Connecticut Families Face Skyrocketing Heating Oil Prices, Senator Blumenthal Calls for Increased Federal Aid
Connecticut families are preparing for winter amidst a significant surge in heating oil prices, which are currently 86% higher than the previous year, according to Senator Richard Blumenthal. In response to these escalating costs, Senator Blumenthal has urged the federal government to increase the national Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) allocation to $7 billion. This request aims to secure an additional $3 billion beyond the administration's current $4 billion proposal, which would significantly boost the $94 million Connecticut received last year. The Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP), administered by the state’s Department of Social Services (DSS), provides a once-annual benefit ranging from $355 to $705, determined by household size, income, and heating source. Christopher McCluskey, Senior Vice President of Community Renewal Team (CRT), a nonprofit social service provider, noted that over 100,000 Connecticut families sought energy assistance last year, a number he anticip...
