The black puffer coats are out of storage (or, well, out from under our beds because who really has room for storage in NYC?) and our radiators have begun their seasonal symphonies of hissing, clanking, and banging. But the cold weather doesn’t just skyrocket our seasonal depression–it skyrockets our heating bills as well.
According to National Grid, 1.2 million customers in parts of Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island will pay an average of $87 more in energy bills than they did last year from November through March. And with NYC’s 2026-27 winter forecast pointing to an unpredictable mix of snow, sleet, and rain, one thing’s for sure: keeping your apartment warm could put an even bigger dent in your wallet.
Thankfully, there is some relief. New York’s Enhanced Energy Affordability Program (EEAP) offers monthly utility bill discounts to income-qualified households, helping eligible residents save on electricity and natural gas as temperatures drop.
How much can New Yorkers save on their energy bills with Con Edison’s Enhanced Energy Assistance Program?
The program, a two-year pilot launched this past summer, is designed to make energy costs more manageable for low- and moderate-income households across New York State.
The amount you’ll save depends on your household income, household size, utility provider, and whether your home uses electricity or natural gas for heating.
For eligible Con Edison customers in the lowest income tier of EEAP, monthly discounts can reach $33.47 on electric bills and $135.24 on gas heating bills. Other income tiers receive smaller discounts.
For households eligible for both maximum discounts, that adds up to approximately $168.71 per month–or $3,036.78 over 18 months if the full discounts remain in place throughout the enrollment period.
That’s money that could go toward groceries, rent, or just about anything other than another eye-watering utility bill.
Who qualifies for Con Edison bill assistance?
You don’t necessarily need to receive government benefits to qualify for EEAP. The program is designed for income-qualified households that don’t qualify for the existing Energy Affordability Program (EAP), which serves customers receiving eligible government assistance benefits.
Con Edison estimated in July 2026 that one in three households could qualify for energy bill assistance. Eligibility is based on household size and income relative to area median income (AMI), with the program designed to help keep energy costs at around 6% of household AMI.
To qualify for EEAP, you must:
- Have an active residential electric or natural gas account with a participating New York utility (Con Edison, Central Hudson Gas & Electric, National Fuel, National Grid, NYSEG, Orange & Rockland, and RG&E)
- Have a household income below the program maximum, which varies by utility region and household size
- Provide documentation of income for all household members covering the required period
What are the income limits for EEAP?
The maximum annual household income varies depending on where you live and how many people are in your household.
For Con Edison customers in NYC and Westchester, the current maximums include:
- 1 person: $113,400
- 2 people: $129,600
- 3 people: $145,800
- 4 people: $162,000
- 5 people: $175,000
- 6 people: $188,000
- 7 people: $200,900
- 8 people: $213,900
These are the overall maximum income thresholds; the discount amount you receive depends on your income tier. You can check the full breakdown for different regions in the official EEAP income limits.
One important note: you can’t be enrolled in both EEAP and the Energy Affordability Program (EAP). If you’re already enrolled in EAP, you don’t need to apply for EEAP, as you cannot receive discounts through both programs simultaneously.
If you receive qualifying government benefits, contact your utility to check whether EAP is the appropriate program for you. You can also apply for the separate Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) even if you’re enrolled in EEAP.
How to apply for the New York energy assistance program
You don’t need to visit a Con Edison office to apply. The online application is the fastest option, and filling out the form can take just a few minutes if you have your documents ready.
Here’s how to get started:
- Gather proof of household income: Collect recent pay stubs, Social Security or pension statements, self-employment records, or other documentation showing income for every household member. Documents generally need to cover at least 28 consecutive days for each income source. Tax returns, W-2s, and 1099s are not accepted as proof of current monthly income
- Apply through the online portal: Head to the NY Enhanced Energy Affordability Program application portal and enter your household and utility account information. You can upload electronic documents or clear photos taken on your phone
Submit any additional documentation on time: You have 14 days after applying to submit all required supporting documents. If your application is incomplete, it could be denied, so make sure you check for any requests for additional information
Can’t apply online? You can request help with your application by calling 1-877-400-2501, Monday through Friday, from 8 am to 5 pm. You can also download the paper application and submit it by fax at 517-580-5123 or by mail to: CLEAResult – NY EEAP, 16350 Felton Rd. Lansing, MI 48906.
When will your energy bill discount start?
Once your application is approved, your enrollment information is automatically shared with your utility provider. You don’t need to contact the utility separately.
The discount should appear on your bill within the next two billing cycles. You’ll receive a letter explaining your discount and when it starts, and you can also check your enrollment through Con Edison’s My Account or by reviewing your utility bill.
Once the credit is applied to your bill, your EEAP enrollment lasts 18 months. The program is a two-year pilot that began in January 2026, so its terms and discounts may change under future state decisions.
For more details, visit the official New York EEAP website.
Don’t miss out! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and now on WhatsApp, too!