NYSEG and RG&E are urging customers facing higher utility bills to review assistance programs before the winter heating season. The companies said Monday that New York's regular Home Energy Assistance Program is expected to open Nov. 2.
The federally funded program, known as HEAP, helps eligible households with energy costs, repairs and weatherization. NYSEG and RG&E also highlighted monthly bill-credit programs for low- and moderate-income customers.
The Energy Affordability Program provides credits for eligible low-income customers. Customers who receive HEAP or certain other qualifying assistance are automatically given an EAP bill credit for 18 months, the utilities said.
The Enhanced Energy Affordability Program serves eligible moderate-income households that do not qualify for, or are not enrolled in, an EAP-accepted assistance program. EEAP eligibility is based on gross income before taxes, and its credits appear directly on utility bills.
One-time rebate checks are separate
The utilities also reminded customers to watch for New York State's one-time POWER rebate checks, which are being mailed from September through December based on 2024 tax returns. The rebate is separate from HEAP and the recurring utility bill-credit programs.
Under the state's announced payment schedule, joint filers with income below $150,000 receive $200. Joint filers with income between $150,000 and $300,000 receive $150, while single filers with income below $150,000 receive $100. The companies said the checks are for full-time New York residents who meet the program's conditions.
NYSEG and RG&E also pointed to the Energy Affordability Guarantee Pilot Program and Project SHARE as possible sources of help. They direct customers to nyseg.com/helpwithbill and rge.com/helpwithbill for program details and ways to reduce energy use.
Patricia Nilsen, the companies' chief executive, said customers should use available affordability programs, payment assistance and flexible payment options as colder weather approaches. NYSEG serves customers across upstate New York, while RG&E serves a nine-county region around Rochester.
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