PSEG Long Island is stepping up to assist customers struggling with their energy bills as the heating season draws to a close. By reminding the community about its Home Energy Assistance Program, the company aims to provide support to those in need.
Currently, around 40,000 residential customers are benefiting from the program, which offers a monthly discount of $45 on their bills. This assistance is available to households enrolled in specific state or federal assistance programs. Interested customers should visit psegliny.com/advocacy or call 631-755-3407 for more information and to apply.
Brigitte Wynn, the director of Revenue Operations at PSEG Long Island, emphasized the company's commitment to helping customers with financial difficulties related to their energy expenses. "PSEG Long Island knows some customers are struggling with their electricity bills, and we work hard to provide the help they need," Wynn stated. The company not only organizes community events and informational sessions but also coordinates with local Social Services Departments to reach out to eligible clients.
In addition to the Home Energy Assistance Program, PSEG Long Island offers the Residential Energy Affordability Partnership Program (REAP), a free initiative that helps eligible customers save energy and reduce their energy bills. The program includes energy audits at customers' homes and recommendations for energy-saving measures.
New York State also has various financial aid programs designed to assist those facing heating costs. The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) opened on November 1, 2024, providing heating fuel subsidies to eligible homeowners and renters. Families of four with a maximum gross monthly income of $6,390 can qualify for this benefit. For more information on HEAP, visit the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance's website at otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/.
Moreover, the Emergency HEAP program aims to provide assistance to customers in crisis, especially to prevent disconnections of heating services. This program opened on January 2, 2025, offering subsidies to eligible customers facing immediate risks of losing heat.
Wynn further added, "Although we can automatically enroll many customers who qualify for the Home Energy Assistance Program, we remain available to help customers who have yet to sign up.”
For homeowners without reliable heating systems, the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance provides financial aid for repairs or replacements. Eligible homeowners can apply for up to $4,000 for repairs or $8,000 for heating equipment replacements.
PSEG Long Island encourages customers to efficiently manage their energy usage. Simple steps such as sealing windows and doors, using ceiling fans, and adjusting thermostats can lead to substantial savings. They also advocate for the use of smart thermostats, which can save about $100 a year and are available at a discount for customers.
Customers can also take advantage of the energy-saving tips provided by PSEG Long Island. The company suggests installing timers and motion detectors, and utilizing energy-efficient LED bulbs instead of incandescent bulbs, which use significantly more energy.
As customers grapple with their energy costs, these programs and resources aim to alleviate the financial burden while fostering better energy practices. PSEG Long Island remains committed to ensuring that no customer is left without assistance amidst these challenging times.
