M. Jodi RellGovernor
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 3, 2008

Governor Rell: Requests for Home Heating Aid Three Times Higher than 2007
Since Mid-August State has Received More than 18,000 Applications

Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that more than 18,000Connecticut households have applied for winter heating assistance, more thantriple the amount the state handled the same period last year.

"There is no question that this winter will be one of the mostexpensive ever for Connecticut families," Governor Rell said. "Some ofthese families, who have never needed help before, are now reaching out. That iswhy I insisted that we expand our eligibility requirements so we can serve asmany as possible."

The Department of Social Services reports that intake agencies havereceived 18,816 since mid-August, compared to just over 6,400 on October 1,2007. Households can start receiving assistance on November 1. Assistance isavailable to low- and moderate-income residents and other vulnerable households.

"The chilly autumn days have arrived and we all know theConnecticut winter is not far behind," Governor Rell said. "Theconcerns over heating homes, coupled with the high cost of groceries and othergoods, deepen day by day."

The Connecticut Energy Assistance and Contingency Heating programsreceived a big boost this week when the federal government approved more than$104 million in heating assistance for Connecticut. The Governor also workedwith the legislature to ensure that state's entire $84 million surplus bededicated to various heating assistance programs.

For more information on energy assistance programs, includingeligibility and where to file and application:
Call 800-842-1132 or the state information line at 2-1-1

Visit www.ct.gov and click on CT Energy Resources link

Visit www.ct.gov/dss