NEW YORK — On Tuesday, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced action the state took to help consumers with rising energy costs.
The state's utility regulator has now sent letters to all of New York's major utility companies about a requirement to increase outreach and education on the surge of energy supply prices and the effect it will have on utility bills.
Hochul also launched a statewide campaign to increase relief for low-income customers. Millions of dollars in aid are available for people in need.
"The extreme utility bill increases all of us are seeing are having a serious impact on our household budgets, and in response, we are taking action," Hochul said. "I have directed the Department of Public Service to ensure all the major electric and gas utilities in the state work with customers, and in particular, our most vulnerable residents to protect them from volatile pricing and educate them about resources available to them."
The cost of natural gas, which is used to heat homes and generate electricity, has gone up significantly. These price increases are in part being driven up because of colder-than-normal weather, increased economic activity, and increased international demand.
Letters were sent to all of the state's major electric and gas utility companies earlier this week.
Separately, Hochul called on heating oil and propane suppliers to be proactive about increasing consumer awareness of options to help reduce heating bills.
Below is information provided by Hochul on programs that can help people pay their energy bills:
- The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
- Regular Arrears Supplement benefits
- $90 million in federal funding through Emergency HEAP
- Energy Affordability Policy program by the PSC
- Bill Payment Options: Residential consumers can inquire with their utility provider about billing options that allow for deferred payments or 'budget billing' to even out utility bills that are higher in one season and lower in another. This can help structure payments to make it easier to navigate costs.
- For low-income households facing no-heat situations, OTDA is also accepting applications for its heating equipment repair or replacement benefit. Interested households can apply with their local HEAP contact.
