Look For Payment Assistance Programs:

• Government-sponsored programs-Contact your county's Department of Social Services or Office for the Aging to learn about assistance programs.
• Community-based service programs- Service organizations like the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, United Way and local Community Action agencies provide financial aid, counseling services and assistance with utility emergencies.
• Utility-sponsored programs-Payment assistance programs are available through each of the major natural gas and electric utilities.

     Be Energy Efficient and Save:

Your heating costs are made up of the cost of your fuel and the amount you use. You can make the most of your energy dollars by taking basic steps to reduce your usage: the less fuel you use to heat your home, the more you will save.

• Energy Efficiency Programs-  In addition to low-cost or no-cost steps you can do yourself, New York State and the state’s utilities offer several programs to improve the energy efficiency of your home.
• Electric and Natural Gas Utilities: Utilities offer a variety of energy efficiency programs to help consumers lower their energy use.
• NYS Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA): NYSERDA offers a variety of residential programs that provide financial incentives and low cost financing to help make energy efficiency improvements more affordable.
• NYS Homes and Community Renewal (NYSHCR):  NYSHCR oversees the NYS Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) which provides income-eligible families and individuals with energy efficiency measures designed to reduce the amount of energy required to heat and cool homes, and provide hot water.

     Energy Supply Price Variability:

Your energy bill consists of two parts  -- energy delivery and energy supply.  Your utility is responsible for delivering energy to your home or business, as well as responding in emergencies.  The price of delivery service is regulated by the Public Service Commission.  Regarding energy supply, the per unit price of electricity and natural gas energy supply are determined in a competitive marketplace based on market factors.  In times of high demand, such as in the coldest or hottest times of the year, electricity prices can increase substantially. 

Customers have the option of purchasing their energy supply from their utility, or from Energy Services Companies (ESCOs).  Utilities pass through the costs of energy supply to their customers without a markup.  Utilities also hedge, or lock in, energy supply prices to help reduce monthly volatility in the price of energy. 

ESCOs can offer a variety of energy supply services, including electricity and natural gas at fixed prices.  Customers interested in price certainty may wish to consider fixed price energy service from ESCOs.  Information regarding energy suppliers can be foundat www.newyorkpowertochoose.com.

The Department of Public Service encourages customers to shop for the energy supplier that best fits their energy and lifestyle needs.  As with any purchase, customers should research alternative suppliers, compare prices and fully understand contract terms before signing.

     Publications:

The Department has several publications regarding winter preparedness and managing bills.  We encourage consumer groups and municipal leaders to order our materials (free of charge) and distribute them to their constituents.  Click on the publication order form to view, download or order copies of our educational materials related to winter heating. 

Winter Safety Tips

There are steps you can take to keep you and your loved ones safe during the winter heating season, including preparing for weather-related outages; using precautions with alternative heating systems such as generators, kerosene heaters and fireplaces; and assisting people with special needs who may be particularly vulnerable during an outage. 

Preparing Your Home: - Take the time now to get your home ready for the winter season by following these tips:

• Have your heating system checked by a professional annually. This will ensure that your system is working safely and efficiently which, in turn, will save you money. If you heat by wood, clean your fireplace or stove. Have your chimney flue checked for any buildup of creosote and then cleaned to lessen the risk of fire.
• Replace batteries of smoke, heat and carbon monoxide detectors. If you did not do it when you set the clocks back, do it now.
• Keep pipes from freezing by wrapping in insulation, UL approved heat tape, or layers of old newspapers and covering newspapers in plastic to keep out moisture.  Seal any leaks that allow cold air inside where pipes are located.
• Gather and store emergency supplies, including:
  • A battery-operated radio and flashlight, as well as a supply of batteries, candles and matches.
  • Water, medications and foods that don't require refrigeration or cooking
  • A telephone that does not require electricity to operate
  • A list of emergency telephone numbers
  • Extra blankets, coats, hats, and gloves
  • A first aid kit and manual
  • A fire extinguisher

Staying Warm Indoors - If your heat goes out during a winter storm, follow these tips:

• Use only safe sources of alternative heat such as a fireplace, small well-vented wood or coal stove or portable space heaters. Always follow manufacturer's instructions.
• Dress in layers of lightweight clothing and wear a cap.
• Close off rooms you do not need.
• Know the signs of hyperthermia (shivering, drowsiness, slowness) and how to treat it (wrap the person in warm clothing, move to a warm location and seek medical help).
• Check on people with special needs (elderly or dependent on life-sustaining or health-related equipment such as ventilators and respirators).

Taking Safety Precautions - Improper use of alternative heating sources can lead to hazardous conditions for you and your home, such as fire, smoke and build-up of carbon monoxide.  

• Generator Safety - follow the safety guidelines as printed in your owner's manual.  Additional safety precautions can be found in the Spotlight on Generator Safetybrochure developed by the NYS Office of the Aging. 
• Fire Safety -
  • Always keep a screen around an open flame
  • Never use gasoline to start your fireplace.
  • Never burn charcoal indoors.
  • Do not close the damper when ashes are hot.
  • When using alternative heat sources such as a fireplace, woodstove, etc. always make sure you have proper ventilation. Keep curtains, towels and potholders away from hot surfaces.
  • Have your chimney checked before the season for creosote buildup -- and then clean it.
  • Have a fire extinguisher and smoke detectors ... and make sure they work! Establish a well-planned escape route with the entire family.
• Kerosene Heaters - If you use kerosene heaters to supplement your regular heating fuel, or as an emergency source of heat, follow these safety tips:
  • Follow the manufacturers instructions.
  • Use only the correct fuel for your unit.
  • Refuel outdoors ONLY and only when the unit is cool.
  • Keep the heater at least three feet away from furniture and other flammable objects.
  • When using the heater, use fire safeguards and ventilate properly.
• Carbon Monoxide - is a deadly gas that also be produced by poorly vented generators, kerosene heaters, gas grills and other items used for cooking and heating when used improperly during the winter months. Protect yourself from carbon monoxide poisoning:
  • DO NOToperate generators indoors; the motor emits deadly carbon monoxide gas.
  • DO NOTuse charcoal to cook indoors. It, too, can cause a buildup of carbon monoxide gas.
  • DO NOT use your gas oven to heat your home -- prolonged use of an open oven in a closed house can create carbon monoxide gas.
  • Make sure fuel space heaters are used with proper ventilation.
  • Know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning (sleepiness, headaches and dizziness). If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, ventilate the area and get to a hospital.