Operation Fuel Offers Grants for Those in Need

For those with outstanding utility bills, Operation Fuel may be able to help. The charitable organization is accepting applications for one-time grants to families in crisis, who are in danger of having their utilities cut off. 

“It’s not heating assistance; it’s only for utilities,” said Tolland Youth Services Coordinator Nancy Dunn, clearing up a common misconception about the program. “The program is basically for people who are in financial crisis.”

Recipients must fulfill certain criteria: earn an income less than 200 percent above the federal poverty line; be experiencing a crisis due to job loss, death, etc; demonstrate a medical need for utilities and show an effort has been made to try and pay the bill. Applicants must also provide a shut off notice, or be 30 days past due to qualify.

According to Dunn, a family can receive up to $200 in assistance. She added that those with deliverable fuel are not eligible for the program.

The application deadline is October 31.

According to the Connecticut Light & Power Web site, the company is the largest corporate contributor to the program. Operation Fuel has given $16 million in utilities assistance since it was created in 1977.

For more information on the program, contact Dunn at 860-871-3612.