Operation Fuel Warms Connecticut Families in Need

Operation Fuel is a year-round, nonprofit statewide program providing emergency financial assistance for energy costs to families living just beyond the brink of poverty in Connecticut. The program helps families who earn too much to qualify for government assistance programs, yet not always enough to cover the high cost of heat during a cold Connecticut winter or air conditioning in a hot Connecticut summer.

"This is an organization I am very proud to be a part of," said Executive Director Pat Wrice. Operation Fuel uses a network of more than 60 volunteer fuel banks, which include social services and community action agencies, religious organizations and other nonprofits, that are in direct contact with local households in need. "It's a multi-layered partnership," said Wrice, "all of us working toward the same purpose."

Since its inception in 1977, the organization has provided more than $16 million in assistance. Already the organization's largest corporate sponsor, Connecticut Light & Power more than doubled its financial commitment to the program in March of this year. In addition to a $100,000 shareholder grant, CL&P instituted a public challenge grant, motivating Connecticut residents and businesses to increase their support of the program by matching donations dollar-for-dollar up to $150,000.

CL&P's commitment to Operation Fuel goes well beyond direct financial support.

Maintaining low administrative overhead costs is key to the success of Operation Fuel's mission; by keeping internal costs low, the organization can maximize the funding available for emergency energy assistance. "CL&P is currently the only utility company that helps support our overhead costs," explained Wrice. "They provide several pro bono services - like printing of stationery, applications and monthly reporting forms, which saves us a substantial amount of money." CL&P includes printed inserts about Operation Fuel with their customers' monthly utility bills - along with an "Add a Dollar" option - as well as pro bono production services for Operation Fuel's public service announcements. "Their assistance allows us to send a crisp, professional message."

CL&P employees do independent, internal fundraising for Operation Fuel as well.

We've instituted "Jeans Day," when employees are allowed to wear jeans to work by donating $1 to Operation Fuel. As a show of appreciation, former CL&P President and Chief Operating Officer Ray Necci was honored at Operation Fuel's 30th Anniversary Dinner Gala. Said Wrice, "No one would have thought, 30 years ago, that we'd be as effective as we've been - we simply couldn't do it without our sponsors and volunteers." A heartfelt thanks and a reason to celebrate indeed.