With colder months driving up utility bills across upstate New York, energy providers are urging customers to act quickly before a key assistance program runs out.
NYSEG and RG&E are encouraging eligible households to apply for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), which remains open through April 7 or until funding is exhausted.
The federally funded program helps low- and moderate-income households cover energy costs, including heating bills, emergency needs, and certain home repairs tied to energy use. Eligible customers can receive one regular benefit per season and may also qualify for additional emergency assistance.
Utility officials say many customers faced financial strain during the winter and may still be eligible for relief, even if they have not applied previously. They are also directing customers to additional programs designed to reduce monthly bills.
Those programs include the Energy Affordability Program (EAP) and the Enhanced Energy Affordability Program (EEAP), which provide ongoing bill credits for qualifying households. Both were developed in coordination with the New York State Public Service Commission.
NYSEG and RG&E serve hundreds of thousands of electric and natural gas customers across upstate New York, including much of the Finger Lakes region, where heating costs can remain high well into early spring.
Customers seeking assistance are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as funding for HEAP is limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
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