PSEG LI Offering Money-Saving Programs During Coronavirus Crisis

LONG ISLAND, NY — For those experiencing financial hardship due to the coronavirus pandemic, PSEG Long Island is reminding residents of programs to help relieve the utility costs during this time. The company offers both federally funded and company-supported programs which can help eligible customers offset heating/cooling and utility costs.

In addition, PSEG Long Island has opened registration for the federally funded Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), which is available through June 30, 2020. The HEAP program assists financially constrained New Yorkers with the cost of heating homes in the winter months. Qualifications for HEAP benefits are based on household income, household size and primary heating source. In addition, beginning in January 2020, customers facing heat or heat-related energy emergencies can apply for additional benefits if they qualify.

Last month, PSEG Long Island announced that a third emergency HEAP benefit is available for customers who are experiencing financial difficulties, have received a final termination notice on their bill, and who meet the income guideline qualifications. This emergency HEAP benefit is available through June 30, 2020.

Another program to help customers who are struggling with heating costs is the United Way’s United Together: A Response Fund to COVID-19. This fund also opened last month, to help low income wage earners who were either laid off or furloughed from their jobs specifically due to the COVID-19 situation. Assistance will be in the form of a retail gift card.

PSEG Long Island also has financial assistance programs, including the Household Assistance Program and the Residential Energy Affordability Partnership (REAP), which are available year-round. The Household Assistance Program provides a credit on electric bills for customers who receive benefits from a federally funded program such as HEAP, Medicaid, SNAP, TA, SSI or SNA. Customers may be eligible to receive a monthly credit of $25 or more on energy bills.

REAP helps customers who meet certain income guidelines lower energy costs by finding household energy-saving opportunities. Normally, a technician would conduct a free home energy assessment and provides the customer with ways to reduce energy consumption, such as using LED light bulbs. If the customer is eligible, the technician may also replace inefficient appliances with ENERGY STAR models, at no cost to the customer. However during the coronavirus crisis, this program has suspended the "in home" visits, but applications are still being accepted to schedule visits when restrictions are lifted.

Additional PSEG Long Island programs that help all customers save money include:

• Home Energy Analyzer – a do-it-yourself online tool that uses a simulation model to validate how energy is used in the home.
• My Energy Profile – an online suite of easy-to-use tools that can help a customer understand energy usage and how to conserve it. With this tool, customers can track energy efficiency efforts over time and see comparisons to similar homes in the area.
• Energy Efficiency Rebates – PSEG Long Island offers rebates on products including LED light bulbs, advanced power strips and major appliances such as refrigerators, dryers and heat pump water heaters.

For more information on PSEG Long Island financial assistance programs, visit psegliny.com/myaccount/customersupport/financialassistance. For more information on HEAP and federal programs, visit https://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/.