Operation Fuel Sees Surge in Requests Amid Funding Challenges for Energy Assistance in Connecticut
Operation Fuel, a Connecticut-based nonprofit organization dedicated to providing emergency assistance for families struggling with energy and utility bills, has reported a significant increase in requests for help following the opening of its application process on Monday. Within the first four hours, the organization received over 400 requests from residents in need.
The nonprofit aims to assist approximately 4,000 families during the winter and spring seasons, according to Gannon Long, Chief Program and Policy Officer. This surge in requests is reflective of a broader trend observed since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, with many Connecticut residents experiencing elevated financial strain due to rising rental and utility costs.
“The drastic increase in rent—up over 50% in recent years—has made housing unaffordable for many,” Long stated. “Energy costs are closely linked to housing expenses, and with the current economic landscape, many are finding it challenging to meet their basic needs.”
Despite the growing demand for assistance, Operation Fuel faces a critical challenge: the decline in funding. Emergency relief dollars that previously supported the organization expired last year, leaving a void in financial resources for those seeking help. In 2024, Operation Fuel received only half of its .5 million state funding allocation, which limits its capability to meet the needs of residents. Long explained that budget reallocations within the legislature resulted in the organization not receiving the anticipated second half of its funding.
“During the 2023 application period, we were only open for three weeks due to insufficient funds, receiving about 2,500 applications and assisting 1,700 households,” Long noted. In contrast, winter months typically see a doubling in the number of families applying for aid compared to the summer months.
In the 2024 fiscal year, Operation Fuel expended over million on energy assistance but anticipates funding will decrease to million in the current year. This reality has prompted the organization to call upon state lawmakers to increase their investment in these vital services.
Long emphasized the importance of educating legislators about the populations benefiting from the program. “Many elderly individuals on fixed incomes rely on us for essential services, such as heating their homes to prevent pipes from freezing. Our mission goes beyond just providing financial support; it’s about acting as a safety net for community members navigating economic hardships,” he stated.
Operation Fuel focuses on low and moderate-income families, prioritizing those in dire circumstances, particularly households without heat or electricity. Families with children or elderly members are also given preferential consideration. The maximum assistance provided per household is 0 within a 12-month period.
Perkin Simpson, the organization’s Chief Executive Officer, reinforced the program’s broader mission: “Our energy assistance initiative is not merely about covering heating costs. It symbolizes our commitment to providing support to community members facing economic difficulties and helping them work towards a sustainable future.”
As Connecticut gears up for another winter season, the pressing financial realities impeding families’ access to essential energy services underscore the urgent need for greater investment and support from state lawmakers.
