March Cycle for Emergency Energy Applications Now Open
Generation Power CT (GPCT) has launched our fourth and final Emergency Energy Assistance cycle of the fiscal year. Applications will be accepted from March 2-10. This nine-day period is the last opportunity for eligible Connecticut households to receive emergency support for electricity, gas, and delivered fuel before the program pauses until fall 2026. This cycle concludes our new four-cycle service model for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. Eligibility details and application information are available at gpct.org/gethelp.
Through our Emergency Energy Assistance Program, we provide direct financial support to households earning up to 75% of the State Median Income, prioritizing neighbors facing utility shutoffs or dangerously low fuel supplies. Since September 2025, we have distributed more than $1.5 million to over 3,200 households across Connecticut—helping families stay safe and secure during extreme temperatures and rising energy costs.
“This program exists to catch people who might otherwise fall through the cracks of traditional assistance,” said Perkin Simpson, Chief Executive Officer, reflecting on the program’s nearly 50-year history as a community collaboration.
We would like to take a moment and thank all supporters of this essential program. It takes legislative leaders, philanthropic partners, generous donors, and community stakeholders working together to help thousands of CT families so they are not choosing between paying a utility bill and meeting other basic needs.
Supporting Families, Seniors and Children at the 2026 Legislative Session
We are a month into the 2026 Legislative Session and the GPCT policy team is meeting regularly with elected officials, state leaders, and advocates to highlight the importance of energy assistance for Connecticut residents. This February, we submitted written testimony to both the Aging and Children’s Committees. We are following legislation that would expand solar access, require changes to electric bills, and impact utility service protection for medically fragile Connecticut residents.
GPCT Holds Press Conference at Capitol
On Tuesday, March 3, at 10:00 a.m., GPCT held a press conference at the Connecticut State Capitol to highlight the launch of our fourth and final Emergency Energy Assistance cycle of the fiscal year. Hosted by State Representative Jillian Gilchrest, the event brought together community partners and state leaders to underscore the urgency of energy support for Connecticut households as temperatures and utility costs continue to strain family budgets.
During the press conference, GPCT leadership emphasized that this nine-day application window, running March 2-10, marked the final opportunity for eligible households to receive emergency assistance for electricity, gas, and delivered fuels before the program pauses until fall 2026. Speakers highlighted the impact of distributing more than $1.5 million to over 3,200 households since September, helping neighbors avoid shutoffs and remain safe during extreme weather conditions.
“It has been a cold winter,” said Representative Jillian Gilchrest. “I’m so grateful the state of Connecticut can partner with organizations like Generation Power to ensure our citizens can stay safe and heat their homes.”
The event reinforced the importance of partnerships among legislators, state agencies, philanthropic supporters, and community organizations in ensuring that no Connecticut resident has to choose between paying a utility bill and meeting other essential needs. As we close out this fiscal year’s assistance cycles, we reaffirmed our commitment to advocating for policies and resources that strengthen energy security for families across the state.
GPCT Advocates for Medically Vulnerable Families at PURA
On January 20, 2026, GPCT participated in a technical meeting at the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA), examining shutoff protection policies for Connecticut families. At the meeting, we shared our clients’ experiences with regulators, utility companies, advocates, partners, and other stakeholders. We also heard directly from ratepayers who rely on utility services for their medical needs and therefore require protection from shutoffs to keep their households safe and healthy. It takes a lot of courage to share personal details of your experience in a public meeting, and we are especially grateful to those who do.
GPCT also thanks our partners from the AARP, the Center for Children’s Advocacy, Connecticut Legal Services, Connecticut Legal Rights Project, CT Veterans Legal Center, Connecticut Council on Developmental Disabilities, and other advocates who joined the conversation.
Read more about our work with PURA at gpct.org/PURA.
Powering Partnerships: GPCT Advances Energy Efficiency in East Hartford
Generation Power CT is proud to be a Round 3 grant recipient and participant of the Energize ConnecticutSM Community Partnership Initiative, made possible by Sponsors of Energize Connecticut, Eversource and Avangrid Networks Inc., subsidiary CNG. Check out how we’ve been getting involved with promoting energy efficiency program participation throughout the East Hartford community over the past few months:
- Our Chief Policy & Public Affairs Officer, Gannon Long, tabled with CMC Energy Services at the East Hartford Raymond Library’s Take Your Child to the Library Day celebration.
- Our Community Research & Education Coordinator, Claire Lee, along with one of our contractor partners, New England Smart Energy, visited the East Hartford Senior Center to give a presentation on energy- and cost-saving offerings through the Home Energy Solutions-Income EligibleSM
- Claire also had the opportunity to give a presentation on GPCT’s mission and campaign in East Hartford at the Connecticut River Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Open Networking session hosted at Goodwin University. We wrapped up this session with new ideas and new connections with local business leaders!
Join us at an upcoming event to learn more!
Energy Efficiency Presentation with CMC Energy Services
- When: Monday, March 9; 1 PM – 2 PM
- Where: East Hartford Senior Center, 15 Millbrook Dr
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
Good Energy, Great Connections: GPCT Hosts First Appreciation Event
GPCT hosted our first-ever Good Energy event on February 19 at East Rock Brewing Company in New Haven, bringing together supporters for an evening of connection, conversation and community. Designed as a special appreciation gathering and networking event, Good Energy created space for meaningful dialogue among donors, partners, and new connections who are passionate about fueling our mission.
The evening intentionally featured no formal program—just an open, welcoming environment where guests could share ideas, learn more about our work, and strengthen relationships. Over pizza and refreshments, conversations flowed easily, with long-time supporters reconnecting and first-time attendees expressing interest in deepening involvement with GPCT’s mission to ensure secure access to heat, power, and water for Connecticut households.
Most importantly, the event reflected the spirit behind its name: good energy generated by people who care deeply about their neighbors. We are grateful to everyone who joined us and helped make this inaugural gathering such a success. We look forward to hosting more opportunities to connect, collaborate, and continue building the momentum that carries our work forward. Visit gpct.org/events to find more ways to connect with us!
GPCT would like to extend our gratitude to our event sponsor, the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, as well as East Rock Brewing Company for donating the use of their space.
Save the Date: Power and Purpose Returns October 2026
Mark your calendar for October 30 for the second annual Power and Purpose. Join us for a luncheon of insight, action, and inspiration. You’ll learn how the energy crisis is affecting residents across Connecticut, the progress being made towards solutions, and the steps GPCT is taking to create a more resilient and equitable energy future.
We are grateful to our donors, foundations, and corporate partners who help lessen the energy burden for Connecticut families. Find more details about becoming a sponsor for Power and Purpose at gpct.org/power-and-purpose.
