Energy seminar to educate residents about savings, assistance programs this Saturday

The town will host a free Energy Assistance and Savings presentation at North Haven Middle School on Saturday, in an attempt to help residents offset rising costs and introduce them to options for energy assistance programs.

Hoping to facilitate a connection between residents and the various companies and agencies that can educate them, the Department of Community Services has invited a group of organizations to participate. Groups from around the state will give presentations and set up informational tables to address the specific needs and questions of citizens.

"We wanted to have a big forum for residents to obtain as much information as possible to prepare us for the high cost of energy that we are anticipating during the winter," said Gerardo Sorkin, director of Community Services and Recreation. "Our mission is to inform and connect people and give them as many resources as possible."

The town attempted to secure a wide range of groups, in order to cover many aspects of the problems surrounding the usage of energy.

"We were looking at a well-rounded balance," said Carla Pelliccio, secretary at the department, explaining that the organizers looked at issues like savings, energy conservation, and safety. "It's come together very smoothly."

The Connecticut Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC), for example, will appear to discuss its role in matters of energy regulation. The Connecticut Housing Investment Fund will explain the loans that it provides when it comes to energy-efficient construction. United Illuminating Company and Southern Connecticut Gas Company will also present programs from their respective companies.

A number of town groups will attend the presentation on Saturday as well. North Haven Community Oil Co-Op is a group of residents that organize to obtain oil discounts by negotiating prices, and they will discuss energy saving options. The town's Clean Energy Task Force will have a table where residents can sign up for renewable energy as part of a program that would have 20 percent of the town's municipal electricity come from renewable sources by 2010.

The 2-1-1 Infoline, a free community service administered by the United Way of Connecticut, will also be present to provide people with contact information for topics relating to energy assistance.

The various agencies will outline two major state programs - the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program, which helps households pay for primary heating bills, and the Contingency Heating Assistance Program, designated for households with higher incomes than would qualify for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program. The Department of Community Services has begun working with individuals to help them fill out their applications and understand the eligibility requirements. Eligibility will be based on a number of factors, including income.

Second Selectman and State Rep. Steve Fontana, D-North Haven, and State Sen. Len Fasano, R-North Haven, will attend to deliver welcoming remarks and greet residents. Free coffee and donuts will also be served. The event will be held at the middle school auditorium, 55 Bailey Rd., from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information contact the Department of Community Services and Recreation at (203) 239-5321 ext. 780.