Guilford Social Services (GSS) has a new heating assistance program to help residents monitor their equipment and provide added assurance of reliable heating. GSS Director Tammy DeFrancesco said the program has already begun distributing monitoring devices that will assist senior residents and those with disabilities by enabling them to keep track of fuel oil levels for their heating needs.

Rocket Wireless Fuel Monitors are being made available by GSS, with the help from Buchta Oil Services of Guilford, to Guilford Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) recipients who are over 65 and/or physically impaired. The device measures the amount of oil in a tank and sends a signal to a wireless monitor, according to DeFrancesco.

“We found that we had a lot of our clients were over the age of 60 and through the years what I’ve noticed that many of our clients didn’t take advantage of the full benefits of what these programs offer,” DeFrancesco said. “Many of them were reluctant to do so because they would have to go off of automatic delivery, due to the criteria of the program. What happens is that most people have auto delivery and they don’t have to check, so the idea of going off that scares them. But by doing that, they leave a lot of benefits on the table. So, we want to encourage them to do this.”

The monitor can be easily located in an accessible location (such as a kitchen), where can then “easily keep track of your available oil supply,” said DeFrancesco.

The wireless gauges and installation fee (up to one hour) are free of charge to Guilford resident homeowners who are eligible and granted CEAP. DeFrancesco also said that the state’s energy assistance program is far more inclusive this year and assistance runs until May.

“Clients who participate can get the peace of mind knowing they can monitor the level of their fuel,” said DeFrancesco. “This is a great program, especially with the benefits being so generous this year. Benefits of this size—I haven’t seen this sized amount in 20 years, so we want residents to take advantage of these important programs and assistance.”

2021-’22 Heating Assistance

According to GSS, with available benefits reaching close to $5,000 for the heating season depending on your heat source and income level, an extended delivery season, and no assets limits imposed, the organization is scheduling applications for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program for the 2021-’22 heating season.

Guilford residents may apply for 2021-’22 Connecticut Heating Assistance (LIHEAP/CEAP) Program, by appointment only at the Guilford Social Services Department, 263 Church Street, Guilford.

All types of heating sources are considered: oil, gas, electric, propane, kerosene, and wood. Annual household income limits are based on last four weeks of income and size of household: 1/ $39,027; 2/$51,035; 3/$63,044; 4/$75,052; 5/$87,060; 6/$99,069; 7/$101,320; 8/$103,572. For the 2021-’22 heating season, all asset limits have been suspended.

For more information on this limited monitor offer or to apply for assistance, call GSS at 203-453-8009.