RG&E gets rich by charging exorbitant rates for basic utilities and sourcing their energy from dirty fossil fuels. Rochester for Energy Democracy (RED) is fighting to replace RG&E with a cooperatively owned public utility that can provide the affordable and clean energy that our community deserves. WE NEED PUBLIC POWER!
Until we win a better utility, we know people will continue to struggle to afford heat and electricity from RG&E. Most news channels are reporting that gas prices are predicted to skyrocket for everyone around the globe for the 2021 - 2022 winter. In the US, heating bills are predicted to increase by $100 - $300 per month because of this. Below are some resources we hope that will help.
HEAP (New York State Program)
- Offers grants to help pay heating bills and improve efficiency of furnace/chimney
- Eligibility based on income, household size, and age of persons in household
- Funds are limited; apply early!
- Apply at Monroe County DSS: 111 Westfall Rd.
- Phone: 585-753-6477
Emergency HEAP Benefit
- Helps pay to avoid an impending shut off
- Eligibility based on income, available resources, and the type of emergency
- Apply at Monroe County DSS: 111 Westfall Rd.
- Phone: 585-753-6477
HEAP Arrears Supplemental Benefit
- Helps pay overdue utility bills up to $10,000
- Eligibility based on income, household size, and other factors
- Opens January 3, 2022
- Apply at Monroe County DSS: 111 Westfall Rd.
- Phone: 585-753-6477
Info on NYS bill forgiveness program
- Automatic for existing debt as of May 1 2022 if enroll in HEAP by 12/2022 (HEAP low income eligibility applies)
RG&E Billing Assistance
- Protection from disconnection and payment plans
- Let them know if your financial situation has changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic
- Let them know if someone in your household uses life-support equipment
- Call 877-266-3492
Child Settlement house
- Helps people apply for HEAP
- May have funds for utility bills
- Call to apply: 585-227-0810
ABC Weatherization Assistance Program
- Upgrades appliances to improve energy efficiency and lower energy bills
- Open to renters and owners
- Eligibility based on income and bill expenses
- To apply, make an appointment at https://www.abcinfo.org/home-weatherization/
Pandemic Affected Response Team at ABC
- Utility assistance up to $300
- Food and rent assistance
- For eligibility, call 585-325-5116 ext 3511
Emergency Services and Family Stabilization Program
- Utility and gas bill assistance
- Resident of zip codes 14611, 14608, 14619
- Call to apply: 585-436-3090
Hope Ministry
- Assists with gas and heat bills
- For income and other eligibility 585-265-6694
EmPower
- NYSERDA Energy Efficiency for income qualified individuals
- Renters or owners
- https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/all-programs/programs/empower-new-york
Heat Smart Monroe
- Educational information on energy efficiency and clean heating and cooling
- Can help navigate the EmPower program.
Public Utility Law Project
- Help avoiding shut offs, filing complaints, navigating program offerings
- Toll Free Hotline (877) 669-2572 or email [email protected]
For other issues / to attempt to resolve an issue:
1) File a complaint with State Regulators (Public Service Commission)
Guidance at this site, Hotline: 1-800-342-3355.
2) Get in touch with WHEC reporter Jennifer Lewke, who's been reporting on problems elevating issues to the RG&E President: [email protected], (585) 546-0736, Facebook, Twitter
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