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During the COVID-19 pandemic, New Yorkers have spent more time at home, and households are consuming more energy to keep themselves safe and comfortable. The increase in energy consumption has resulted in higher bills that disproportionally hit those already struggling financially. The NYC Department of Veterans' Services (DVS) connects veterans to resources to help pay their utility bills.

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See the list below for utility resources, including information on the New York's Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), support from energy providers, and more:

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Home Energy Assistance Program

  • The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a federally funded program that helps low-income energy customers pay their utility bills. Visit the HEAP programs to see eligibility requirements for the following programs:
    • Regular HEAP Benefit: The Regular HEAP Benefit helps low-income people pay the cost of heating their homes. Eligibility for the program is based on household size and income. If you are eligible, you can receive one benefit per year (you must reapply for the benefit every year). The benefit is paid directly to the heating vendor or utility company.
      Recipients of the Regular HEAP Benefit may also be eligible for an Emergency HEAP Benefit if they are in a heat or heat-related emergency (see below for more information). The 2020-2021 Regular HEAP Benefit application opened on November 2nd, 2020.
    • Emergency HEAP Benefit: The Emergency HEAP Benefit is available to eligible households who are in impending danger of running out of fuel or having their utility service shut off. Eligibility is based on household size and income. Customers must also have a utility shut-off notice. The 2020-2021 Emergency HEAP Benefit opened on January 4th, 2021.
    • Heating Equipment Repair or Replacement Benefit: The Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement Benefit is available to eligible homeowners who need help repairing or replacing their furnace, boiler, and other direct heating equipment necessary to maintain their homes' primary heating source.
    • Clean and Tune Benefit: The Clean and Tune Benefit provides eligible households with energy efficiency services to allow for the safe, proper, and efficient operation of their home's heating equipment. Services include: cleaning primary heating equipment and chimneys, making minor repairs, installing carbon monoxide detectors or programmable thermostats, cooling Assistance Benefit
  • Eligible households can receive one Cooling Assistance Benefit per applicant household for the purchase and installation of an air conditioner or a fan (not to exceed $800 with installation). To learn how to apply to a HEAP program, visit the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.

Support from Energy Providers

  • National Grid
    • National Grid customers can applying for a HEAP benefits
    • HEAP recipients can also receive a monthly bill credit/discount through National Grid's Energy Affordability Program (EAP). This monthly bill credit is automatic with the receipt of a HEAP payment applied to your account if you receive natural gas heat through National Grid. Learn about including eligibility information and instructions to apply.
    • National Grid and HeartShare Human Services of NY also offer a $200 grant to National Grid customers who are eligible for HEAP benefits. The Neighborhood Heating Fund provides the grant to customers who meet HEAP's household income guidelines (see the income guidelines chart). Customers are able to apply once per year after they have exhausted all HEAP assistance. This grant is only available to residents of Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island who live in a 1-2 family house or pay for heat in their apartment. Applications are now available. For more information, call 718-422-4207 or visit Heart Share Human Services.
    • The National Grid Savings Your Way Program offers customers free, in-person or virtual, home efficiency assessments. Through this program, customers can receive free, easy-to-install energy-saving products, including faucet aerators, low-flow showerheads, pipe wraps, and thermostatic shower valves. To schedule a no-cost home energy assessment visit ngrid.com/savingsyourway or call 833-427-SAVE (7283).
    • National Grid has launched the Winter Customer Savings Initiative to help customers reduce energy use and save money, better manage their bills, and secure available energy assistance.
      The initiative includes payment assistance programs for income-eligible customers, residential and business energy efficiency programs and incentives, low-cost and no-cost bill management solutions, and flexible payment programs.
      To find out more and see what programs might be right for you, your family, or your business, visit ngrid.com/heretohelp. 
    • National Grid's Consumer Advocates help income-eligible and vulnerable customers facing financial hardship by providing information on programs and services that are available from the company and other community agencies. To contact a Consumer Advocate, call 718-643-4050 and ask to have a Consumer Advocate contact you.



  • PSEG-LI
    • PSEG-LI customers interested in learning more about the HEAP Benefit program can call 800-490-0025 to speak with a Customer Service representative. PSEG-LI customers can learn more about financial assistance programs at PSEG-LI.