Since the beginning of the pandemic, over 1.3 million households (or nearly one in five New Yorkers) have fallen behind on their utility bills. And with home heating costs expected to spike even further this winter, it's important to know that there is help available right now if you are low-income and behind on your bills. New York State’s Energy Affordability Program (EAP) will provide a credit to save money on your utility bill for qualifying customers
ENROLL IN THE STATE ENERGY AFFORDABILITY PROGRAM
HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOU QUALIFY FOR UTILITY DEBT RELIEF
Step by step instructions
Communities for Local Power held 7 workshops throughout December 2021 to aid low income community members enroll in the state energy affordability program. In total, CLP helped over 100 households enroll in the EAP.
These events were majorly successful with the help of our wonderful friends at the Public Utility Law Project. For several of the events, we had attendance from the Department of Social Services to help with HEAP and SNAP questions, the PSC to address complaints, and Cornell Cooperative Extension offering energy efficiency tips, home audits, and applications for possible grant/free insulation and weatherization to qualifying residents! We look forward to hosting similar events this spring and summer.
If you have a space where community members gather and would like us to host a utility event there, please email dacruz@communitiesforlocalpower.org.
RESOURCES FOR UTILITY DEBT RELIEF
Have questions? The Public Utility Law Project of New York may be able to assist you with the enrollment process.
Toll-free hotline: 877-669-2572
Email: info@utilityproject.org.
Having billing issues or want to make a complaint? Contact the Public Service Commission.
Billing complaints: 1-800-342-3377
Gas/electric shutoff: 1-800-342-3355
Need help applying for HEAP or SNAP? Contact the Department of Social Services.
HEAP: (845) 334-5436
SNAP: (845) 334-5200
Organizations and agencies are available to help with utility issues