Expressing concern about the rising cost for home heating oil in Connecticut, Sen. Joseph Crisco, D-Woodbridge, is urging residents in the 17th Senatorial District communities of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Hamden, Naugatuck and Woodbridge to act now to take advantage of the state’s new Furnace Rebate Program.

The State Bond Commission has approved $5 million in funding to finance a program that will help middle-income families across Connecticut purchase more energy efficient furnaces and boilers to help save on winter heating bills.

The law directs the Office of Policy and Management to provide a rebate of up to $500 for the purchase and installation of certain replacement home-heating equipment between July 1, 2007 and July 1, 2017. The rebate program will be available to families who heat their homes with heating oil or natural gas.

A new phone line has been set up to help families apply: 1-866-940-4676.