New York National Grid utility bill assistance programs.
New York individuals can get savings as well as emergency financial assistance for paying their utility bills from National Grid. A number of payment programs, energy conservation solutions, government grants for heating or cooling bills, and special need solutions are offered for the low income. Call National Grid at 1-800-642-4272 , or get more information below.
Individuals on a fixed monthly income may receive assistance from the companies Bill Extender Plan. People on a fixed income, such as seniors or disabled, may be able to get up to 10 extra days to pay their bill if it arrives after the date you receive your check.
Charity type aid as a form of utility bill assistance is provided in New York from the National Grid Care and Share Energy Fund. This is an option for people who do not qualify for federal government or state of New York assistance programs. Or if you have used up all other options and other local financial aid programs, then Care and Share may be exactly what you need.
The American Red Cross in New York runs the National Grid Care & Share Energy Fund. Resources can help lower income families and individuals who are faced with a financial hardship pay their energy and utility bills. This particular program helps lower income households in which someone is experiencing a medical emergency, a member of the home is 60 or older, or someone is disabled and receiving Supplemental Security Disability or Social Security Income. Call the number above for more details.
National Grid has two main teams that can help families. They include the below.
Consumer Appeals Team deals with outstanding gas and utility bills. Help is available for lower to moderate income customers who are experiencing a crisis or financial hardship and who are unable to come to an acceptable resolution with the Collection Services Department of National Grid.
Consumer Advocates Team work directly with customers. Specialists can provide case management services, advocacy and outreach, referrals, and applications for financial assistance and grants. This team is a source of referrals.
Federal government resources are provided from Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). This is paid for by the federal government, and help is available for income-eligible families in paying their heating and energy bills.
A number of criteria are reviewed before deciding how much money a household may receive. Some of the factors to consider include household composition and heating fuel costs and expenses. Of course a key factor is the applicant’s income too. Funds can pay regular monthly bills and another program can help those applicants with a crisis, such as a utility disconnection.
Anyone with a medical emergency and who has been hospitalized is provided more time by National Grid. The Hospital and Customer Assistance Plan is administered in New York for people who are temporarily disabled. These individuals can receive help in paying their gas or utility bill for up to 30 days, and the utility company will work as closely as possible with people who have been temporarily disabled from a medical condition. Phone number is 1-800-443-1837
National Grid New York Payment Agreement plans are for people who are struggling and can’t pay their entire energy bill. Customer service representative and specialists from National Grid will talk to customers about their financial condition and try to help them get back on track with paying bills. This is available for all customers, not just those with special conditions.
Third Party Notification allows customers to alert someone if they fall behind on their bills. The person who is notified doesn’t need to pay the utility bill, but they are just made aware of an unpaid or late bill.
The state of New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) has various laws, rules, and regulations in place as part of the Home Energy Fair Practices Act (HEFPA). The state ensures that utility companies such as National Grid provide comprehensive protection for residential customers of electric and gas utilities. HEFPA requires that families have certain laws that protect them. It can provide more time before a disconnection occurs and offers other benefits as well.
Weatherization and Energy Smart can install free energy conservation measures into people’s homes. The various weatherization programs have been created to help qualified households who live on a limited income reduce their monthly energy usage and bills by improving their homes’ energy efficiency. For example, New York families can get insulation, caulking, and similar type of home improvement and upgrades.
If you fall behind with your heating expenses or utility bills during the winter, then collection practices in New York state need to be followed according to state laws and the Winter Hardship program. The goal is to provide additional protection to senior citizens, low income and other at risk customers such as the disabled. It will help ensure their heat is kept on during the winter.
Another government program known as Fuel Assistance can help those National Grid customers who need assistance with utility bills, in particular heating costs. Low income households may qualify for it provided they meet eligibility requirements. One of the criteria that needs to be met is applicants need to pay their monthly utility bills directly or have your heat expenses included in your rent.
Get applications to National Grid assistance programs
There is a main customer service number to go over various payment plans, financial aid programs, and other services. Call 1-800-642-4272 to reach National Grid.
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