Keeping low-income households warm and safe during the winter months since 1979. Last winter over 8,900 people stayed warmer with a combination of funds made available through our Energy Assistance program.
Services Offered:
- Vendor mediation
- Funding to help pay bills
These services are offered free of charge to those who meet the Poverty Guidelines for Energy Assistance. Call (860) 356-2000 for an appointment.
Schedule an Appointment Online ›
Choose from the Methods Below To Apply for Energy Assistance:
In-Person Assistance
Customers can schedule their energy assistance appointment for in-person services at our Bristol and New Britain locations. To schedule an in-person appointment, please call our automated appointment scheduling system at (860) 356.2000 or schedule an appointment online.
Phone Appointments
Customers can also complete their energy assistance application over the phone by scheduling a phone appointment! To schedule a phone appointment, please call our automated appointment scheduling system at (860) 356.2000 or schedule an appointment online.
Mail-In Applications
Customers can mail in their energy assistance applications and documents by mail at our Bristol and New Britain locations. Drop-off boxes are installed at each location and checked daily. Customers can also drop-off documents during normal business hours. For more information, visit the Department of Social Services website for Energy Assistance.
Apply Online
Customers can apply for energy assistance and submit documents online! For more information, visit the Department of Social Services website for Energy Assistance.
Senior Citizens May Apply By Appointment Only At:
New Britain Senior Center
55 Pearl Street
New Britain, CT
Call for appointments:
(860) 826.3553
Bristol Senior Center
55 Pearl Street
New Britain, CT
Call for appointments:
(860) 584-7895 Ext. 7112
Bring Copies of All the Following to Your Appointment:
Current Identification, Bills & Assets:
- Social Security cards for ALL household members
- Birth dates for ALL household members
- Current utility (light and gas) bills
- Current rent receipt or lease. If you are on Section 8, bring in the Section 8 Voucher. All information must contain landlord's name, address, and telephone number.
Current Income Documentation:
- Four (4) consecutive paystubs within the previous three (3) month period PRIOR to your date of application
- Social Security and/or Supplemental Security Income and veterans benefits verification (current month)
- Pension Verification (current month)
- Unemployment history printout (within 24 hours prior to your appointment)
- Alimony/child support legal documents
- For landlords: rental income from your tenants
- Self-employment worksheet (HRA will give you this on the day of your appointment), copy of your most recently filed tax return, and all schedules.
Note: income tax returns will not be accepted as proof of income
Success Story
Maria’s (fictitious name) former husband left her with 3 children under the age of 5, no income, and a skyrocketing electric bill. The electric bill was so high that the utility company was on the verge of disconnecting her power. When the notice arrived, Maria came to HRA for help.
One of our intake specialists helped her get enrolled and approved for energy assistance. The intake specialist then mediated a payment plan with the utility company and got Maria enrolled in the Matching Payment program, which made an affordable monthly budget plan for Maria.
Eventually, her former husband sent a limited amount of child support money and Maria got a part-time job. The intake specialist connected Maria to one of our Community Services Case Managers who referred her to our food pantry and Early Childhood Education program. Her children enrolled and are thriving in the program. The case manager is now helping Maria with her plan to further her education and reboot her career.
For more information on energy assistance, visit the Connecticut Department of Social Services ›
Program funded by the Low-Income Housing and Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Connecticut Department of Social Services (CT-DSS).