Greenwich Aims To Help Those In Need As Energy Costs Increase

GREENWICH, CT — With energy costs expected to increase this winter, the town of Greenwich is looking to lend a helping hand to those in need.

Last week at town hall, First Selectman Fred Camillo hosted an informational forum on energy costs and potential opportunities for assistance.

The panel featured Camillo along with Greenwich Communities (formerly Greenwich Housing Authority) Chairman Sam Romeo; Greenwich Department of Human Services Director Demetria Nelson; Greenwich Emergency Management Director Joseph Laucella; U.S. Congressman Jim Himes (D-4); state Sen. Ryan Fazio (R-36); and state Rep. Steve Meskers (D-150).

"I thought it was very important to convene a panel for a public forum to reach out to all of our citizens and let them know that there is help available for those who will be feeling the crunch of the high inflation and anticipated higher energy cost this winter," Camillo said following the event. "It was also to let the public be aware of what role our state and federal officials can play regarding this issue. In the end, it is a team effort and I thank all those who accepted the invitation and participated."

Eversource and United Illuminating filed paperwork earlier this month that would more than double their standard service generation rates, which would mean average residential customers bills would increase by more than $80 per month.

Available Programs

Nelson discussed the various energy assistance programs that her department can help residents get involved with:

• Connecticut Energy Assistance Program: Provides assistance to Greenwich residents for their energy costs. The program offers between $250 and $600 in assistance. Eligibility is based on income, family size, composition, and expenses. Payments are made directly to the utility or fuel company.

Household income must fall at or below the following levels (household size is numbered) to qualify:

1. $39,761
2. $51,996
3. $64,230
4. $76,465
5. $88,699
6. $100,933
7. $103,227
8. $105,521

"There's going to be a lot of people out there who are eligible for this, especially our senior citizens," Himes said.

• Operation Fuel Program: Will open up assistance programs on Dec. 19. Privately funded, not-for-profit fuel bank providing financial assistance to eligible low-income families to assist with heat and non-heat utility costs. Funds are privately raised with “add a dollar” contributions. Eligibility is based on household size and 75 percent of the state median income. Payments are made directly to the fuel or utility company.

"If someone is struggling or having issues or concerns related to paying for their utility bills, there may be other areas where you need assistance," Nelson added. "Please feel free to reach out to us to explore what services you may be eligible for."

Information on how to contact the Greenwich Department of Human Services can be found here.

Nelson also said her department is currently working on developing an ARPA-related program for families and residents whose income might be slightly higher than what the above mentioned programs allow for.

"With the ARPA programming, we will provide assistance not only with utilities, but also rent assistance, and it's for those households who are at the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) level threshold or below," Nelson said.

The Weatherization Assistance Program can also be a helpful tool for residents who qualify, Himes said. Residents can undergo a free energy audit, and receive federal funds to help with insulation, duct sealing, or HVAC system repairs, Himes said.

"When you're worried about this month's bill, you may not be thinking about that. But this is a really important program because it will, if people take advantage of it, reduce the energy expenditures that people experience," he said.

While funds are not yet available, Himes also spoke about the Inflation Reduction Act. There is approximately $5 billion included to help states establish programs to provide tax benefits to people who make investments in energy efficient appliances.

Benefits will show up on tax returns, so Himes said its important for people to file a tax return, even if they think they don't make enough money to do so. More information on the Inflation Reduction Act will be released in the future, Himes said.

Romeo said he was "really concerned" about residents living in public housing in Greenwich, particularly at McKinney Terrace, which completely runs on electric heating.

"Those bills are going to be doubling, and I'm really concerned," he said, noting the cost of oil, gas and food. "A lot of my residents are struggling, and we're trying to find all kinds of ways to assist them, put food on the table and gas in their cars and to keep them warm through this winter."

Fazio and Meskers encouraged residents to reach out to their elected officials for help. They can help move a question or concern along at the state level, they stressed.

"The cost of liquid natural gas is going through the roof, the cost of all of our bills is going up. We will all be rowing in the boat to help you," Meskers said.

Fazio spoke about the state legislature's special session, which began Monday in Hartford. Legislators are looking to extend the state gas tax pause and add funds to the state's low-income fuel assistance program.

Lamont announced a slew of relief measures for high electricity and home heating costs on Monday.

>>>Read more on those relief measures

Winter Preparedness

Laucella, who was hired last spring as the town's new emergency management director, spoke about preparedness for the winter season.

He said the town has reviewed and renewed its shelter plan with the Red Cross, and also created a warming center plan in the event of large scale power outages.

Laucella reminded residents to have a plan in place in the event of a severe weather event this winter. Residents should take note of medications they need.

He also said his department is working on rolling out a new mass communications and notification software, which will allow the town to communicate directly with residents, businesses and visitors to Greenwich during emergency events.

More information on the software will be announced soon, Laucella said.

Information and hours of operation for all six warming centers in Greenwich can be found here, along with information on how to come up with an emergency plan.

Watch last week's forum in full here.

— Includes previous reporting from Patch Editor Rich Scinto