On Monday, Connecticut non-profit Operation Fuel called on the state General Assembly to adopt a low income residential utility rate to help address the $480 million home energy affordability gap.
According to the Home Energy Affordability Gap: Connecticut 2010 study prepared by a Massachusetts public finance firm, the energy affordability gap in Connecticut is spreading to urban and rural areas, affecting more households than every.
The affordability gap decreased from $585 million in 2009, but the more than 50,000 households needed help paying their utility bills in 2010. The average affordability gap is more than $2,000 per household.
Because federal fuel assistance only covers a portion of Connecticut’s need and the state doesn’t have a fuel assistance program, Operation Fuel said the best way to lower the affordability gap is to offer a lower residential utility rate for those with low incomes.
“Approving this rate is the best way to help our lower-income families and elderly close the affordability gap,”said Operation Fuel Executive Director Patricia Wrice in a statement.
