Comprehensive Guide to Utility Assistance Programs in New York State

New York State offers a wide range of programs to help residents with utility bills, heating and cooling costs, weatherization, water affordability, energy efficiency, and renewable energy access. These programs serve millions of households each year, offering not only financial relief but also long-term solutions like energy-saving upgrades and clean energy options. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of all major utility assistance options available in New York, including eligibility, benefits, application procedures, and contact information.

1. Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)

HEAP is New York State’s primary utility assistance program, providing financial help to low-income households for heating costs. The program includes Regular HEAP, Emergency HEAP, Heating Equipment Repair or Replacement (HERR), Clean and Tune, and Cooling Assistance benefits. Eligible applicants can receive one or more of these benefits per program year. The income threshold for HEAP is updated annually, based on household size and gross monthly income. Elderly or disabled individuals receiving SSI, SNAP, or other benefits may automatically qualify.

Regular HEAP: A seasonal benefit that assists with home heating bills. The benefit is typically paid directly to the fuel vendor or utility company. The amount depends on income, household size, and energy usage.
Emergency HEAP: Provides assistance for households experiencing a heat or utility-related emergency, such as a shutoff notice, lack of fuel, or a broken heating system. Applicants can apply multiple times during a season if emergencies recur.
Heating Equipment Repair or Replacement (HERR): Offers funding to repair or replace malfunctioning heating equipment, including furnaces and boilers, with services provided by certified contractors.
Clean and Tune: Covers maintenance and minor repairs for heating systems to improve efficiency and safety. A certified technician inspects the system, changes filters, and ensures carbon monoxide safety.
Cooling Assistance: Provides an air conditioner or fan for eligible households with a documented medical need. Installation is included, and priority is given to those with health conditions worsened by heat.

2. Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)

LIHWAP helps low-income households pay past-due water and wastewater bills. It is available to households that meet income eligibility or receive benefits from HEAP, SNAP, or other public programs. Payments are made directly to water service providers to prevent disconnection or restore service. Applicants may receive assistance for both drinking water and sewer services. LIHWAP is especially helpful for families in urban areas where municipal utility bills can be high and where shutoff protections are essential to public health.

3. Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

WAP provides energy efficiency upgrades to reduce energy consumption and utility costs. Services may include insulation, air sealing, furnace repairs, and health and safety improvements. The program begins with an energy audit to determine the most cost-effective improvements. Priority is given to households with seniors, people with disabilities, or children under six. All services are free to eligible households, including both renters and homeowners. Landlord consent is required for rental properties.

4. EmPower+ New York

Offered by NYSERDA, EmPower+ New York provides no-cost energy efficiency improvements such as insulation, air sealing, and ENERGY STAR appliance upgrades. The program targets low-income households and complements services offered through HEAP and WAP. Participants may receive new refrigerators, LED lighting, and energy education. Applications are prioritized based on energy burden and housing conditions.

5. Utility-Specific Low-Income Programs

New York’s major utility providers offer their own affordability programs for customers enrolled in HEAP or other public assistance programs. These include monthly bill credits, arrears forgiveness, and energy efficiency services. Programs vary by utility:

Con Edison: Offers the Energy Affordability Program, which provides monthly discounts based on benefit status.
National Grid: Offers the Energy Savings Program, a HEAP credit match, and forgiveness of old debt.
NYSEG/RG&E: Provide arrears forgiveness and home energy audits for low-income customers.

Contact your utility company for application instructions and eligibility verification.

6. Electric and Gas Arrears Relief

To address utility debt accumulated during the COVID-19 pandemic, New York implemented statewide arrears relief. Households enrolled in utility Energy Affordability Programs (EAP) may qualify for debt forgiveness or one-time credits to cover unpaid utility balances. This includes automatic debt elimination for eligible customers and payment matching for others. Arrears relief has helped thousands of New Yorkers maintain essential services while recovering from financial hardship.

7. Consumer Protections

New York has consumer protections to prevent utility shutoffs during the winter season and for households with vulnerable members. These include the Winter Moratorium (Nov 1–Apr 15), which protects residents from shutoffs if heat is required. Households with a documented medical condition can file a medical certificate to delay termination. In addition, utilities must offer Deferred Payment Agreements to qualifying customers. Tenants in buildings with utility-included rents also have protections against illegal disconnections due to landlord nonpayment.

8. Energy Efficiency and Electrification Incentives

In addition to EmPower+, NYSERDA and utility companies offer rebates and incentives for clean energy technologies such as heat pumps, solar panels, energy audits, and high-efficiency appliances. These programs promote sustainability while lowering energy costs. Some electrification incentives provide extra support for low-income residents to replace fossil fuel systems with high-efficiency electric heating. Residents can also get up to 100% of the cost covered for weatherization upgrades under income-qualified tracks.

9. Community Solar Programs

Community Solar allows residents to subscribe to a portion of a shared solar project and receive credits on their electricity bills. You do not need to install solar panels on your home to participate. Many projects offer discounts of up to 10% on electric costs. Households enrolled in HEAP, SNAP, or other assistance programs may qualify for guaranteed savings tiers. Community Solar subscriptions are growing rapidly, and many providers in NYS offer no-fee cancellation, no credit check, and guaranteed monthly savings. Visit EnergySage or NYSERDA for current offers.

10. Specialized Support for Seniors and People with Disabilities

New York offers targeted support for seniors (60+) and individuals with disabilities through tailored access to utility assistance and energy programs. Seniors often qualify automatically for HEAP and EmPower+ if they receive SSI or SNAP. Agencies on Aging can help fill out forms and gather documents. Many counties also offer priority processing for elderly applicants. For people with disabilities, benefits like SSDI or SSI may trigger automatic eligibility. Reasonable accommodation rules also protect individuals from shutoffs during medical crises. Some utility companies offer specialized assistance units to help seniors and those with disabilities enroll and recertify benefits.

11. Caseworkers and Local Nonprofit Assistance

In addition to government services, local nonprofits, housing organizations, and caseworkers provide vital support to residents navigating utility programs. Community Action Agencies (CAAs), Catholic Charities, United Way affiliates, and Legal Aid offices regularly assist clients with applications, appeals, and benefit maximization. These partners often host pop-up clinics, energy fairs, and in-home assessments. Some counties even embed HEAP or LIHWAP caseworkers in local food pantries or senior centers. If you’re struggling to navigate the process, contact your county's Department of Social Services and ask for a referral to a certified energy navigator or utility assistance caseworker.

12. How to Apply

Most programs can be applied for online via myBenefits NY or by visiting your local Department of Social Services. NYSERDA programs can be accessed at nyserda.ny.gov. Utility-specific programs are accessible through your electric or gas provider’s customer service or website. You will typically need proof of income, a utility bill, government ID, and documentation of any public benefits you receive. If you need help, local nonprofits and social workers are available to assist you with gathering materials and completing applications.

With a broad suite of utility assistance and energy-saving programs, New York State provides substantial help to residents facing energy insecurity. By combining immediate relief with long-term upgrades, these programs support a cleaner, more affordable energy future for all New Yorkers. Whether you are a senior on a fixed income, a family managing temporary hardship, or a renter in a shared utility home, there is a program to support your needs.