In FFY 2008-09, Connecticut received approximately $72 million in federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funds.  These LIHEAP funds help the elderly; disabled and low-income families pay their utility bills. Last year, the funds assisted over 80,000 households.

Last year’s overall caseload increased approximately 4.7%, about 3,600 households from the previous year. This year’s caseload is expected to be higher than last year’s due to the increase in energy costs and the impact of inflation on our families. Also, there were significant increases in the number of LIHEAP households who applied for In-Crisis and Safety Net Benefits because they were struggling to make ends meet. The number of LIHEAP recipients receiving In-Crisis Benefits increased 103% last year and the numbers receiving Safety Net Benefits increased 344%.

CAFCA calls for state funds for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) increased federal LIHEAP and Weatherization funding, and year round operation of the CEAP. This is needed to meet increasing demands for energy assistance from Connecticut households and to help low-income families reduce their need for energy assistance in the long run by making their homes more energy efficient.

The National Community Action Foundation (NCAF) and Campaign for Home Energy Assistance released figures showing the state-by-state impact of reductions in LIHEAP. Last year, the states received $2.1 billion and this year allocations are set at $1.9 billion –In FY '08, $2.131 billion was provided in total. The President did not release $22 million of the contingency funds he had available.