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A critical function of the New York State Public Service Commission is to ensure safe, secure and reliable service at just and reasonable rates. The programs below help income-eligible consumers save money on their utility bills.

Energy Affordability Program

The Public Service Commission established a statewide low-income bill discount program for major electric and gas investor-owned utilities. These discounts help customers move towards a lower energy burden. 

Energy Affordability Program

Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)

As of February 7, 2024, due to a lack of additional funding from Congress, the Affordable Connectivity Program stopped accepting applications. 

Visit https://www.affordableconnectivity.gov/ for FAQs about termination of the program.

Lifeline Discounted Telephone Service

New York State Lifeline Discounted Telephone Service is an assistance program offered by many telephone providers, including some wireless and cable companies, to help income-eligible consumers save money on their phone bills.

Lifeline Discounted Telephone Service

Here you will find information on the 2024 summer energy forecast and the resources available to help consumers manage their energy usage and related bills, consumer protections, and tips for staying safe this summer season.

New York's Summer Energy Outlook

Whether you own your own home or rent an apartment, there are steps you can take to control your energy use and manage your energy bills. This page provides information on controlling your energy costs - including simple no-cost or low-cost measures to cut your energy use.

Conserve Energy

Your energy costs are made up of two factors: the cost of the energy product and the amount of the energy you use. No matter where prices go or what the season is like, you can make the most of your energy dollars by taking basic steps to reduce your usage. The less energy you use in your home, the more you will save.

Energy Saving Tips

• Insulate your home
• Seal air leaks around windows, doors and foundations
• Adjust your thermostat settings
• Follow other simple and affordable steps outlined in our Tips for Efficiency checklist.

Energy Efficiency Programs

In addition to low-cost or no-cost steps you can do yourself, there are programs available through several government agencies and New York's major energy utilities to make energy efficiency improvements to your home or business. These improvements will help lower your energy use and make energy bills more affordable. There are also programs to help low income customers with energy efficiency solutions. For details about their programs, contact:

• NYS Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) offers financial assistance and energy efficiency improvement programs. 
• NYS Homes and Community Renewal (NYSHCR) oversees the New York’s Weatherization Assistance Program.

Home Energy Assessment

One of the things that you can do to control your bill is to find out where you are losing energy and money. You can conduct an energy audit of your home or apartment that will help show where problems exist and how they can be corrected.

• Professional Assessments: New York State agencies and some utilities offer home energy assessments at little to no cost. A licensed contractor will come to your home and evaluate your lighting, heating, cooling equipment and appliances, and offer energy-saving recommendations. With some programs the contractor will install energy-saving items at no charge, including LED bulbs, smart power strips and more.
• New York Statewide Programs: Visit NYSERDA's Home Energy Audits web page.
• Utility Programs: Contact your utility to see if it offers a home energy assessment.
• NYS Electric and Natural Gas Utilities offer a variety of energy efficiency programs to help their customers reduce their energy use. Contact your utility and ask about its available programs.
• Do-It-Yourself Assessments: There are many do-it-yourself audits available on-line, such as the US Department of Energy’s on-line Energy-and Cost- Savings Calculators to identify ways to save energy in your home. You can also conduct a do it yourself energy audit.

Bill Payment Assistance Programs

You or someone you know may need financial help with your energy costs. Various bill payment options and financial assistance programs are available.
 

Payment Options

Contact your utility to learn more about their payment assistance programs including:

• Budget Plans - which provide equal monthly payments.
• Deferred Payment Agreements - which may be available if you have fallen behind on your bill and cannot pay in full.

Financial Assistance Programs

Federal and local programs are available to help consumers with their energy costs from the following sources:

Government-Sponsored Programs

Contact your county's Department of Social Services or Office for Aging to learn about assistance programs such as the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), a federally funded program that provides grants to help low-income consumers pay for their energy costs. Additional information regarding the HEAP program, eligibility and important HEAP dates can be found at the HEAP website or visit myBenefits website to prescreen and apply for programs you may be eligible for.

Customers of electric, natural gas, telephone, water, and cable TV service have rights, protections, and responsibilities.

Listed below are the New York State Consolidated Laws for each of the utility services.

• Electricity and Natural Gas Rights
• Telephone Rights
• Cable Rights
• Water Rights
• Your Rights as a Residential Gas, Electric or Steam Customer Under HEFPA
• Your Rights as a Non-Residential Gas, Electric or Steam Customer

Before Filing Your Complaint with the Department of Public Service, first seek the assistance of your utility provider. They are required by law to assist you.

File A Complaint

• Central Hudson Rate Cases, Case 23-E-0418, Case 23-G-0419
  Public Statement Hearings will be held on Tuesday, September 12, 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., and Wednesday, September 20, 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Visit the DPS Calendar page for meeting details. Read the full Notice.
   
• KEDNY/KEDLI Rate Cases, Case 23-G-0225, Case 23-G-0226 
  Public statement hearings were held on Tuesday, August 1 at 1 & 6 p.m., and Wednesday, August 2 at 1 & 6 p.m. regarding proposed KEDNY/KEDLI rate hikes.
   
• New 363 Area Code for Nassau County Case 21-C-0473
  The New York State Public Service Commission announced that residential, business and wireless customers within the existing 516 Nassau County area code region should begin to prepare for the introduction of the new 363 area code, beginning the second quarter of 2023.
   
• New 624 Area Code for Western New York Case 21-C-0358 
  The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) announced that residential, business and wireless customers within the existing 716 area code region should begin to prepare for the introduction of the new 624 area code, as early as the second quarter of 2024.
   
• New 329 Area Code for Mid Hudson Region Case 21-C-0600 
  The New York State Public Service Commission announced that residential, business and wireless customers within the existing 845 area code region should begin to prepare for the introduction of the new 329 area code, as early as the third quarter of 2023.
   
• Clean Energy Standard Case 15-E-0302
  Information about New York's initiative to develop a Clean Energy Standard (CES) and to meet the State Energy Plan mandates.

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