Operation Fuel, the only year-round emergency energy assistance program in the state, is pausing its program for the month of March after significant demand.

So far this program year, Operation Fuel has provided nearly $6 million in energy assistance to more than 6,000 households.

“We regret that we must do this but feel we had no choice,” explained Operation Fuel’s Executive Director Brenda Watson in a news release. “There has already been an extremely high number of requests for energy assistance this program season. We must pause to get through the backlog so that folks who have applied get their applications reviewed promptly.”

Operation Fuel partners with 58 organizations in the state, including the Thames Valley Council for Community Action. TVCCA, serving New London County, has faced a higher number of energy assistance applications this season.

Barbara Crouch, senior director of marketing and development at TVCCA, said applications have surpassed 10,000 as of last week. Last year the program received 9,960 applicants when assitance ended in June.

Zach St. John, the director of energy at TVCCA, said the agency would continue to accept applications through May if funding is available. He said he is hoping the pause on support from Operational Fuel will have a minimal effect on TVCCA’s program.

Crouch on Friday said TVCCA still has state funds as well as funding it has raised to assist people in March. Crouch said she is hoping TVCCA will be able to meet all needs and understands the fiscal realities of why Operational Fuel placed a pause on assistance.

TVCCA looks at income and utility bill costs to determine eligibility for those in the New London County.

Operation Fuel will resume providing energy assistance on April 3 and will reduce energy grants from $1,000 per household to $500, to serve more households.

Watson said anyone who needs energy assistance during March, should contact their utility company or the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) by calling 211. Operation Fuel will provide energy assistance from April 3 through May 31 or whenever funds run out.

j.vazquez@theday.com