David Michel

It's been downright cold, wet, and snowy for the past couple of weeks, which is why one organization is encouraging people to register for its energy assistance program. Please read below to find out how Operation Fuel can possibly help with your utility bill.

Crews will be busy on I-95 to upgrade pavement on the highway as part of a $61 million plan. Keep scrolling to find out where you can expect to see road work in the near future.

And, this week you have an opportunity speak up to save lives. I'll break down how a new road safety campaign is encouraging passengers to prevent distracted drivers from getting behind the wheel.

Here are the sections in today's email:

• Operation Fuel Application Period Now Open
• Road Work on I-95 in Stamford
• Speak Up To Save Lives

If you're struggling to pay utility bills, Operation Fuel may be able to help. Operation Fuel's energy assistance program opened this month for the Winter/Spring season. The organization will accept applications until March 1 or until funds run out.

Households with incomes that do not exceed 75% of the State Median Income Guidelines may qualify for assistance. These households include -- but are not limited to -- the elderly, disabled, working families, or individuals facing a financial crisis.

Eligible clients may apply for energy assistance (gas, electric, oil, or other deliverable fuel) ONCE per year and receive a grant of UP TO $500.

For utility assistance (electric & gas), clients must show they made at least four payments in the past 12 months, must owe a past due amount, and provide at least four weeks of income information. Operation Fuel is accepting applications for water and energy bill assistance for:

Electric: Eversource, United Illuminating (UI), and Norwalk Public Utilities
Gas: Eversource, UI, Yankee Gas, Southern Connecticut Gas (SCG), and Connecticut Natural Gas (CNG)
Water: CT Water and The Metropolitan District (MDC)

Crews will be upgrading the pavement on I-95 in both directions between exits 2 and 6 in Stamford and Greenwich. Drivers can expect to see crews and lane closures starting on April 1, but there may be some work before then.

The project includes adding new, more durable pavement and milling. Crews will replace traffic and signal loops on ramps, catch basin tops, small traffic signs with no foundations, and pavement markings.

The $61 million project is expected to be finished by November 30, 2025.

The state is urging anyone who witnesses unsafe driving to SPEAK UP to save lives as part of National Passenger Safety Week. The campaign runs from January 21-28.

By speaking up when you see someone speeding, impaired, or distracted, you are actively trying to help other drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and so many others.

Remember, passengers can potentially:

• Prevent a driver from getting behind the wheel if they have had too much to drink
• Tell driver to lower their speed
• Keep driver focused by putting phone away