AN ACT CONCERNING ENERGY ASSISTANCE STUDIES AND FUEL VENDOR REIMBURSEMENT.

This bill updates the rules for Connecticut's Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program to improve how fuel vendors are paid and to ensure fair pricing for heating services. It requires the state to create a plan that includes criteria for emergency aid, outlines how to handle fuel deliveries, and establishes a timeline for reimbursing vendors within ten business days after they submit invoices. Additionally, the legislation mandates that starting in 2025, the state must set new pricing standards to fairly compensate vendors for their costs while keeping the maximum funding available for recipients. The bill also directs the state to purchase fuel directly for low-income households and prohibits vendors from discriminating against recipients based on their payment or delivery plans.