CT's Community Action Agencies (CAAs) are the federally-designated network of anti-poverty agencies in Connecticut. CT CAAs are foundational partners in CT’s Human Services infrastructure (HSI) and form a Results-based statewide service delivery system. With services benefiting more than 266,000 people annually, CT CAAs achieve positive results that change lives and strengthen communities.
Strengthen Low-Income Energy Assistance Program
•    Support the inclusion of $1 billion in LIHEAP Emergency Supplemental Funds in FY 2008 and restore LIHEAP to the FY 2006 level of $3.1 billion. LIHEAP is not keeping pace with the significant increases in the cost to heat our homes. Increased funding is required to ensure that our low-income residents, especially the elderly and disabled, are not left out in the cold and vulnerable
o    Energy burden has almost tripled: After years of flat funding, the purchasing power of LIHEAP has plummeted. Since the 2001-02 winter season the share of heating expenditures covered by the average grant is projected to decrease for heating oil from 50.9% to 22.9%; natural gas from 68.6% to 28.8% and propane from 43.4% to 22.4%.
o    The average cost of heating has more than doubled since 2001: Since the winter heating season 2001-02, the average price of home heating costs for heating oil increased from $627 to $2,602, natural gas from $465 to $1,353 and propane from $736 to $2,588.
o    Soaring electric rates place additional burden on elderly and disabled for summer cooling: Recent rate increases by CT Light & Power and UI have ranged from 30% to 50%.
o    73,345 households in Connecticut avoided a fuel crisis through energy assistance last year.
$300 million for Weatherization Program in FY 2008
•    Weatherization is a cost-effective approach to help low-income families meet their energy needs. Increased funding is required to ensure that our low-income residents, especially the elderly, conserve energy and reduce their energy costs. Weatherization is a prevents financial instability and helps reduce our nation’s energy usage.
•    11,154 people decreased their energy usage due to Weatherization and other energy conservation services.

For more extensive information, visit our web site (www.cafca.org) for our annual report, Connecticut Community Action: Partnerships that work. Results that matter.