With the welcome, if belated, arrival of warm weather we can finally say farewell to giant utility bills – except those living on low incomes who may still owe substantial amounts to oil or electric companies.

The timing is especially critical now because a winter protection program that prevents utility companies from shutting off service due to nonpayment during the cold-weather season ended Friday.

Some of those facing cutoff may be eligible for assistance through a nonprofit program called Operation Fuel, which reminds Connecticut residents that they can contribute simply by adding a dollar to their monthly utility bills, or by making donations online (www.operationfuel.org).

Operation Fuel raised $562,211 last year through the Add-a-Dollar program; $439,536 from utility customers’ donations and $122,675 shareholder-matching funds provided by the companies. Since Add-a-Dollar began 31 years ago, the program has provided nearly $16.4 million in energy assistance throughout Connecticut.

“Participating in the Add-a-Dollar program is an easy way to help Connecticut families and individuals who are struggling to keep their homes warm and their electricity on. Operation Fuel uses 100 percent of the contributions for energy assistance,” explains Executive Director Patricia Wrice.

Operation Fuel grants up to $500 a year to households in need, including working families with young children, elderly people living on fixed incomes and the disabled.

This is a worthy cause and we encourage customers to show their generosity.