House Republican Press Release

September 30, 2005

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Rep. DelGobbo Participates in Hearing on Price and Supply of Home Heating Fuels This Winter

State Rep. Kevin M. DelGobbo, R-70^th, Naugatuck, ranking member of the legislature’s Energy and Technology Committee, today participated in a special legislative hearing to address price and availability of home heating oil, natural gas and propane.

“With record oil prices and huge hurricane damage, I am very concerned that families will not be able to heat their homes this winter,” said Rep. DelGobbo. “The legislature and the administration will need to take whatever measures are necessary to assure that adequate fuel is available. Indications from industry experts are that Connecticut should have an adequate supply of home heating oil, natural gas and propane this winter.”

Rep. DelGobbo said he is particularly troubled about lower income families’ ability to pay for heating fuels this winter. “We must have strategies in place to help eligible low-income households with the cost of heating, “ he said.

He noted that federal and state funds have been available in past years, but warned that such funds could be exhausted due to record-high crude oil prices, as well as drilling, pipeline and refinery damage done by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

“We need to have a plan in advance to address these issues,” said Rep. DelGobbo, “rather than have to scramble during mid-winter to deal with emergency situations.”

Gov. M. Jodi Rell has invited Rep. DelGobbo to participate in a Fuel Assistance Summit at the Capitol on October 7. State, local industry and non-profit officials at the summit will work a plan for financial assistance to help eligible families pay high home heating costs this winter.

Rep. DelGobbo serves the 70^th Assembly District of Naugatuck in the state House of Representatives.