State leaders are pushing for more federal funds as utility bills are expected to increase this winter.

Eversource and United Illuminating filed for an unprecedented price hike at nearly 50%. This means about $85 more a month on average.

Gov. Lamont vowed to call legislators to help pay for it from the state.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal said he'll be pushing for more federal money.

"We need the federal funds. People should not be forced to choose between heating or eating,” he said. “The heating of their homes is essential as colder temperatures come and the prices of energy are soaring.”

Sen. Blumenthal pushed to boost the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP.