New York Expands Electricity Discount Program

Monticello, N.Y. — New York State has launched a new pilot program aimed at helping more residents afford their utility bills.

In mid-January, the state announced the Enhanced Energy Affordability Program, or EEAP, expanding the existing Energy Affordability Program that offers monthly discounts on electric and gas service to qualifying households.

“EEAP is a two-year pilot program meant to serve households who don’t qualify for EAP, and it potentially offers some much-needed relief to people and families who wouldn’t otherwise be eligible for government benefits,” said Nadia Rajsz, chair of the Sullivan County Legislature in a statement. “All you need to qualify for EEAP is have an active residential electric or gas account with a participating utility, and be under the household income limits.”

New York State Electric & Gas, Orange & Rockland Utilities, and Central Hudson Gas & Electric participate in both programs, though discount amounts vary by utility. Customers may only be enrolled in one program at a time.

About the Energy Affordability Program

Established by the New York State Public Service Commission in 2016, the Energy Affordability Program provides monthly bill discounts to low-income households.

Eligibility is tied to participation in certain state and federal assistance programs, including the Home Energy Assistance Program, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, veterans disability or survivors pension benefits, federal public housing assistance, Lifeline telephone service, and Safety Net Assistance.

Residents can inquire about enrollment through their utility provider:

• NYSEG: 1-800-600-2275 or nyseg.com
• Orange & Rockland: 1-877-434-4100 or oru.com
• Central Hudson: 845-452-2700 or cenhud.com

About the Enhanced Energy Affordability Program

Launched last month, EEAP offers utility bill discounts to income-qualified households that do not participate in state or federal benefit programs such as HEAP or SNAP.

Households with annual income below the following thresholds may qualify:

• 1 person: $69,477
• 2 people: $90,854
• 3 people: $112,232
• 4 people: $133,609
• 5 people: $154,986
• 6 people: $176,364
• 7 people: $180,372
• 8 people: $184,380

Applications for EEAP are available at nyeeap.com/program or by calling 1-877-400-2501. Applicants must provide proof of income from the past month for all household members and have their utility account number available.

More information about both programs is available through the New York State Department of Public Service at dps.ny.gov/energy-affordability-program.

Image: In a Friday, Aug. 15, 2003 file photo, the Empire State Building towers over the skyline of a blackout-darkened New York City just before dawn. (AP Photo/George Widman, File)