Resources for Renters

Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) - The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) can help eligible New Yorkers heat and cool their homes. If you are eligible, you may receive one regular HEAP benefit per program year (up to $900) and you could also be eligible for emergency HEAP benefits if you are in danger of running out of fuel or having your utility service shut off. The 2024-2025 gross monthly income limits can be found here. Find contact and address information for your closest HEAP office in Suffolk County here or visit mybenefits.ny.gov to start your application online now.

PSEG Household Assistance Program - The Household Assistance Program provides a bill credit on every electric bill for customers who receive benefits from certain non-utility financial assistance programs. You may qualify for a discount if you have an active residential account in your name and you currently receive benefits from at least one of the following dated within the last 12 months: Child Health Plus; Federal Lifeline Program; Federal Public Housing Assistance; Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP); Medicaid (Not Medicare); Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); Supplemental Security Income (Social Security not accepted); Temporary Assistance - Family Assistance (FA); Temporary Assistance - Safety Net Assistance (SNA); United States Veterans Disability Pension/Surviving Spouse Pension - Non-Service Connected Disability; Veterans Pension or Survivors Benefit. Apply now.

National Grid Energy Affordability Program - If you’re facing financial pressures that are impacting your ability to pay your energy bill, you may qualify for a monthly bill credit through our Energy Affordability Program (EAP). You may qualify for a discount if you have an active residential account in your name and you currently receive benefits from at least one of the following dated within the last 12 months: Child Health Plus; Federal Lifeline Program; Federal Public Housing Assistance; Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP); Medicaid (Not Medicare); Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); Supplemental Security Income (Social Security not accepted); Temporary Assistance - Family Assistance (FA); Temporary Assistance - Safety Net Assistance (SNA); United States Veterans Disability Pension/Surviving Spouse Pension - Non-Service Connected Disability; Veterans Pension or Survivors Benefit. EAP bill credits will continue for 14 months after your last HEAP payment. Apply now.

United Way Project Warmth Emergency Fuel Fund - As Long Island’s only non-governmental, island-wide emergency fuel fund, Project Warmth is a safety net for financially struggling individuals and families who are unable to pay their heating bill. This program provides a one-time grant for fuel and/or fuel-related electricity. Payments are made directly to oil and utility companies on behalf of eligible residents facing heating emergencies. For the hundreds of families we help each year, assistance with an oil delivery or utility arrears means they have room in their budgets to cover essentials like food or medication.If you or someone you know needs assistance, call United Way’s 2-1-1 Long Island information and referral call center by dialing 2-1-1 (or 1-888-774-7633) Monday-Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm.

Weatherization and Energy Efficient Appliance Programs

CDLI Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) – Administered locally, WAP assists families and individuals by reducing their heating/cooling costs and improving the safety of their homes through energy efficiency measures. An applicant might be automatically eligible for WAP funding if they already qualify for and receive SNAP, SSI, HEAP, etc.

National Grid Home Energy Affordability Team (HEAT) - The Home Energy Affordability Team (HEAT) is National Grid’s income-eligible energy efficiency program. HEAT provides no-cost Home Energy Assessments (both virtually or on-site), Health and Safety Checks, and no-cost energy savings products which may include: Programmable or Nest smart thermostats, Low-flow faucet aerators and showerheads, attic insulation, weather stripping, duct sealing, and air sealing of leaks. Natural gas heating and water heating equipment may sometimes be repaired or replaced at no cost to the customer .

PSEG Home Performance Energy Assessments – Landlord permission required: A free energy efficiency comprehensive home assessment is the first step towards improving a home's efficiency and reducing energy bills. A contractor accredited by the Building Performance Institute (BPI) will test the home for air leakage. They will look for opportunities to improve your home's insulation, heating and cooling system, windows, appliances, and lighting, and then explain what improvements can be made. These PSEG rebates are non-exclusionary and can be bundled with additional state and federal resources when those funds are available.

EmPower+ - Landlord permission required: Low to moderate-income households can receive a no cost comprehensive home energy assessment to pinpoint where energy and dollars are being wasted and receive a customized plan to lower energy usage. No-cost direct install improvements identified during the assessment can be installed by participating program contractors.

●Low-income, single-family households are eligible for FREE no-cost energy efficiency improvements up to $10,000 per project with no out-of-pocket expense for the qualified homeowner.

●Moderate-income single-family households are eligible for FREE no-cost energy efficiency improvements up to $5,000 per project.

PSEG Residential Energy Affordability Partnership Program (REAP) - A free PSEG Long Island program designed to help PSEG customers save energy and lower their energy bills. Eligible participants receive a $50 bill credit and a $30 voucher to the PSEG Long Island Online Marketplace after completion of a REAP Home Energy Survey. Participation includes a Home Energy Survey by a REAP technician and potentially FREE installation of energy saving measures possibly including: air conditioners, air purifiers, dehumidifiers, water heat pipe insulation, smart thermostats, and refrigerators. The REAP Program is now offering, for qualifying customers, potential installation improvements to weatherization items (insulation, air/duct sealing, door sweeps, attic hatch covers, and/or hot water heater blanket wrap), at no cost to you! You are eligible, if you have not had a REAP visit within the last five years and you meet the 2024 income guidelines (80% of State Median Income).

Solar Options

Community Solar Options with PSEG - Renters, co-op/condo owners, business and homeowners all have an equal opportunity to save money without actually having the solar panels located on your roof through community solar. The energy produced by a large solar project is divided among multiple participating customers, saving everyone money. Private solar companies develop and construct community solar projects and then residents can subscribe into a project to receive energy credits, which reduce the cost of their own PSEG Long Island electric bill. You can contact a community solar developer to inquire about participation in a project near you right here in Suffolk County! Explore your options here!

Last updated April 29, 2025