Photo: Getty Images
As winter approaches, National Grid is reminding customers in Upstate New York that assistance is available for managing their energy bills. The utility company has launched a campaign called 'Here For You' to inform customers about various programs and solutions for energy efficiency and bill management.
The primary affordability program for income-eligible customers is the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), which provides financial assistance for home heating costs and emergency funds for eligible households experiencing a heating or heat-related emergency. HEAP is not a loan, but a benefit available to customers who meet specific eligibility requirements. The program opened on November 1 and funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Customers are urged to apply as soon as possible, as program dates may be shortened or extended based on federal funding and demand.
Customers receiving Regular HEAP are automatically enrolled in National Grid’s Energy Affordability Program (EAP). This program provides monthly bill credits above and beyond what the customer receives from HEAP. Customers may also qualify for the EAP by participating in qualifying programs such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Supplemental Security Income, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, qualifying veterans’ pensions, or Native American benefit programs administered by federal or tribal governments.
National Grid also offers the Care and Share fuel fund, administered by HeartShare Human Services of New York. The program provides an annual $200 grant to National Grid customers who meet HEAP guidelines and have exhausted their HEAP allocation for the year.
In addition to these programs, National Grid offers bill management programs to assist all customers during the winter heating season. Customers can take advantage of the company’s Budget Billing Plan, which spreads customer energy costs evenly over 12 months to make payments more predictable and mitigate months of higher usage.
For more information about these programs, customers can visit the National Grid website at ngrid.com or contact their local Consumer Advocate at 1-800-642-4272 or by emailing ConsumerAdvocatesUNY@nationalgrid.com.