Aid might cut $135 from that sky-high Con Ed bill, but few people are applying

"Only 775 of the nearly 600,000 potentially eligible Con Edison customers have enrolled for the state's expanded energy assistance program since it opened last month, the company said. The Energy Affordability Program helps eligible New Yorkers struggling to afford their utility bills by providing monthly discounts. Discount levels vary by household size and income. In New York City, someone who uses gas heat and whose income is less than 60% of the area median income - $68,050 for a single person and $97,200 for a household of four - would see discounts of more than $135 per month."

"We do believe that once word starts to spread around about it opening up, that more households will enroll," he said. "With regard to the application, I'll be honest, you do need to provide a lot of information and that can be somewhat arduous."

"Utility customers have been dealing with a double-whammy this winter: newly raised Con Edison rates and a weekslong cold stretch that had heaters running overtime. National Grid warned customers of a close to a 10% bump in their bills following January's storm and Arctic temperatures. "We've experienced the coldest start to winter in more than a decade," a recent email from Con Edison read. "Your next energy bill may be more than you're use"

Only 775 of nearly 600,000 potentially eligible Con Edison customers have enrolled in the expanded Energy Affordability Program since the eligibility change last month. The program provides monthly discounts that vary by household size and income; in New York City a gas-heated household under 60% of area median income could receive more than $135 monthly. Eligibility was broadened to include households that meet income thresholds even if they are not enrolled in other assistance programs. A ratepayer advocate said outreach will likely increase enrollment and that the application requires substantial documentation. Customers are also facing higher bills from raised rates and unusually cold weather.

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