered by the Department of Social Services, and coordinated by regional Community Action Agencies, in cooperation with municipal and other non-profit human service agencies.

Community Renewal Team (CRT)

Tcrt_logohe Community Renewal Team (CRT) processes applications for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) and the Contingency Heating Assistance Program (CHAP). These programs provide financial assistance for your primary source of heat.

In order to qualify you must complete an application with a CRT intake worker. The total income and assets for your household must not exceed the income/asset limits for the program.

Westbrook Households May Apply at Westbrook Social Services, Please Call for an Appointment     OR    Appointments can be scheduled by calling CRT at (860) 560-5800. The Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) officially begins on September 1st and ends at the end of May. 

Click here for more information on The Community Renewal Team.


Operation Fuel 

operation-fuel-logoOperation Fuel is a private, not-for-profit agency that provides emergency financial assistance with energy or utility bills. Grants through this program may vary based on funding availability.

Click here for more information on Operation Fuel.


Eversource Newstart Program

Eversource_logo_colorThe NEWSTART Program offerred by Eversource is for customers with arrearages on their electric bill with Eversource. Customers can reduce or eliminate their past-due balance if they pay an agreed upon monthly budgeted amount on time, each month. The monthly budget will be based on average annual usage and the arrearage amount. The customer must also make a one-time agreed upon good faith payment in order to enroll into the program. Eligibility criteria include: arrears of $100.00 or more that are at least 60+ days overdue, gross income for the entire household of less than 60% State Median Income. For more information, please call 1-800-286-2828 or...

Click here for more information of the NEWSTART program.

Eversource Matching Payment Program 

Eversource_logo_colorIf you need help paying your energy bills, Eversource can help you.

The Matching Payment Program allows you to maintain year-round electric and gas service and possible elimination of back balances, if you qualify and pay an agreed-upon amount on time each month. 

Here’s how it works. Eversource, through the Matching Payment Program, will match your payments once you are approved for and receive energy assistance from Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP). For every dollar you pay toward your bill, a dollar will be credited to your past-due amount.

So, you pay a portion, energy assistance pays a portion, and Eversource pays a portion. Making all required payments in the Matching Payment Program protects your household from shut-off, in addition to getting the payment match.

To be eligible:

  • You must be a current Eversource residential customer and heat your home with electricity or natural gas;
  • Your household income must be at or below 60 percent of the estimated state median income; 
  • You must have CEAP energy assistance funds applied directly to your Eversource account;
  • You must continue to pay your payment arrangement amount on time each month.

To enroll in the Matching Payment Program, call your Community Action Agency or dial 211 for assistance.

Westbrook Households May Apply at Westbrook Social Services, Please Call for An Appointment. 

Click here for further information on the Eversource Matching Payment program.


Southern Connecticut Gas Company                                                   

SCG_logo

A matching payment program for persons granted Energy Assistance through the Community Renewal Team or Operation Fuel.

Click here for further information on the SCGC Matching Payments options.

Weatherization Programs

Energize_ct_logoHome Energy Solutions (HES) - Income Eligible

The Home Energy Solutions - Income Eligible (HES-IE) program, supported by Energize Connecticut, provides valuable weatherization measures to help renters or homeowners reduce their energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient. HES-IE is a free service for income-eligible residents.  For those with higher income a moderate fee is collected.

In addition to the HES weatherization services some households may also qualify for insulation and energy-efficient appliances. Weatherization services include the installation of energy efficient light bulbs, caulking drafts, cracks and leaks in windows and doors, and installing water-saving faucet aerators and shower heads.

Click here for more information on the Home Energy Solutions Core Services.