Low-Income New Yorkers Should Take Advantage of the Energy Affordability Program

Mindy Cohn 

Con Edison's Energy Affordability Program (EAP) can help customers save up to $158 on monthly energy bills. 

The energy company is encouraging all low-income New Yorkers to sign up for this program, especially as energy costs continue to rise along with energy use. Con Edison says the EAP limits customers' utility costs to 6% of their average annual income. 

This news comes just after the most recent hike in electricity and gas rates. The Public Service Commission Announcement approved a rate hike for residential customers who use 600 kilowatts per hour per month would see an average monthly bill increase of 9.1% for electricity and 8.4% for gas. 

New Yorkers must already receive government assistance benefits, such as Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF) or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), to qualify. Sign-up is easy on Con Edison's website, where customers must prove they are receiving one of the qualifying government benefits. 

"Con Edison's Clean Energy Commitment prioritizes energy affordability, especially for those customers most vulnerable to rising costs," said Michele O'Connell, senior vice president of Customer Operations for Con Edison. "The EAP is just one of the many ways we can help New Yorkers keep energy affordable. We encourage any customer struggling to pay their energy bill to reach out to us. There is help."

After customers are approved, they will begin seeing their bills lowered each month. A monthly letter will detail the customer's savings each billing period. This program can be combined with a monthly payment plan option to further assist those struggling to pay their bills.