As winter approaches, the New York State government has recently issued a consumer alert providing various ways to save on heating and household energy expenses, urging eligible residents to apply for government energy assistance to ease the burden of winter living.
The New York State Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) pointed out that with the increase in winter heating usage, household energy bills tend to rise. Residents can reduce costs by adjusting indoor temperatures, improving home insulation, regularly maintaining heating equipment, and applying for energy assistance.
The state government stated that the Energy Affordability Program (EAP) has expanded its eligibility criteria, with approximately half of households in the state qualifying for application. Through monthly electricity and natural gas bill discounts, the program assists eligible families in keeping their energy expenses below 6% of household income. In the past three weeks alone, the program has received over 38,000 applications.
Another program, the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), provides heating bill assistance to eligible low to moderate-income families and seniors.
In terms of energy efficiency, the state government advises residents to appropriately lower indoor temperatures. It is estimated that for every one-degree decrease on a thermostat, heating fuel consumption can be reduced by about 3%; utilizing programmable thermostats to automatically adjust temperatures based on daily routines can lead to estimated monthly savings of 10% to 20% on heating and cooling costs.
Residents can also seal gaps in doors and windows, enhance home insulation, and remove window air conditioning units during winter to minimize heat loss. Heating systems should undergo annual maintenance checks, furnace filters should be replaced at least every three months, and air vents and radiators should be kept unobstructed.
Additionally, hot water supply constitutes around 14% of household energy bills. Properly lowering water heater temperatures, insulating hot water pipes, and turning off idle electrical devices all help reduce energy consumption.
The state government also encourages residents to learn about home energy efficiency assessments and energy-saving measures through the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).
Residents can visit the Energy Affordability Program website (dps.ny.gov/EAP) and the Home Energy Assistance Program website (otda.ny.gov/programs/heap) to inquire about eligibility and assistance details, or call the State Consumer Protection hotline at 1-800-697-1220 for further information.