New York is heading into the 2026 winter season with a major expansion in heating-bill relief.
The Energy Affordability Program now reaches half of all households and drew more than 38,000 requests in three weeks.
Here's what to know
According to WWTI, officials with the New York Department of State's Division of Consumer Protection are directing residents to financial relief programs and practical steps that may reduce seasonal utility costs. The information was assembled with support from multiple state agencies.
One of the largest parts of that effort is the Energy Affordability Program, expanded under Governor Kathy Hochul. The program is intended to cap gas and electric bills at no more than 6% of household income — a benchmark that can make a meaningful difference for families facing sharp winter utility increases.
The Division of Consumer Protection said the program now applies to about half of households statewide. New Yorkers may also qualify for support through the Home Energy Assistance Program, operated by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, to help lower- and middle-income households and older adults pay heating costs.
More background
In addition to direct bill assistance, the consumer alert highlighted everyday changes around the home that state agencies recommend to quickly cut energy use during New York's extended heating season.
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The Division of Consumer Protection and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority said lowering a thermostat by 1 degree may cut fuel use by roughly 3%. A programmable thermostat, meanwhile, can lower yearly heating and cooling bills by around 10% to 20%.
Water heating was another focus, which accounts for roughly 14% of energy costs. Adding insulation to a water heater tank and hot water pipes, and turning down the temperature setting, can lead to quick savings.
Another less obvious source of waste is so-called vampire power from electronics that continue drawing electricity even when turned off. The Division of Consumer Protection and NYSERDA said streaming on a smart TV or tablet can use as much as 10 times less energy than doing so through a game console, offering households another way to trim unnecessary usage.
What can be done?
State agencies are putting weatherization at the top of the list for renters and homeowners trying to reduce heating costs. That includes sealing gaps around doors and windows, adding insulation in attics and ducts, removing window air conditioners, and using covers on wall units so heated air stays indoors.
The alert also emphasized heating-system maintenance. Recommendations include yearly furnace checkups, changing filters every one to three months, and moving furniture and rugs away from radiators and vents so airflow is not restricted.
To address always-on electronics, residents can use advanced power strips for computers, televisions, and gaming consoles to make it easier to shut off power completely when devices are not in use. NYSERDA is also offering energy assessments, weatherization help, and low-interest financing through its MyEnergy Portal.
The Division of Consumer Protection said residents can also use its free budget tools, such as the Money Savings Guide, along with the Home Heating with Oil and Propane Guide, or request a community workshop on managing utility costs. Residents can find additional relief information via NYSERDA or the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Home Energy Assistance Program website.
Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley said, "As we approach the 2026 winter season, the NYS Division of Consumer Protection offers valuable information on available resources to help insulate your homes and wallets from the cold weather."
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