Connecticut's full congressional delegation locked in more than $75.3 million in federal heating assistance for the state, a first round of funding that could ease the burden on Greenwich families facing heating oil prices that have nearly doubled.

The delegation announced the allocation Oct. 13 through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for fiscal year 2027, secured through a continuing resolution. The money comes after the Trump administration's proposed budget called for eliminating LIHEAP entirely.

The delegation called it "one of the earliest releases of funding in years." Connecticut received about $94 million in total LIHEAP funds last year, according to Sen. Richard Blumenthal.

More than 100,000 Connecticut families sought help with energy costs last year, according to Christopher McCluskey, senior vice president of the Community Renewal Team (CRT), a nonprofit that connects residents with assistance programs, as reported by CT Public. McCluskey said he expects that number to rise as fuel costs climb across the board.

Heating oil prices are 86% higher than the same period last year, Blumenthal said at an Oct. 6 press event. The delegation attributed the spike to the war in Iran.

Chris Herb, director of the Connecticut Energy Marketers Association, told WTNH on Oct. 7 that homeowners could pay nearly $1,000 to fill a tank. Herb said heating oil and diesel inventories are at their lowest point since tracking began in 1982.

The cost squeeze is already straining nonprofits that distribute aid. Perkin Simpson, CEO of Generation Power CT, said at the Oct. 6 event that the organization's standard $500 annual benefit used to cover more than 100 gallons of delivered fuel, the minimum vendors require. "This year, with prices almost at $6 per gallon, we're not able to reach those minimums," Simpson said.

The Community Renewal Team received nearly 6,000 applications in a single day in early October, according to its director of energy, Tiffany Bell. Bell told WTNH that some applicants had never sought heating help before.

How Greenwich residents can apply

In Connecticut, LIHEAP is administered through the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP), run by the Department of Social Services.

Applications for the 2026-2027 season are open.

Eligible residents can receive a once-annual benefit of $355 to $705, based on household size, income and heating source. A family of two cannot earn more than about $63,700, and a family of four cannot earn more than roughly $93,700, according to CRT.

Greenwich falls within the service areas of the Greater Norwalk and Greater Stamford Community Action Agencies. Residents can apply online, by phone, by email, by mail or in person through their local agency. The Greater Norwalk office can be reached at (203) 366-8241 and Greater Stamford at (203) 357-0720.

Gov. Ned Lamont hinted Oct. 7 that the state may tap its Emergency State Response Reserve to supplement federal funds. The delegation said it would continue to defend LIHEAP from further cuts.