Connecticut residents, who are customers of the Connecticut Light and Power Company (CL&P) or The United Illuminating Company (UI), can make their homes more energy efficient this summer while helping Operation Fuel assist families and individuals who are struggling to pay their energy bills. In recognition of Operation Fuel’s 35th anniversary, Competitive Resources Inc. (CRI) of Wallingford is donating $35 to the non-profit energy assistance program for every CL&P and UI customer who schedules a home energy assessment with CRI by September 14. CRI had a similar program over this winter, and raised $1,820 for Operation Fuel. Operation Fuel is a private, non-profit statewide program that provides emergency energy assistance to lower-income working families, the elderly and disabled individuals who are in financial crisis and not eligible for energy assistance from government-funded programs. “During the warmer months, many families and individuals can’t afford to pay their energy bills, but there are no energy assistance programs running besides Operation Fuel. Some of the households we help are going through an economic hardship, such as a serious illness or recent unemployment. A home energy assessment will help to conserve energy and save money for your household, while helping another family who is struggling and has nowhere else to turn,” explained Operation Fuel’s Executive Director Patricia Wrice. For a co-pay of $75, CL&P and UI customers who have CRI perform a home energy assessment will receive an average of $700 in services and installed products that will help make their homes more energy efficient and lower their energy bills by an average of $200 annually. This energy efficiency service is provided through the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund’s Home Energy Solutions (HES) program in partnership with CL&P and UI. Competitive Resources of Wallingford, Conn., is an authorized Home Energy Solutions provider for all participating electric, gas, and municipal utilities in Connecticut. During the home energy assessment, CRI’s certified technicians will make energy saving improvements that include identifying and sealing air leaks and drafts, installing improved lighting and water-saving devices, and analyzing appliances and insulation. CL&P and UI customers can schedule an appointment by calling 888-403-3500 or by going to www.criprograms.com. CL&P and UI must approve all applications and the offer is subject to the availability of funding from the Energy Efficiency Fund. Utility customers should have their account number available and mention Operation Fuel when calling to schedule an energy assessment.