Low-income customers have several programs available to them from National Fuel Gas. The utility provider offers grants, weatherization, direct financial assistance, and other services for low-income families, seniors, and the disabled.

Receive reduced rates on utility bills, debt forgiveness, and in general more stable bills from the Low Income Customer Affordability Assistance Program (LICAAP) offered by National Fuel. Aid from the program is targeted at people who meet HEAP income guidelines, but some exceptions may be made from time to time. The amount of aid is limited, and it is a first come first serve program.

Seniors who are struggling with paying their bills may be able to get financial help from the Elderly, Blind or Disabled Payment Troubled Residential Assistance Program. It can offer qualified customers with emergency heating equipment repair/replacement, a lower monthly gas rate and bills, debt forgiveness, and conservation measures. Aid is offered for customers who are at least 62 years of age, disabled, or blind.

National Fuel Gas Neighbor For Neighbor Heat Fund - Neighbor For Neighbor Heat Fund is open year-round and helps qualified customers, aged 55 years or older, or have a certified medical condition, or are disabled, or are currently receiving unemployment benefits or are a veteran, to prevent an energy emergency. Provides home heating grants to people facing a disconnection or who are faced with an emergency or financial hardship. Program is funded by customer donations. All of these donations are used to help less fortunate customers pay their utility bills, including heating and electric.

Smell gas, leave fast! If a rotten-egg natural gas odor is present, leave the premises immediately and call National Fuel’s emergency line, 1-800-444-3130, from a different location. If you smell gas outdoors, call National Fuel’s emergency number and provide the address nearest to the site of the odor. To learn more about natural gas safety, visit www.nationalfuel.com/utility/gas-safety.

Call National Fuel for more information.

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), funded by the Department of Social Services (DSS) provides heating assistance to income-tested households for cold weather emergencies. Emergency heating equipment repair and replacement program may offer furnace replacement and/or repair for applicant-owned heating equipment. Assistance with cooling needs also available.

NYSEG's Hardship Protection allows NYSEG to contact DSS/other services for help with hardship case situations. Customers may be eligible for special protections if they have a serious medical condition, use life-sustaining equipment, have a member of the household in the hospital, or all members of the household are blind, disabled or 62 years of age and older.

This fund was created when NYSEG and RG&E combined their heating funds. Project SHARE is designed to help low income customers as well as active members of the military and veterans who are facing energy emergencies. Applicant must have an active NYSEG or RG&E account in their name, must have an active disconnect notice, must meet the HEAP income guideline except active duty military members and well-discharged veterans may qualify regardless of income. NYSEG customers should visit nyseg.com for more information. RG&E customers should visit rge.com. Customers should click on "Giving Back" and then on "In the Community."

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), also known as LIHEAP, is a federally funded energy assistance program to help low-income families meet their home energy costs. The HEAP program consists of three components – Regular HEAP, Emergency HEAP and Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligibility for the program is based on income (see income guidelines below) and housing situation. Individuals must either pay directly for heating costs or pay rent that includes heating costs. Individuals must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified alien to apply. HEAP money is limited. The HEAP year generally begins in November and closes when the program funding is exhausted, which can be as early as mid-March.

Regular HEAP

There are no resource eligibility criteria for Regular HEAP. Regular benefit amounts range from $20 to $500. Amounts depend on income, age of household members, energy costs and shelter situation. Typically it is a one-time only benefit during the program year.

Emergency HEAP

Emergency benefits are available for persons who are eligible for HEAP and have an energy-related emergency such as a power shutoff, less than ¼ tank oil, kerosene or propane or have less than 10 days’ supply of wood, pellets or coal. Applicant households must meet a resource test. Benefit amounts vary. Typically it is a one-time only benefit during the program year.

If you have already exhausted your regular HEAP benefit you may call the office at 435-8295 to apply for Emergency HEAP by phone.

Onondaga County Office Building

Energy Assistance Unit - 7th Floor

600 S. State Street

Syracuse, NY 13202

Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

(Monday-Friday)

Phone: (315) 435-8295

Primary FAX: (315) 435-8544

Secondary FAX: (315) 435-2735

EnergyShare grants are available once per season. Applicants must be HEAP income eligible and provide proof of one good faith payment in the last twelve months along with proof of ID and income for all household members. Applicants no longer need a disconnection notice on their Con Edison accounts.

Grant Amount: Grants up to $200 are available.

Assists income-eligible homeowners and some renters by reducing heating and cooling costs through energy-conservation measures while addressing health and safety issues in their home.

Provides natural gas and electric utilities.

Budget billing is available; customer pays average monthly amount based on 12 months of use.

If a customer has a shut-off notice due to arrears, customers in this situation should contact Customer Service to see if an installment plan is available. If the installment plan is not affordable, a minimum installment plan may be available. Under this payment plan the customer would need to pay each current bill plus $10 toward arrears each month.

EBD (Elderly, Blind, Disabled) Customer Protections: All members of the household must be over 62, blind, or disabled. If there is a shut off notice 3 attempts will be made to notify these customers before following through with a shut off. If the customer is contacted and a referral to Social Services is made, the customer has 15 business days before the shut off is carried out. During the cold weather season (November 1st-April 15th) if one member of the household is elderly, blind or disabled, the household qualifies for this protection. If the customer is contacted and a referral to Social Services is made the shut off process is put on hold.

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) program is designed to provide financial assistance to eligible households with their winter heating costs. The Office for the Aging assists people who are 60 and over or are disabled with their HEAP. A one time benefit is applied directly toward winter's fuel costs. In order to receive a HEAP benefit, income guidelines must be met and the person must pay to heat the residence. Referrals can be made to address heating and electric emergencies.

Emergency financial assistance for households without children to assist with a one time emergency payment for utilities, home heating fuel and other emergencies depending upon approval of the Department of Social Services Supervisor.