NYSEG and Rochester Gas and Electric are urging customers to prepare for winter heating costs and review assistance programs, with enrollment in the Home Energy Assistance Program expected to open Nov. 2.
The utilities said Thursday that eligible customers can use HEAP and other affordability programs to lower their bills. Customers can find application information through the state's Home Energy Assistance Program.
Christine Alexander, vice president of customer service for NYSEG and RG&E, said heating is one of the largest drivers of household energy consumption as colder weather arrives.
“That's why simple steps taken today can help customers use less energy once extreme temperatures arrive,” Alexander said. She also encouraged eligible households to seek bill credits through HEAP, the Energy Affordability Program and the Enhanced Energy Affordability Program.
Programs offer help with energy bills
HEAP is federally funded and helps eligible households pay energy costs. The utilities said enrollment is expected to begin Monday, Nov. 2.
Customers who receive HEAP will automatically receive a monthly Energy Affordability Program credit for 18 months, according to the utilities. EAP was developed with the New York Public Service Commission to provide credits to low-income customers participating in qualifying assistance programs.
The Enhanced Energy Affordability Program, or EEAP, serves eligible moderate-income households that do not qualify for, or are not currently enrolled in, an EAP-accepted program. Customers can review the utilities' EAP and EEAP information and application options through their accounts or customer service.
Customers seeking additional help can call NYSEG at 800-572-1111 or RG&E at 800-743-2110. Both companies also offer information about assistance through their websites.
Lower energy use before colder weather arrives
The utilities recommend checking heating systems and addressing drafts before winter. They estimate that lowering a thermostat by 1 degree can reduce fuel consumption by about 3%.
Programmable thermostats can automatically turn down the temperature. Heating and cooling equipment should be inspected annually by a professional, the companies said, because inefficient systems can use more fuel.
Other steps include checking ducts for leaks, inspecting pipes in unheated areas, replacing dirty air filters and sealing leaky areas around doors and windows.
Space heaters can also raise electricity use substantially. A typical 1,500-watt heater running eight hours a day can add about 360 kilowatt-hours to a monthly bill, according to the utilities.
Customers with smart meters can use Energy Manager to review consumption down to the hour. Usage Alerts can send text messages or emails about energy use, giving customers another way to monitor habits and make adjustments.
NYSEG serves about 894,000 electricity customers and 266,000 natural gas customers across more than 40% of upstate New York. RG&E serves about 378,500 electricity customers and 313,000 natural gas customers in a nine-county region surrounding Rochester. Both are Avangrid subsidiaries.
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