NYSEG and RG&E Increasing Awareness of Bill Assistance Programs for Veterans
The Companies launch new effort to reach thousands of veterans who may be eligible for additional assistance
Companies look to connect eligible customers with EAP benefits
BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — October 12, 2026 — New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E) are launching a new outreach initiative to increase awareness of bill assistance programs for veterans.
There are thousands of veterans who are NYSEG and RG&E customers who may be eligible for additional assistance, and while the Energy Affordability Program (EAP) is not automatically available, customers receiving Veterans Disability or Survivors Pension may qualify for monthly EAP bill credits.
NYSEG and RG&E are working with veterans’ agencies, community organizations, and AVANVETS, a dedicated employee resource group at Avangrid designed to support, connect, and empower employees who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, to connect customers with resources.
“We know there are many veterans and their families that may qualify for programs designed to help manage energy costs but are not aware of these benefits, and we are excited to launch this new effort to the people and their families who have served our country,” said Kerby Sainclair, an AVANVETS member. “Connecting customers with available assistance is an important part of our commitment to the communities we serve, and as Veterans Day approaches, we want to connect as many people as possible with resources like EAP and other bill relief options.”
The Companies’ outreach team will be at upcoming events where customers have the opportunity to connect with customer service representatives one-on-one to ask questions, get help understanding their bills, and get tools to better manage energy use.
Customer advocates can help determine whether customers qualify for EAP, which offers an additional monthly bill credit, or the Enhanced Energy Affordability Program (EEAP). Representatives can help with other financial assistance, including budget billing and payment plans. Customers can also learn about energy efficiency programs and tools such as Energy Manager, which allow customers to take control of their energy usage.
A full schedule of events is below:
Date |
Time |
Location |
Tuesday, Oct. 13 |
10 a.m.–12 p.m. |
Patterson Recreation Center, 65 Front St., Patterson, NY |
Tuesday, Oct. 13 |
4–7 p.m. |
Town of Liberty Parks and Recreation, 119 N. Main St., Liberty, NY |
Tuesday, Oct. 13 |
1-3 p.m.
|
Monroe County Office Building, 39 W. Main St., Rochester, NY |
Wednesday, Oct. 21 |
1–3 p.m. |
Austerlitz Town Hall, 816 Route 203, Spencertown, NY |
Saturday, Oct. 24 |
11 a.m. -1 p.m. |
Aenon Baptist Church, 175 Genesee St., Rochester, NY |
Tuesday, Oct. 27 |
6 – 8:30 p.m. |
City of Norwich Fire Dept., 31 E Main St #1, Norwich, NY |
Thursday, Oct. 29 |
12-2 p.m. |
Southside Mall, 5006 NY-23, Oneonta, NY |
Wednesday, Nov. 4 |
4–7 p.m. |
Plattsburgh Town Hall, 151 Banker Rd., Plattsburgh, NY |
Wednesday, Nov. 4 |
1-3 p.m. |
Town of Ghent/Chatham Senior Group, 1039 Route 22, Ghent, NY |
Thursday, Nov. 5 |
4 -7 p.m. |
Cheektowaga Senior Center, 3349 Broadway St., Cheektowaga, NY |
Thursday, Nov. 12 |
4 -7 p.m. |
Henrietta Town Hall, 475 Calkins Rd., Henrietta, NY |
Saturday, Nov. 14 |
9-1 p.m. |
Locke Town Hall, 1215 NY-38, Moravia, NY |
The Companies remain committed to the communities they serve, providing assistance to all who need it. NYSEG and RG&E will schedule more in-person events and encourage customers in need of assistance to call customer service at RG&E: 800.743.2110, NYSEG: 800.572.1111. Customers can also explore tools and programs available at Help With Your Bill | RG&E - RGE or Help With Your Bill | NYSEG - NYSEG.
HEAP enrollment opens on November 2. Customers are encouraged to apply for HEAP assistance. Funds are available until exhausted. For more information on how to apply for HEAP, including the necessary income qualifications, customers are urged to visit the New York State OTDA website.
Media Contact
Michael Baggerman