Urgent Call to Governor Hochul: Don’t Delay Opening HEAP

Joint Statement from AARP New York and the Public Utility Law Project (PULP):
Beth Finkel, AARP New York State Director and Laurie Wheelock, Executive Director, PULP

ALBANY, N.Y. - AARP New York and the Public Utility Law Project (PULP) strongly urge Governor Hochul to ensure the Home Energy Assistance Program (“HEAP”) opens as scheduled on November 3rd and address the funding shortfall until federal funds are restored.

HEAP is a lifeline for millions of low-income New Yorkers, providing critical heating assistance during the winter months. According to the Governor’s own data, the program served more than 1.5 million households last year, many of which include vulnerable individuals such as older adults.

This is not the time to delay heating assistance. More than 1.2 million households in New York are currently over 60 days behind on their energy bills, collectively owing nearly $2 billion. The risk of service termination is skyrocketing. In August alone, more than 1,800 households were disconnected each day.

Governor Hochul must act now to ensure HEAP opens as scheduled on November 3rd and provide the resources needed to protect New Yorkers from being left without heat this winter. Without immediate action, more than a million households could be forced to choose between heat, food, or medicine as temperatures start to drop.

If you need immediate financial assistance:

• One Shot Deal (Emergency Energy Assistance): A one-time payment to prevent utility disconnections due to unpaid bills. (Repayment may be required.) This program is available year-round through your local Department of Social Services (DSS) or HRA office.
  
• Energy Affordability Program (EAP): Provides monthly bill discounts to low-income households. To apply, contact your utility company directly or visit the Department of Public Service’s website at: https://dps.ny.gov/energy-affordability-program

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About AARP
 AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation's largest circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/español or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social media.

About PULP 
PULP is New York’s sole independent organization dedicated to empowering and protecting the rights of low income and fixed-income utility consumers. For 40 years, PULP has educated, advocated and litigated on behalf of affordability, consumer protection and universal access to utilities. To learn more, visit www.utilityproject.org, follow @utilityproject on Twitter, or visit PULP at www.facebook.com/utilityproject