ENERGY AFFORDABILITY PROGRAM REDUCES BILLS UP TO $173 A MONTH FOR LOW-INCOME CUSTOMERS
Payment Plans, Budget Billing, Low-Income Discounts Available
NEW YORK – Con Edison customers who receive qualifying government assistance benefits can receive a discount of up to $173 per month on their energy bills, through the Energy Affordability Program (EAP).
Customers receiving Medicaid, Veterans Disability or Survivors Pension, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or Lifeline Telephone Service Program benefits among others can enroll online or apply via email, fax, mail, or in person at one of Con Edison’s walk-in centers.
Most customers receiving certain benefits, like Supplemental Security Income, Home Energy Assistance Program, and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, are automatically enrolled in the EAP.
The company encourages customers to visit coned.com/billhelp or scan this QR code for more information on eligibility and how to apply, and to learn more about additional assistance programs, like HEAP and EnergyShare.
This year, Con Edison has applied more than $201 million in discounts for electric and $40 million in gas discounts to low-income customers’ bills.
“Keeping energy affordable is a focus of our work,” said Kelsey Berger, section manager in Customer Operations. “We want customers to reach out to us if they have trouble paying their energy bill. We’re here to help. In addition to tips and tools for lowering energy bills, Con Edison offers a one-stop-shop for information and links to programs on its website designed to help our most economically vulnerable customers. We’re also working together with other organizations and agencies to connect our customers to the resources they need.”
The company continues to reach out to vulnerable customers via emails, newsletters, bill messaging, social media posts, and print, radio and digital advertising to encourage participation.
Con Edison also refers customers to NYSERDA’s EmPower+ program. This program provides no-cost energy efficiency services up to $10,000 for home energy upgrades for low-income customers. It also provides incentives of up to $5,000 with a 50 percent customer match required for moderate-income customers.
Con Edison continues to work to make sure that the move away from fossil fuels to a clean energy future does not disproportionately burden low-income customers.
The company also offers special protections and payment programs for seniors, people with disabilities, customers experiencing medical emergencies, and domestic violence.
Providing Convenient, Flexible Payment Options
Con Edison offers a wide array of Payment Plans. Customers can find the terms that are right for them by logging into My Account to see options including:
- Budget Billing
Helps customers avoid seasonal price spikes by spreading energy payments out evenly across the year. - Payment Extensions
Gives customers up to 10 days of extra time to pay their bill. - Payment Plans
Allows customers who have fallen behind on their bills to pay down the outstanding balance in manageable, monthly installments.
