Upstate New York May Be Without Heat This Winter

Winter is fast approaching here in Upstate New York. We've already seen a few days of snow, and the temperature has been dropping like its life depended on it.

In order to stay cozy and comfortable through these months, you'll need heat, but many New Yorkers may be going without if the state government doesn't get their way.

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What is HEAP?

One of New York's most helpful services is the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). This is a federally funded program that helps lower income households afford heating through the brutal Northeast winters.

The program helps residents pay their energy and fuel bills every month, find no-cost alternatives like solar, and offers a free home visit from an energy professional that can identify opportunities for cutting costs, especially in the winter time. Unfortunately, this all may be coming to an end this year.

No Funding for HEAP

Unfortunately, this program is funded by the federal government, and despite the shutdown finally coming to a close, the funds to keep HEAP operational have not been received yet. As it stands, 1.5 Million New Yorkers are at risk to lose their heat as winter picks up. Governor Hochul has been outspoken about her fight to return the $400 Million needed, but has urged those at risk to look into New York State’s Energy Affordability Program (EAP).

As it stands, HEAP will be able to start accepting applications on Monday, November 24th, but unless the government funding finds its way to New York State in the next few days, the program will not be able to start accepting those applications.