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Update on Energy Scams, Fuel Assistance, and DEEP Recreational Trails

Submitted by State Sen. Norm Needleman

(December 10, 2022) —A quick note about a recent scam that Eversource customers have been reporting; if you receive a robocall claiming to be from Eversource that says your power is about to be shut off, don’t listen! Eversource confirmed its customers have reported receiving fraudulent calls claiming their power was going to be shut off within hours or even minutes of receiving a call. Eversource is recommending that if you receive this kind of call report it to the police.

Fuel Assistance Qualifying Levels Increased

For those seeking assistance with energy costs this winter, Operation Fuel has reduced its qualifying levels. Normally, the program is capped at 60% of state median income, but this year’s levels have been upgraded to 100% of state median income, which means a household of four earning up to $127,000 annually can now be eligible. For more information, click here; applications for the winter and spring season will open on December 19, 2022.

DEEP Requesting Grant Applications For Recreational Trails

The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is now accepting proposals for the state’s Recreational Trails Grants; roughly $9 million will be made available to improve Connecticut trail infrastructure and to meet increased demand since the start of the pandemic. Trails are an important contributor to Connecticut’s growing outdoor recreation economy.Any private, non-profit organization, municipality, state department or tribal government may apply. Grant proposal uses can include planning and design of trails, construction of new trails, maintenance and restoration of existing recreational trails, access to trails by persons with disabilities, purchase and lease of trail construction and maintenance equipment, acquisition of land or easements for trails and operation of educational programs to promote safety and environmental protection. To learn more, click here; grant applications will be due by March 1, 2023.

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