Operation Fuel is asking state residents to consider contributing one dollar or more through its Add-a-Dollar program when paying their next monthly utility bill.

Due to the significant need for energy assistance this winter, Operation Fuel is running low on funds. The non-profit’s statewide network of fuel banks has been averaging 100 energy assistance applications daily, the agency said in a news release.

“At this rate, our winter program will be out of money by mid to late February,” Executive Director Patricia Wrice said. “Many of the people we are helping this winter are families with young children and elderly who are living on a fixed income.”

The maximum grant that a household can receive annually is $500.

Utility customers can make the contribution by adding a dollar when they pay their utility bill by check or online. Utility customers who wish to donate more than one dollar or want to contribute automatically each month to Operation Fuel should contact their utility company.

“This is an easy way to help Connecticut households that are struggling to keep their heat on,” Wrice said, “and 100 percent of the contribution is used for energy assistance grants.”

This past fiscal year, Operation Fuel received $414,369 in Add-a-Dollar contributions from utility customers and $122,700 in utility-provided shareholder matching funds for a total of $537,069 in 2012-2013. Connecticut gas and electric utilities are mandated by state statute to participate in Operation Fuel’s Add-a-Dollar program. Some of the companies also have a shareholder matching program that adds additional funds.

Donations for Operation Fuel also can be sent to Operation Fuel, One Regency Drive, Suite 200, Bloomfield, CT 06002 or made online at: www.operationfuel.org.

Operation Fuel is a private, nonprofit statewide program that has provided emergency energy assistance throughout Connecticut for the past 37 years to low income working families, the elderly and disabled individuals who are in financial crisis and not eligible for energy assistance from government-funded programs. It works in partnership with businesses, communities, government and individuals to ensure that Connecticut households have access year-round to critically needed energy assistance.