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Reminder from National Grid: Aug. 31 deadline approaching for bill payment assistance through HEAP

Submitted

Fri, Aug 27th 2021 10:50 am

Western New York households receiving HEAP funding also automatically qualify for National Grid discount rate

Submitted on behalf of National Grid

National Grid urges its Buffalo and other Western New York customers who need help paying their energy bill to apply now for federally funded assistance through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) and the Emergency HEAP program.

While the deadline has been extended to Aug. 31 to assist those whose finances have been impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic, customers are encouraged to apply immediately as funding is limited.

Here’s what customers need to know:

√ HEAP helps income-eligible families pay their energy bills and offers relief for households in a heating or heating-related energy emergency. The funds do not need to be paid back.

√ Because HEAP funding is limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, customers who believe they might qualify should apply immediately.

√ The level of funding varies depending on household income, household composition and heating fuel type in relation to income. The income requirement is based on the past four weeks of household income. For example, a family of four with a four-week gross income before deductions of up to $5,019 could be eligible for HEAP. Customers who may not have been eligible in the past are encouraged to apply.

√ Customers who receive HEAP funding also will be automatically enrolled in National Grid’s Energy Affordability Program, which provides monthly bill credits.

√ National Grid has created a one-stop location (https://www.nationalgridus.com/Upstate-NY-Home/Bill-Help/Grant-Programs) with all the information customers need to apply for the grants, including eligibility information, materials needed for the application process, links to applications for HEAP, Emergency HEAP and the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance website.

National Grid also encourages its customers in Western New York to check their eligibility for the New York State Emergency Rental Assistance Program which, among other aid, covers up to 12 months of utility arrears payments for New York households in need, regardless of immigration status.

Customers who are struggling financially will also find a wealth of helpful tools on National Grid’s COVID-19 resource page at ngrid.com/covid-19. The page includes information on financial assistance programs, payment and billing options, and energy efficiency tips that help households save money by reducing usage.

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