NYSEG and RG&E say nearly 150,000 customers are now receiving monthly utility bill credits through affordability programs designed to help low- and moderate-income households manage rising energy costs.
The utilities announced Thursday that customers enrolled in the Energy Affordability Program and Enhanced Energy Affordability Program are receiving direct monthly bill assistance through initiatives developed in partnership with the New York Public Service Commission.
The announcement comes as utility affordability remains a growing concern across New York, with many households facing higher electric and natural gas bills in recent years.
“No customer should have to choose between paying their utility bill and covering basic household needs,” said Christine Alexander, vice president of customer service for NYSEG and RG&E.
The Energy Affordability Program, or EAP, is aimed at low-income customers and remains open year-round. Eligibility includes customers receiving assistance through programs such as SNAP, HEAP, federal public housing assistance, and other qualifying programs.
The Enhanced Energy Affordability Program, known as EEAP, is targeted toward moderate-income households that do not qualify for traditional low-income assistance programs.
NYSEG and RG&E said customers can apply online through each company’s assistance webpage.
The utilities also said they have hosted 37 community outreach events so far this year attended by more than 800 customers. The events are designed to connect residents with available assistance programs and payment support resources.
NYSEG serves electric and natural gas customers across much of upstate New York, while RG&E serves customers in the Rochester region and surrounding counties.
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