Elected Officials join forces to Assist Utility Customers with Energy Assistance Applications at GIAC

In an effort to address the financial challenges faced by low-income individuals and families in meeting their utility expenses, elected officials Senator Lea Webb and Assemblymember Anna Kelles are collaborating with the Greater Ithaca Activities Center (GIAC) to organize an event aimed at offering assistance with energy assistance applications.

The event, scheduled for January 25th from 4-7 pm, will provide eligible residents with the opportunity to explore and apply for various utility bill relief programs.

This initiative is a timely response to the rising concerns over escalating utility bills and aims to bridge the gap between eligible households and the support they need to alleviate their financial strain.


Support Programs and Assistance

The event, organized in collaboration with the Public Utility Law Project of New York (PULP) and other partnering agencies, will have trained advocates on hand to guide participants through the process of checking their utility bills for enrollment in low-income monthly bill discount programs.

Additionally, these advocates will assist residents in applying for the New York State Electric and Gas's (NYSEG) Energy Affordability Program, a program that offers a monthly bill discount and the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), aimed at enhancing home insulation.


Required Documents and Preparation

To ensure a smooth assistance process, attendees are advised to come prepared with essential documents including their utility bills, a valid form of identification, and, if available, a copy of benefits award letters from public assistance programs such as HEAP, SNAP, or SSI.

By bringing these documents, participants will be able to efficiently navigate the application process and seek clarification on any questions they may have regarding these support programs.


Contacting PULP for Additional Support

For individuals who find themselves falling into financial distress or facing overdue utility bills, the Public Utility Law Project (PULP) offers a lifeline with no-cost assistance.

Those in need can reach out to PULP's hotline at 877-669-2572 or send an email to infoutilityprojectorg for further support.


Conclusion

The event organized by Senator Lea Webb and Assemblymember Anna Kelles, in partnership with the Greater Ithaca Activities Center (GIAC) and various agencies, stands as a proactive measure to tackle the financial burden on low-income households.

By providing insights into programs like NYSEG's Energy Affordability Program and HEAP, the workshop aims to empower residents by imparting them with the knowledge and resources necessary to navigate these assistance options effectively.

As utilities bills continue to rise, initiatives like this event play a crucial role in ensuring that those most in need receive the support they deserve.