Federal Energy Assistance Will Reduce Heating Costs For Those In Need

WASHINGTON, D.C. — US Representatives Nancy Johnson, Christopher Shays, and Rob Simmons have announced that $6.1 million in federal energy assistance is on its way to help heat Connecticut homes this winter.

These critical federal funds, released on September 12 from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) contingency fund, will help reduce heating oil costs for Connecticut residents throughout the upcoming winter.

 “This early funding will help maximize the state’s purchasing power this winter,” Mr Shays said. “By releasing funding now, Connecticut can prepurchase oil before colder temperatures come, when home heating oil becomes much more expensive. It will allow Connecticut consumers to get more for our money and I am grateful for this common-sense support for dealing with rising energy costs.”

“As so many working families in Connecticut know, New England’s winters can be cold and cruel. This year will be no different,” Mr Simmons said. Representatives Johnson, Shays, Simmons called on the President to release these funds early in order to increase the state’s purchasing power this winter. Volatile crude oil prices, pipeline safety issues, and unpredictable weather all affect the price of home heating oil. By obtaining this $6.1 million so early in the season, Connecticut will be able to purchase heating oil at lower prices, well before frigid winter weather substantially drives up costs.