NYSEG and RG&E Encourage Customers to Take Advantage of Resources to Lower Their Bill
HEAP, EAP, EEAP, and other resources available to help customers get bill credits
Customers should watch their mailbox for NYS POWER rebate check
BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — September 21, 2026 — New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E) encourage customers to utilize resources to help them lower their bill and to watch their mailbox for the POWER rebate check.
“Utility bills are top-of-mind for many of our customers across New York and we want them to take advantage of every opportunity available,” said Patricia Nilsen, CEO of NYSEG and RG&E. “We appreciate efforts made by Governor Hochul and state leaders to focus on helping eligible customers access available energy assistance and bill discount programs. NYSEG and RG&E remain committed to connecting customers with affordability programs, payment assistance, and flexible payment options that can help customers as the winter heating season arrives.”
The POWER rebate checks will be mailed between September and December to full-time residents in New York and are based on 2024 tax returns.
- Joint filers with incomes below $150,000 will receive a check of $200
- Joint filers with incomes between $150,000 and $300,000 will receive a check of $150; and
- Single filers with incomes below $150,000 will receive a check of $100.
Additionally, NYSEG and RG&E encourage all eligible customers to apply for the following programs:
- Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) – This is a federally funded program that helps eligible households cover energy costs, repair, and weatherization. The regular HEAP benefit program is expected to open on November 2, 2026. Additional information can be found at Home Energy Assistance Program - NYSEG and Home Energy Assistance Program - RGE
- Energy Affordability Program (EAP) – This program, developed in partnership with the New York State Public Service Commission, provides energy bill credits to eligible customers. EAP is designed for low-income customers. Customers who receive HEAP or other qualifying assistance programs will automatically receive an EAP bill credit for 18 months. Additional information can be found at EAP and EEAP - NYSEG and EAP and EEAP - RGE.
- Enhanced Energy Affordability Program (EEAP) – This program is designed to help moderate-income households by providing a credit directly on their bill. It is available to eligible households that do not qualify or are not currently enrolled in an EAP-accepted program. Eligibility is based on gross (pre-tax) income. Additional information can be found at EAP and EEAP - NYSEG and EAP and EEAP - RGE.
Customers are also encouraged to apply for other assistance programs including the Energy Affordability Guarantee Pilot Program and Project SHARE.
Customers can discover ways to reduce their energy use and other beneficial programs by visiting www.nyseg.com/helpwithbill and www.rge.com/helpwithbill.
Media Contact
Michael Baggerman