PSEG Long Island is organizing three community events in early November to assist customers who are struggling with utility bills as the winter heating season approaches. The events aim to connect attendees with financial assistance programs and provide information on energy-saving strategies.
The scheduled events will take place at the following locations: Stop & Shop Parking Lot in Shirley on November 3, UBS Arena Parking Lot in Elmont on November 6, and Key Food Parking Lot in Far Rockaway on November 13. Each event runs from 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., and the first 200 attendees at the Shirley and Elmont locations will receive fresh produce from Long Island Cares.
Brigitte Wynn, Director of Revenue Operations at PSEG Long Island, said, “While PSEG Long Island is not a provider of natural gas or heating oil, we know this fall has been a time of economic uncertainty for a lot of people, and we want all our customers to be able to keep their homes warm this winter. We offer resources, tips and a variety of energy efficiency programs. There are also state programs that can help with heating costs. And if you are struggling to pay bills, we encourage you to please reach out to us to enroll in a deferred payment agreement and learn about available financial assistance programs. We’re here to help.”
PSEG Long Island encourages customers facing difficulties paying their bills to seek support through its website psegliny.com/assistance, via its mobile app, or by calling customer service for help setting up a deferred payment agreement.
The company also offers the Residential Energy Affordability Partnership Program (REAP), which provides income-eligible customers with free home energy surveys and may include installation of energy-saving measures.
In addition to PSEG Long Island’s initiatives, several state-run programs are available. The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) offers grants for heating fuel based on household income and size; applications open November 17. More details can be found at https://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/. Emergency HEAP provides grants for those at risk of losing heat or running low on fuel; it is set to open January 2, 2026. Information about local Department of Social Services offices is available at https://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/contacts/.
Customers who received HEAP benefits last year may qualify for PSEG Long Island’s Household Assistance Program by submitting proof of their previous benefit; this program can provide up to $78 per month in discounts for up to 18 months.
Energy-saving recommendations include sealing windows and doors against drafts, using ceiling fans properly during winter months, lowering thermostats by one degree or more, installing programmable thermostats—which can save around $100 annually according to ENERGY STAR—and replacing incandescent bulbs with LEDs that use less energy and last longer.
Further suggestions involve running high-energy appliances outside peak hours for those on Time-of-Day rates, charging electric vehicles during off-peak times, installing high-efficiency air source heat pumps (with rebates available), and accessing additional savings ideas at psegliny.com/saveenergyandmoney/energystarrebates.
