Rising Electricity Costs Leave Connecticut Families Struggling to Stay Warm

As winter settles across Connecticut, thousands of households are facing a familiar but growing challenge: keeping the lights on and the heat running while managing rising electricity costs. For an increasing number of families, energy bills are no longer just another monthly expense—they are a source of real financial strain that forces difficult trade-offs between basic needs.

Recent application data from GPCT’s Emergency Energy Assistance Program highlights this growing pressure.

One of the most striking shifts is the type of assistance families are seeking. While applications for help with oil costs have remained relatively steady year over year, requests for electricity assistance have nearly doubled, accounting for more than 48% of all applications received.

This trend reflects a deeper issue facing households across the state. Electricity costs continue to rise, even as wages struggle to keep pace with inflation. For Connecticut residents—particularly seniors, individuals with disabilities, and households with young children—electricity is not optional. It powers heating systems, medical equipment, lighting, and essential appliances. As bills increase, our neighbors are forced to make painful decisions: pay for the electric bill or buy groceries, refill prescriptions, or cover rent.

This impact is especially critical during the colder months, when staying warm is a matter of health and safety. No one should have to choose between heat and other necessities; yet more Connecticut residents find themselves in exactly that position.

GPCT’s Emergency Assistance Program exists to ease this burden and act as a safety-net for struggling households. By providing timely grants, the program helps stabilize families and ensure they can maintain safe and warm homes throughout the winter. As application numbers continue to rise—particularly for electricity support—the need for awareness, outreach, and sustained resources has never been greater.

Behind every application is a household doing its best to get by. As energy costs climb, programs like the Emergency Energy Assistance Program remain a vital lifeline for Connecticut families working to stay warm, safe, and secure.

GPCT Brings Our Clients Experiences to Connecticut’s Utility Regulators

Energy affordability remains an issue for thousands of households across the state, and meaningful progress depends on informed advocacy.

Each year, the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) conducts a comprehensive review of policies and practices that directly affect households’ ability to keep their energy services connected- The Annual Review of Affordability Programs and Offerings (Energy Affordability Annual Review). This annual review examines arrearage forgiveness programs, company communications, collection practices, shutoff procedures, and other critical components of energy affordability.

In the 2025 Annual Review, GPCT submitted five written comments and participated in meetings with other stakeholders to show why it’s essential to center vulnerable families in policy decisions with far-reaching impacts.

The Final Decision of the review includes a direct quote from a GPCT client, indicating the importance of our clients’ data and stories in decision making. We will continue striving to incorporate the voices of those affected in future proceedings.

In addition, GPCT collaborates with utility companies and fellow advocates in quarterly working group meetings dedicated to reviewing and discussing energy affordability customer communications. Ensuring customers, especially those most vulnerable, have access and clarity to programs and materials, can help manage monthly payments and avoid service termination.

Advocacy and collaboration all play a role in strengthening protections for households across the state.

To learn more about how GPCT is working to advance energy affordability—we invite you to watch our short overview of the 2025 Energy Affordability Annual Review.

Learn More About Our Work with PURA

Energy Affordability at the 2026 Connecticut Legislative Session

The Connecticut legislative session gavels in on February 4, 2026, the GPCT staff is gearing up for months of focused advocacy on behalf of Connecticut households facing affordability challenges.

We are approaching issues directly from what we hear every day from our clients and community partners—those struggling with unaffordable energy bills, medical challenges, and the need for home barrier remediation. When households are in an emergency situation, they need somewhere to go. We will continue to share our clients’ experiences so that the voices of vulnerable households are front and center throughout the legislative process.

The legislative session will end in May 2026, during these next few months, please visit our website at gpct.org/advocacy to stay up to date on what we are advocating for.

Stay Warm and Save: Upcoming Energy Efficiency Events in East Hartford

We are kicking off the new year with some new events for our Community Partnership Initiative campaign in East Hartford. The Home Energy Solutions^SM and Home Energy Solutions-Income Eligible energy efficiency programs provide energy and cost-saving benefits that can help keep your home warm in the winter months. Thank you to the East Hartford Senior Center and the Connecticut River Valley Chamber of Commerce for hosting us at community events this month!

Join us at an upcoming event to learn more!

Take Your Child to the Library Day

When: Saturday, February 7; 11 AM – 1:30 PM
Where: East Hartford Public Library (Raymond Library)

For more information about GPCT’s education and outreach campaign, please visit our website: gpct.org/CPI

Questions? Contact Claire Lee, Project Coordinator at engagement@gpct.org

GPCT Brings Good Energy Across the State to Thank Donors, Partners, and More

Good Energy is a special appreciation event series created to bring together the people who power our mission. Designed as an open, welcoming space, the event offers time for meaningful conversation, idea-sharing, and networking among partners, supporters, and colleagues who are committed to advancing our work. With no formal program or presentations, the focus is on connection—building and strengthening the relationships that help sustain and move our efforts forward. Visit gpct.org/events to RSVP today!