It’s Not Too Late: Heating Assistance Programs Still Available for Income-Qualified Customers in Downstate NY

BROOKLYN/HICKSVILLE, N.Y. - As cold weather arrives National Grid is reminding customers that there is still time to take advantage of energy programs that can help them pay and manage their winter energy bills. For example, the Home Energy Assistance Program(HEAP) provides financial assistance to make home heating costs more affordable for income-eligible customers as well as emergency funds for eligible households experiencing a heating or heat-related emergency.

HEAP funding programs are limited and made available on a first-come, first-served basis. HEAP does not need to be repaid, it's a benefit available to customers who meet specific eligibility requirements. Customers are urged to apply as soon as possible, as program dates may be shortened or extended based on federal funding and demand. HEAP programs include:

• Regular HEAP, which is scheduled to run through March 15, 2022. Qualification is based on household size and income. Apply online for Regular HEAP at mybenefits.ny.gov or through your HEAP Local District Contact. Customers 60 or older can apply through their county's Office for the Aging.
  
  
• Regular Arrears Supplements, one-time, limited-availability grants available to HEAP-eligible customers, are expected to be available through September 2022. These grants cover accumulated past-due utility payments up to $10,000. Qualification is based on household size and income, and customers must have past-due utility payments. To apply, contact your HEAP Local District Contact or on Long Island, call the OTDA Hotline at 1-800-342-3009, forNYC call the NYC HEAP lnfoline at 1-800-692-0557. Customers 60 years of age can apply through their county's Office for the Aging.

• Emergency HEAP provides added funding toward heating bills for eligible applicants and is scheduled to run through March 15, 2022. Qualification is based on household size and income. If you received a Regular HEAP grant and your service is at risk of disconnection, apply for Emergency HEAP by telephone.

Customers who receive HEAP funding are automatically enrolled in National Grid's Energy Affordability Program. This program provides monthly bill credits above and beyond what the customer receives from HEAP. To learn more about the program visit ngrid.com/discount or call 1-718-403-2216.

On Long Island, Project Warmth helps families struggling from recent financial hardships and unable to pay their heating bills. Visit http://www.unitedwayli.org.

In NYC, Neighborhood Heating Fund is a National Grid program administered by HeartShare Human Services of NY to help qualified households meet home heating needs. The program opens in February. Customers may apply once per year after they have received all HEAP assistance. For information on how to apply, call 1-718-422-4207.

Bill management plans from National Grid may also assist customers during the winter heating season. Customers may enroll in the company's Budget Billing Plan, which spreads monthly payments out more evenly throughout a year to mitigate months of high energy usage. Additional payment options are also available. Visit www.ngrid.com/discount to learn more.

National Grid Consumer Advocates work directly with income-eligible and vulnerable customers to meet their home energy needs. Call a Consumer Advocate. For Long Island call 1-800-930-5003 or email [e-mail], for NYC call 1-718-643-4050 or email [e-mail].