Birdies, Bonuses, and Big Impact—Thank You for Driving Change!

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Travelers Birdies for Charity program. Every donation made during the campaign received a 15% match, making your support go even further to help our neighbors in need.

If you missed the Birdies campaign, there’s still time to make an impact before our fiscal year ends tomorrow, June 30. Your gift today will help us continue providing critical support to families across Connecticut. Visit gpct.org/donate today!

Generation Power CT Celebrates Successful Legislative Session

In 2026, the Connecticut General Assembly (CGA) convened from February 4 to May 6 – and GPCT’s policy & public affairs team was active throughout. With relatively few bills considered by the CGA, we focused on building awareness of our core mission and program impacts. We prioritized three key goals:

• preserving our critical emergency energy assistance funding
• sharing program data and stories from GPCT clients
• and expanding our network of supporters.

In conversations with lawmakers, staff, and partners, we advocated that centering vulnerable families in far-reaching policy decisions is essential. With the 2026 legislative session wrapped up, we are starting to strategize for next year.

Preserving Our Critical Funding

Last year, GPCT secured $1.5 million of state funds to support our emergency energy assistance programs in Fiscal Years 2026 and 2027. This year, our fundamental goal was to protect this funding for Connecticut families – and we did. By meeting with legislators, organizing a press conference, testifying on bills, and maintaining a regular presence in the Capitol, GPCT helped policy makers understand the importance of energy assistance – both for struggling households, and to reduce costs for all ratepayers.

Expanding our network of support

Throughout the first half of the year, GPCT met with lawmakers from across the state to build awareness of our rebrand, our emergency energy and water assistance programs, and opportunities to help Connecticut residents struggling to keep their homes warm and bright. We appreciated conversations with State Representatives Anthony Nolan, Susan Johnson, Joe Gresko, Anne Hughes, Rebecca Martinez, and others; as well as State Senator Paul Honig. and committee chairs of the Energy & Technology Committee. Connecting with these legislators enabled GPCT to share our clients’ needs with new audiences such as the Committees on Children Aging, and Veterans. In fact, we submitted testimony on a bill that passed to establish a taskforce to study methods to improve affordability for families with small children and young professionals.

We also built relationships with legislative leaders, by providing actionable information and data on proposals affecting vulnerable populations. In addition to leaders of the Energy & Technology Committee, we are grateful to House Majority Leader Representative Jason Rojas, House Minority Leader Representative Vincent Candelora, and Senate Minority Leader Stephen Harding for their ongoing support.

Sharing Client Experiences

In March, GPCT held a press conference at the Connecticut State Capitol to highlight the launch of our fourth and final Emergency Energy Assistance program cycle of the fiscal year. Hosted by State Representative Jillian Gilchrest, the event provided an opportunity to thank legislators and Governor Lamont for funding to support GPCT’s emergency assistance programs. Our partner Chris Herb, President of the Connecticut Energy Marketers Association (CEMA), emphasized the importance and impacts of GPCT’s programs for Connecticut households as temperatures and utility costs continue to strain family budgets. Chief Policy & Public Affairs Officer Gannon Long shared details about our assistance programs and how to apply. GPCT received broad media coverage including from CT Insider, Connecticut Public, and Fox 61.

Staying Safe in Summer: Keeping Cool Matters Too

When we think about energy insecurity, we often picture cold winter days and the struggle to keep our homes warm. But staying cool during the summer is just as important. As temperatures rise, households that can’t afford to run air conditioning or fans may be at risk of dangerous indoor heat.

Extreme heat isn’t just uncomfortable; it can be a serious health hazard. A recent study on Connecticut climate impacts found that in 2024, the hottest year to date, Connecticut saw an increase in emergency room visits related to heat, up to an average of 84 visits per day during some of the hottest days that summer. In June 2025, at least one person died of heat illness in Connecticut during a heatwave.

Older adults, young children, people with chronic health conditions, and those taking certain medications are especially vulnerable to heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

There are simple steps that can help keep your home and your body cooler:

• Keep curtains and blinds closed during the hottest part of the day.
• Use fans to circulate air, and if you have air conditioning, set it to a comfortable, energy-efficient temperature.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest hours.
• Take advantage of air-conditioned public spaces such as libraries, community centers, or shopping malls if your home becomes too hot.
• Check in on older neighbors, family members, and anyone who may need extra support during periods of extreme heat.

Everyone deserves a safe and healthy home year-round. Just as we prepare for winter’s cold, it’s important to recognize that staying cool in the summer is an essential part of staying safe.

Water Assistance Still Available

While our Emergency Energy Assistance program is closed for applications, help is still available for households struggling to pay their water bills.

GPCT is proud to partner with Aquarion Water Company, Connecticut Water Company, and the Metropolitan District Commission (MDC) to support water assistance programs year-round. Our Water Assistance Program helps eligible residents maintain access to safe, reliable water service and can help provide relief for those facing financial hardship.

To learn about eligibility and how to apply visit gpct.org/water.

Powering Savings in East Hartford

Thanks to our partners at New England Smart Energy and the Town of East Hartford, CT – Government Mayor’s Office, East Hartford residents are learning how they can lower energy bills and improve home comfort through Home Energy Solutions℠ and other energy efficiency programs.

As part of the Energize Connecticut Community Partnership Initiative, led by Generation Power CT, East Hartford residents recently received a letter encouraging them to take advantage of available energy-saving services and incentives.

Recently, GPCT’s Chief Policy and Public Affairs Officer, Gannon Long and Community Research and Education Coordinator, Claire Lee, joined New England Smart Energy at the East Hartford Senior Center and East Hartford Public Library Raymond Library’s Summer Reading Party.

Together, they shared information about Home Energy Solutions, answered questions about energy efficiency offerings and helped residents schedule home energy assessments and services with approved contractors: the first step toward reducing energy bills and improving comfort at home.

To learn more about this program, please reach out to us at engagement@gpct.org, or fill out our interest form to get started.

You’re Invited! Don’t Miss Out on Power and Purpose!

Date: October 30, 2026
Time: 12:00pm to 1:30pm
Location: Downtown Marriot, Hartford

Join us for our second annual luncheon of action and inspiration! You’ll gain insight into 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. Learn more and RSVP today!